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John Jarrell @TLScreenwriting #Scriptchat Transcript August 30, 2015
John Jarrell discusses WGA arbitration, writing assignments, pitching and more!
#scriptchat: Connects aspiring and seasoned screenwriters. Follow scriptchat. When: Sundays, 8pm ET #tweetchatshappeningnow
IT’S #SCRIPTCHAT O'CLOCK w @TLScreenwriting (ROMEO MUST DIE, HARD-BOILED II) author of TOUGH LOVE SCREENWRITING talking WGA Arbitration
Hey guys! *waves* #scriptchat- @47young1 Hey! *waves* #scriptchat
Hello All -- John here. #scriptchat
Hey, howdy, hey #scriptchat lovies!- Quick question -- is there any way to add jpegs/images to the posts? #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting Welcome John! Great to have you with us. #scriptchat
- Cheers Chris. #scriptchat
- @JonFour Hey Jon! *waves* #scriptchat
Hello all you happy people. #scriptchat- Thanks John. #scriptchat
- @Al_1701 Hey David! *waves* #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting you might have to add jpegs via Twitter site. #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting Welcome, John! #scriptchat
I just wanted to be clear that this scriptchat is -- http://www.cectheatres.com/assets/rating-nc17.png … #scriptchat- @filmwritr4 Hey, Chris! #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 *waves back* #scriptchat
- So what's tonight's subject? #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting swearing and drinking are highly encouraged here :) #scriptchat
- So tonight we're talking WGA arbitration with @TLScreenwriting... who has questions? #scriptchat
- WGA Arbitration or anything else for that matter... #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting How does WGA arbitration work on rewrites? #scriptchat
- @Al_1701 WGA arbitration but @TBScreenwriting knows a lot about a lot, so fire away #scriptchat
- Chris -- be more specific... #scriptchat
@TLScreenwriting Full Frontal #scriptchat
Who's throwing out the first pitch tonight. I say go @SarahAlexis4 #scriptchat
#scriptchat @steele_bob Hello. Hello all!- #scriptchat @filmwritr4 good to see you!
- @TLScreenwriting How does WGA arbitration work on rewrites if someone other than yourself does a polish, etc.? #scriptchat
Few minutes late, but I'm here #scriptchat- @sarah -- Good quesiton -- #scriptchat
- Yes -- you want to make sure you keep track of ALL materials you write and submit to the company/producer/studio #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting Like, how does the arbitration work if someone else rewrites your work but makes substantial changes? #scriptchat
- @blueneumann Hey Chris! *waves* #scriptchat
- @47young1 Great to see you too Jen! :) #scriptchat
- FYI @TLScreenwriting has a great FB group https://www.facebook.com/groups/toughlovescreenwriting/ … #scriptchat
- We've had many an Arbitration hinge on being able to prove that material was submitted -- or not submitted. #scriptchat
- Chris - Arbitration is exactly that process. The Guild takes ALL the material from ALL the participating writers and vets it #scriptchat
- then submits what's been approved to your Arbitration committee #scriptchat
- It's based on these materials that the committee decides who deserves screen credit... or not. #scriptchat
#scriptchat I like what you said about consultants @TLScreenwriting- By the way -- shameless plug here -- my book has a crazy 40 page chapter on Arb which is the best out there as far as I know... #scriptchat
- #scriptchat in that youtube video :)
- @TLScreenwriting Thanks John! #scriptchat
- Thanks Anthony. Glad people are seeing that. #scriptchat
Hi @TLScreenwriting - Are there any "best practices" that can reduce the chances a writer goes to arbitration in the 1st place? #scriptchat- Dante -- Not really. The "best practice" is being the only writer. LOL. Not likely these days #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting How common is arbitration? #scriptchat
- Extremely common these days. #scriptchat
- #scriptchat oh I saw it. Best youtube vid out there. I'm getting my feedback from contests. @TLScreenwriting
- I have @TLScreenwriting's book. Lots of fabulous swearing in it #pimpapproved http://toughlovescreenwriting.com/ #scriptchat
- Sarah -- My chapter Green Envelopes in TOugh Love Screenwriting will tell you all you need to know :) #scriptchat
- The more writers involved in a project, the more likely it'll go to Arb... these days, that's pretty much most of the time. #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @TLScreenwriting Why is arbitration so much more common now?
