Amazon Studios Sweetens the Pot for Screenwriters
(Reprinted from the blog at Miller Mosaic LLC)
Although Amazon as Amazon Studios has been in the movie development business since 2010, I only learned about this opportunity recently and I submitted one of my screenplays (DR. SOAPY) after carefully reading the entire legal agreement and having my husband the lawyer also read the agreement.
Less than two months ago when I submitted this screenplay, the submission gave Amazon a FREE 18-month option with the right to buy the script during that period or pay $10,000 for a second 18-month option.
On April 5th I received an email announcing a “new and improved system.” Now Amazon has only a FREE 45-day option with the right to buy the script then or pay $10,000 for an 18-month option after that.
To change from a free 18-month option to a free 45-day option is really generous to screenwriters. Plus many of the other agreement terms are more generous than the “standard” Hollywood screenplay agreement for writers.
In addition, screenwriters now have the option of submitting scripts privately or publicly, while previously the scripts had to be submitted publicly.
On the other hand, even if you submit a screenplay privately, the premise of the screenplay is included in the premise war battles. (People vote between two random premises.)
I just checked the scorecard for the premise war battles for screenplays I submitted this week – rather interesting to compare.
You can look at the information yourself about my three screenplays (and download the screenplays and perhaps add a good review) at:
Military drama MRS. LIEUTENANT
Espionage thriller CIA FALL GUY
There are other opportunities at Amazon Studios, including opportunities for directors and movie fans. Check out Amazon Studios now.
Caution: If you decide you want to submit your screenplays to Amazon Studios, have your own legal counsel review the agreement before signing.
© 2012 Miller Mosaic LLC
Phyllis Zimbler Miller (@ZimblerMiller on Twitter and @ZimblerMiller on Pinterest) has an M.B.A. from The Wharton School and is the co-founder of the WBENC certified online marketing company www.MillerMosaicLLC.com
Phyllis’ newest ebook – HOW TO SUCCEED IN HIGH SCHOOL AND PREP FOR COLLEGE – is now available at Amazon’s Kindle store. (And if you’d like a free review copy, email pzmiller@millermosaicllc.com and specify mobi (Kindle), ePub (Nook) or pdf format.