S2 E20 – What Writers Need to Know to Avoid Getting Scammed by Hollywood

I was recently contacted by an editor on Facebook Messenger, asking for my feedback on a deal that somebody was trying to make with her client. Apparently they were offering really huge option terms on the gal's novel, like $350,000, which is ridiculous. And then they added, "But everybody has to pay the casting director $3,000." Everybody was being required to pay the casting director for casting. I mean it's just unbelievable how horrible this is. I answered her, "This is a scam. Run run run run, and then report them because this is absolutely a scam." 

But this is not the first time I've been asked about things like this, so I thought I would take a moment to explain how writers can avoid getting scammed by offers like these, and what red flags to look at to know the person isn't legit. If somebody comes to you and claims to be a producer who wants to option your script or your novel, what should you expect? What do these things even mean? What are some of the basic terms and procedures of the entertainment industry that writers should know so that they can avoid getting ripped off? 

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WHAT'S NEXT? Join us next Thursday, when we dive into Part 3: What does your Protagonist Need?

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SPECIAL THANKS to CARLA PATULLO for the original music used in the intro and outro of this podcast. To find out more about this amazing talent, go to  www.carlapatullo.com

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