- Yes, the WGA will notify you of the Tentative Credit and then everything follows from there... #scriptchat
- If you were a participating writer, the WGA will contact you. That's when the real fun begins. lol #scriptchat
- Will be watching and observing. Great advice from @TLScreenwriting #scriptchat
- Jenzy -- It's more common because everyone wants the back end money from their deals! #scriptchat
- That's really what Arb decides -- who gets credit, and who gets their production bonus... residuals, etc. #scriptchat
- We can be talking MILLIONS of dollars here. #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting any advice on keeping your sanity during arbitration process? #scriptchat
- No -- I'm insane myself. Don't feel qualified to discuss staying sane ;) #scriptchat
- On a superhero movie a couple years back, the first writer lost the Arbitration -- wiping out something like $5 million to $10 #scriptchat
- in bonus/residuals. You can bet people are going to fight hard to win an arbitration! #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @TLScreenwriting As a certified insane person myself, how do you protect yourself? I would probably start cussing.
- @sarah -- Your Arbitration Committee reads EVERYTHING submitted and make the determination acording to the SCM. #scriptchat
- Screen Credits Manual. You can grab one free at http://wga.org #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting Ouch. What did they do to lose that badly? #scriptchat
- Believe me -- they get DEEP into the shit. It's like screenwriting forensic work. No stone left unturned. #scriptchat
- David -- It's not about losing badly. It's just about losing. #scriptchat
- Sorry. I touched something by mistake. #scriptchat
- #scriptchat. What do you think about pitch fests? @TLScreenwriting
- so you have to read all versions and determine what was in final draft and decide who deserves what? Isn't there an app for that #scriptchat
- if you don't meet the required contribution -- 33% or 50% depending on the case -- you don't get credit. Simple as that. #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @TLScreenwriting Oh my gosh.
- I HATE pitch fests -- and so do all the producers I know. They're b.s. IMHO. #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting So it's literally an all or nothing deal? Makes working alone sound like the best action. #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @TLScreenwriting So you walk in as a loser? Accept it?
- @Al_1701 that's what she said... #scriptchat
- @Andy -- If only there were an app! lol #scriptchat
- @jenzy -- Walk in as a loser? Don't understand... #scriptchat
- David -- Not all or nothing... many, many times writers share credit. Not a bad way to go - ANYTHING that gets your name on it! #scriptchat
@writeranthonydp @TLScreenwriting I might be asking a stupid question here (probably am), but what's a pitch fest? #scriptchat- @TLScreenwriting How is it determined what % of material belongs to the original writer (in disputes on rewrites by others)? #scriptchat
- @sofie -- I'll let the others answer that. LOL #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @TLScreenwriting I was referring to your statement as to just how bad you will lose.
- @TLScreenwriting I designed an app with a friend. I'd sell it but we're in arbitration. #scriptchat
- I've been told by several heavyweight producers that they're not fans of pitch fests and don't pay any attention to them -- nor #scriptchat
- ...do the execs who go to "listen". This is covered pretty extensively in my book. #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting What's your view on contests? #scriptchat
- @sarah -- EXCELLENT QUESTION. you MUST work for a WGA Signatory Company if you want protection. #scriptchat
- Not Signatory -- the WGA can't do anything to protect your work. Have a good friend going through this right now. #scriptchat
- @itsjustsofie it's an event where about 100 execs are in a room and screenwriters pay for the op to individually pitch them #scriptchat
Q: Do need representation when going into arbitration? Or is everyone on their own? #scriptchat- @chris -- No -- representation has nothing to do with it. #scriptchat
- @jeannevb Oh okay thanks! #scriptchat
- Everybody's on their own -- your Mommy can't help you. it's big boy time :) #scriptchat
Breaking in here - @TLScreenwriting Do you still have the '66 bug? #scriptchat- @IAmWindar Hey! *waves* #scriptchat
- @windar -- Yes, I do! She's out in the garage -- just washed her! #scriptchat
@filmwritr4 Thank you. Can't actually stay. Wanted to recommend © screenplays in addition to WGA registration. #scriptchat- #scriptchat @TLScreenwriting Or big girl time...
