I was just wondering what is the best way to go about pitching a tv(reality) or movie idea without getting the idea stolen and getting no credit/money for it. I tryed looking up something on the internet where I could submit ideas but was displeased with the result, one you had to pay 30$ a month and they would submit ideas to companies for you (called the writersvault or something like that) and i saw another that you "could win $50,000" if they picked yours. Which really could be a rip off in my opinion if the show/movie is a big success. IF I subitted ideas via email directly to companies could they take my idea and use it without my permission? Do I need some sort of copywrite. What would be the best thing to do. Thanks alot
Chris
All companies that take money from you are a scam. All of them.
Once they have your money in hand there is no incentive for them to work to get your idea or script out there.
There is only one, legit way to pitch a series without getting it stolen: go through a legit, WGA signatory agent.
And that's the hard part, isn't it?
But it's the only foolproof method.
Companies won't accept ideas via mail - snail or E - for the same reason you are cautious: they could get sued if a writer thinks they stole his idea.
You cannot copyright an idea - only a finished script.
I suggest you write out the entire concept - make it very clear and very marketable and then start approaching agents.
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
thanks alot...
one other thing how much would agents charge
I'm a college student and strapped for money..
will they do it for a percentage if it all works out?
and any ideas where to look for a good agent?
Agents do not charge. Anyone that asks you for money up front is scamming you.
An agent works on a percentage only. Which is why it?s so hard to get one. They put in a LOT of work to make that first sale without getting paid so they want to insure that their client has the chops to get that first sale - and then keep selling.
Which is why an agent is going to want to see several writing samples. Three to five, good, marketable, properly formatted scripts at the very least.
I understand being strapped for money - I remember those days very well - so I empathize. But you?re going to have to spend some money to further your career - it?s inevitable.
Check out the Hollywood Representation Directory ?url? http://www.hcdonline.com/?/url? It's not cheap - but will help your career much better than a month of pizza and movies.
Check out the Writers Guild ?url? http://www.wga.org/?/url?. Click on "Tools" for a list of legit agents and other useful info.
=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
