I could be completely wrong on this but if I was a writer trying to offer you a spec script then I would own all rights to my screenplay. But if I was hired by you as an employee to write a script for your company then you would retain all rights.

ironfist has it right.

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Originally posted by BlazinCEO

I have ideas for my first film, but I am not experienced when it comes to writing scripts. I can write stories, but that's all. I figured I could hire a screenwriter when I was ready. My question is who would own the rights to the screenplay? I give the idea, they write the script. How would I make sure that I was the one who owned the rights?

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If you want to retain the rights to the script, you will write a contract that states that YOU own all rights.

quote:

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Couldn't I just pay the writer once their work was complete instead?

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Yes.

Since you are working without the Writers Guild rules, you can do anything you want. If you want, you could write a contract where the writer has to pay YOU to write the script. I'm not suggestion you do that...

Take a look at contract books by Mark Litwak. Also check out the copyright web site.

Just make sure everything is in writing.

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

Hey mate,

you might wanna try writing your own screenplay first. This is a great progie that I have used to write all my screenplays with only minor issues. Try it:

http://www.geocities.com/realatlast2003/scriptmaker.html