#scriptchat Drop'n Monday @JeffreyAReddick #horrormovie writer/exec producer! EP 67 #ScreenwritersRantRoom @HilliardGuess @LisaBolekaja- @DavidLNewhoff It’s okay. Thanks. Would love to see your recommendations. #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting I think that is awesome on so many levels. TY #scriptchat
- @byChrisPhillips Hey Chris! *waves* #scriptchat
- Yes. LOL. Big girls, too! #scriptchat
- Again -- want to stress this -- insist your contracts are with WGA signatory companies -- EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT WGA YET. #scriptchat
- So, you definitely want to be a part of WGA if you're going to write. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 Only to learn about protections of © for screenplays, which are considerably stronger than registration alone. #scriptchat
- David -- you join the guild as your career moves along. Not the priority at first. Writing and selling stuff is :) #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @TLScreenwriting What would you say about a script you decide is better as a book regarding arbitration?
- @filmwritr4 Too long for twitter, though. #scriptchat
- #scriptchat dang I tagged the wrong person
- @David -- You don't need a US Copyright for a screenplay. Don't know a single produced writers who does that. #scriptchat
- @jenzy -- Books have to get produced as films to get into Arbitration. #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting So is the wga the best and/or only copyright you should need? #scriptchat
- @simone257 Hey! *waves* #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 Many script writers skip it. Thought I'd throw it out there. #scriptchat
- Nobody is going to "steal" your script -- just register it with WGA and you'll be fine. #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting Yeah, I'm not too worried about the stealing stuff. Kinda like "know the rules" thing #scriptchat
- How often do you need to re register if you make changes #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @TLScreenwriting I've edited many cult horror books. I've never dealt with anyone but the author. So much more to think about.
- I'm not too worried about that either. Only the 'execution' of an idea can be ripped off, not the idea itself. #scriptchat
- You don't need to -- as long as the jist is the same. Once you're done with a draft you're going to show around, sure, reg it #scriptchat
- a second time. Don't get hung up on this guys. WRITING is what's important. #scriptchat
- RT @TLScreenwriting: @windar -- It's simple -- register your stuff online at http://WGA.org . Simple is awesome! #scriptchat
- #scriptchat I have 2 scripts registered with the wga that el never see the light of day..but one I will rewrite
- @writeranthonydp Hey Anthony! *waves* Welcome! #scriptchat
- Trust me -- it's much cheaper to BUY something from an unknown than to go through the trouble of "stealing" it LOL #scriptchat
- #scriptchat typing on a phone is a pain in the ass by the way
- @TLScreenwriting Chicken or egg question - Story or Character? #scriptchat
- Story for Features. Characters for TV #scriptchat
hey Chris @filmwritr4 whats new? #scriptchat- @filmwritr4 Have a great chat! #scriptchat
- Cheers David! #scriptchat
- @tjbalfe Hey TJ! Not a lot. Been working on another script idea. *waves* #scriptchat
- @DavidLNewhoff Thanks David! #scriptchat
- thanks for your valued advice tonight John @TLScreenwriting #scriptchat
- #scriptchat And before we search for managers, how many screenplays should we have done. @tlscree
- Cheers Tom! #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting As a writer, would you prefer doing TV or movies? #scriptchat
- Sarah -- I saved Romeo. Was brought in with four weeks until shooting started. Cracked it by the grace of God... #scriptchat
- Stepping out of lurker mode to point out for any Canadians here, we have a Canadian alternative for registration: wgc.ca. #scriptchat
- ... I wrote my draft in two. That's what got it greenlit. #scriptchat
- Sorry if that's been covered already... I can only catch up infrequently right now. #scriptchat
- @Jonathan -- respectfully, there is no substitute for WGA reg. Do them both if anything. #scriptchat
- RT @writeranthonydp: #scriptchat And before we search for managers, how many screenplays should we have done. @TLScreenwriting
- @Anthony -- Not about quantity -- it's having the right ONE. #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting were there others you worked on without credit? Did it get to you if you did/didn't get it? #scriptchat
- As a writer you just work with what the project allows and go from there. I was very fortunate to have an idea that worked... #scriptchat
- CRAZY PRESSURE though. Brutal, really. #scriptchat
- @windar -- Sure, that happens a lot. Most famous would be Live Free, Die Hard. #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting Love the Die Hard(s) except maybe for 2. But still good. #scriptchat
- #scriptchat lot of conflicting Info out there of course. Like some that say you should have 4 done or 3 in the same genre @TLScreenwriting
- Also wanted to announce on Script Chat tonight that my NEW L.A. CLASS begins 9/27 for 12 weeks. #scriptchat
- Email me through the website -- http://toughlovescreenwriting.com #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @TLScreenwriting Short & sweet & to the punch.I'm tutoring 4 the ACT test (high school)& they get thirty min 4 a masterpiece.
