Actually the filmmaking world isn't much different than any other business world. As a Chef
you do everything with a contract. If you were approached by someone who wanted to work
with you without one, you would have second thoughts.

Same with filmmaking.

Well, you know, I am desapointed. Truly am. For more reasons than one. I am Armenian and these two filmakers are also Armenian. They have had me on a string for 4 to 5 months and now... nothing.
I see on their website that they have 3 projects suddenly going on. This will be the third time that Film makers approach us and "play" with us... And yes, that is the business world but has never been mine.
I am, now, the one that wants to make this Movie! You might laugh as you might think as thousands probably think that "this Movie" would be a World Wide success... Well, at 60 we are living the story, my dog and I... and I have no doubt that it would actually be a success appealing to young, middle age, teenagers, old... dog lovers, motorcycle riders, families...
I am now wondering what happens to the synopsis? It has their name on it but I help write it! Any synopsis that "I" write is going to sound just like it... The bottom line is that it is our story... no one can use it without permission... a "contract"... ah! That contract...
Just venting... Wish I had the right connections... or maybe we might just go to "Rodeo Drive" and sit there... till we meet someone that will do us right!!! (funny...)
Be well...
Ara & Spirit

"If you were Homeless you would be Home now"... we are always Home.

So I received a I would say strange e mail, as the Movie is based on a Blog and there seem to be a difference in Copyrights between a Blog and a Book? I would assume that they are really the same...

As I quote"

"I have been told that internet and book are two separate entities regarding copyright. I thought that a blog would be the same, but there are differences. Basically, the internet is relatively new regarding copyright and film related issues. With a book, it comes from an agent and a publisher and the rights are optioned on it. I don't think that workflow is set up for internet based documents. A book cannot be copied with subtle changes and made into a movie, otherwise law suites would follow. You know, I shouldn't really get involved in this, as I may be completely wrong, and I don't want you to think i am saying one thing and then it changes the next day. Basically, I have been told by a few people within the film industry that copyright regarding internet based content is a bit more complicated. But I am pretty sure your blog is detailed enough for you to be protected. Especially as we are writing the script using direct story and information from your blog. At the end of the day, lets just wait for the contract to come from the agent."

Any opinions?

The saga continues!!!

Thanks... and be well.
Ara & Spirit

"If you were Homeless you would be Home now"... we are always Home.

These guys are jerking you around.

Could be for lack of experience. Could be because they're trying to pull
something over on you. It could simply be that both of you are enthusiastic
about the project and aren't handling the business end properly in your
zeal to get going.

Copyright law is quite clear. Protecting that right isn't. One thing he's right
about in the e-mail - he shouldn't get involved in this because he might be
completely wrong. You aren?t talking about suing people. You aren't talking
about internet copyright as opposed to publiching copyright. All you want
is an understanding - in writing - between you and them regarding this project.

That?s very simple.

Beemerchef,
Sounds like a great story...a "Travels With Charlie" type of story. If they still don't respond call their bluff and tell them you have another filmmaker who contacted you...and you are considering their offer. They will email/Fed Ex an agreement instantly.

Look forward to seeing this film some day!

p.s. I was represented by William Morris for 2 years without signing a contract. Watch out! Some think the verbal word is gold.

Hi Kess... isn'it strange that WMorris did not have contract with you?
My concern now is the time element that has changed... I will look for another filmaker soon. I have have to read this "letter agreement"...
We are going to Texas soon... once down there I will analyze seriously what is going on...
Be well... Ara & Spirit

"If you were Homeless you would be Home now"... we are always Home.

Some agencies will do that..I was obviously on their "B" list so they figured if I got something to pop then they would benefit. They only sign a certain number of people, but keep others around just in case. It was on the acting side of the agency. I wrangled my way into their lit/filmmaking side of the house, which is where my real passion is at. I can still get their lit/independent people to read my material...and look at my films...which is all I ask for. Now if only I can learn to write some great material before my contacts die of old age. LOL!

That is funny... Kess.
Here is what I received as a draft a couple days ago.

"Dear Ara (that's me!)

This letter confirms the basis upon which you agree to cooperate with us in the development of a Film, currently known as "XXXXXXXXXX", based on your Life story. ("the Film")

You have given us an exclusive insight into your Life experiences on the basis on which we are preparing a draft screenplay for the Film.
In order to produce the Film, we will need to raise Finance and the Financier (s) will expect certain safeguards:

1.- That you will not object being portrayed in the Film.
2.- That you will not cooperate in the production of any competing book or Film project.
3.- That you will provide consultive services to help us make sure that the Fil is authentic.

In exchange, we can confirm that you will be fully consulted in relation to all major creative issues arising in connection with the Film, and, in particular, the portrayal of you personally, the story told and locations selected.

We expect all these issues to be set out in a more detailled agreement, which you will be required to sign, when we have a financier on board. Such an agreement will included a provision for you to be paid fees in exchange for your contribution.

For the time being, however, please could you sign and return to us the attached copy of this letter to confirm that you are committed to working with us on the Film.

Best wishes..."

There are a couple points I feel should be changed.

* One should be to set a time frame for the completion of the initial draft. Lets say one year? And if by the one year passed the initial script is not ready all is void with the freedom to go to another Filmmaker.

* Two, is the question of the book as I would like to condense my Blog into one. It does not have to be a competition to the Movie, would not have his rights sold for the Movie but would be an entity on its own.

* Three is... would this be too early to state, I guess it is, my involvment in the retribution for the future contract such as % of revenues on the Film, Merchandise and whatever. (Worldwide).

Any thoughts is as always greatly appreciated...

Be well... Ara & Spirit

"If you were Homeless you would be Home now"... we are always Home.

This is the reason I believe you always need a written agreement. It's not about the
legal aspects or getting sued or screwed - it's about reaching an understanding.

I agree a time frame is essential. They are taking out an "option" on your story while
they develop a script. You should set a time frame for each step.
A book and a movie WOULD compete. If you don't agree with item 2 then you need
to ask for a wording change. This might be a deal breaker. But you can ask.
Their item 3 is poorly written. Are they saying you will be "required" to sign any
agreement the propose in the future? That's illegal.

Now that you have seen how they compose an agreement My advice it to rewrite it
with YOU concerns and submit it to them. There may be some back and forth, but i
n the end both parties will understand what the other wants and expects from this
partnership.

=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)