How much does it cost to option a script?

A screenplay option is typically negotiated at around 10% of the purchase price. According to WGA conventions, the purchase price is around 3-5% of the total production budget. However I’ve heard of screenplay options being negotiated for as little as $500 and as high as $50000.

How much is an option for a movie?

The option price depends on the material being optioned and the writer. Author notoriety, the popularity of the work, a producer’s desire for the project—these can drive up the price. While everything is negotiable, an option can range from $500–$500,000.

How much do studios pay for scripts?

In the 2017-2018 period, WGA spec script sales ranged from $72,600 to $136,000. The average? Around $110,000. There are different WGA minimums for everything, from a 15-minute episode of television, to selling a movie script, to a big budget feature film.

What happens when you option a screenplay?

When you option a script, a book, or some other piece of material, you’re making a deal that says basically: I’ll pay you X amount of dollars right now. In return, you promise that for a certain period of time (called the “option period”), you won’t sell this (script/book/whatever) to anyone else.

How long does it take to option a script?

Generally, you’ll be looking at anywhere from 6 months to 18 months, with 12 months as the average for most screenplay options.

What is WGA minimum on screenplay?

Low budget minimums are $50,039 for Original Screenplays and $40,722 for Non-Original Screenplays. Calibrate accordingly if the project is Non-Original.

What is the average price paid for a movie script?

One of the most common types of screenplays you’ll write as a freelance screenwriter is the feature screenplay for a usually 90 to 120 minute feature film. For these, it’s standard to charge between $1,000 – $15,000, with the most common price coming to around $3,000 to $5,000.

How Much Does Disney pay for a script?

Walt Disney Company a Script Writer Monthly Pay The estimated base pay is $66,278 per month.

How long does a film option last?

Film options are exclusive, usually for an initial period of 12–18 months. After the expiration date, the producer no longer has an exclusive right to buy the screenplay, and the writer can option it to a different producer.

How long is a script for a 2 hour movie?

The general rule of thumb is that a screenplay written in the proper format is equivalent to one page per minute of screen time. Therefore, a screenplay for a two-hour movie will be 120 pages (2 hrs = 120 mins = 120 pages).

Should I register my script with WGA East or West?

We Recommend: Writers Guild of America West ($20) The simplest, most legitimate way to protect your script is by registering it with the WGA.