Should I be getting paid to write? HELP!!!?

Question

I recently pitched a script to a manager/producer. He was not very interested in what I brought him but he did give me an assignment to write a feature length comedy script. I have since done so and we are in the final stages of polishing it up. I haven't received any payment and in fact have not even discussed it with him at length. He says that I'll get paid when it sells. Now he wants me to start work on another feature length comedy script and I need to know if I should be getting paid to do this work. He has a lot of contacts and is well positioned to sell this thing. Should I be getting paid to write at this point or should I keep soldiering on, poor and unpaid in the hopes that one of these scripts will sell? Also, if I should be getting paid, what should I be asking for? Thanks for all your help

Answer 1

You need to get paid before you move on to the next script.

Never do spec work in scripts

Answer 2

You my friend, have got to protect yourself. I would guess that you should copyright all of your material.

When you give him something, to prove it is yours. Mail it to yourself in a sealed envelope. SIgned receipt. Mail one to him the day after, now you have proof that you sent it to yourself first.

I would think that you should get an agent to represent you, as for what you can charge, I have no idea, but an agent should.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

Make sure you get paid on your finished project before moving on to the next one... I agree, copyright your stuff and definitely get an agent...

Answer 4

you should negotiate an advance, and the idea of sending yourself a copy of the script is a good one.

Answer 5

nah