- Anthony -- I don't care what's "out there", I'm telling you, brother -- ONE GREAT ONE is all you need. #scriptchat
- Of course, that ain't so easy LOL #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting Any plans on maybe doing an online class? #scriptchat
- Bottom line -- if you're a new writer, you have to have something an agent or manager can SELL. #scriptchat
- That's just the truth of it. Today's business isn't about nurturing writers like they may have 20 years ago. #scriptchat
- #scriptchat I hear ya. A lot of FALSE information out there. @TLScreenwriting
- #scriptchat @TLScreenwriting I'm learning things about the art of brevity due to teaching the ACT. Quality counts. Period.
- If anyone's going to be at Story Expo Sept. 11-13 come say hi. I'll be at the bar. #scriptchat
- @sarah -- All that fun stuff is in the book. Grab it. You'lll laugh your ass off. Fun/sick read. #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting Do you feel that writers who want to break in to the industry have a better chance in TV than in movies? #scriptchat
- Book link -- http://ow.ly/RyULA #scriptchat
- Jeanne -- I like to recommend Part 3 -- it's the most twisted ;) #scriptchat
- This is the one -- https://youtu.be/VQIdvnUhj8o Ashley did a GREAT job! #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @TLScreenwriting Twisted is good.
- You'll notice that I priced it really low to help out aspiring writers. And I feel pretty good about that, damnit! LOL #scriptchat
- #scriptchat John how about 2 great ones? @TLScreenwriting
- @TLScreenwriting What makes one better than the other (besides being bigger)? I always thought "registration is registration". #scriptchat
- Jonathan -- the WGA is like the NFL. It's the biggest/strongest in the world. if you want to play in the CFL, fine. LOL #scriptchat
- I LOVED working with Jeffrey at Dreamworks. My favorite job ever. #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @TLScreenwriting Thanks for thinking of your fellow humans! That's great. Fabulous.
- Unfortunately, just as we were getting ready to go into production, we found out Fox had a competing project that was... #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting I'm going to buy your book too, paperback though, I don't own a Kindle #scriptchat
- Somewhat similar It was a little movie called "Ice Age" they beat us by 30 days. The other way around, I would have been rich! #scriptchat
- Cool Tom. I like the paperback myself. Feels good in your hands. #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @TLScreenwriting No Kindles!!!!!
- Cheers Chris. Believe me, you'll love the read! #scriptchat
- it's tough to beat a good paperback #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting :) Thanks John! #scriptchat
- @tjbalfe At least there's no glare from a hardcover book. #scriptchat
- "Hard-Boiled II" was also a heartbreak... if Chow had simply signed his pay-or-play the movie would have been made :( #scriptchat
- Few more min left with @TLScreenwriting. You're doing great, John! #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting I've noted you are pretty colorful with your words (as am I) do you feel writers can go over do it at times? #scriptchat
- Writers can overdo EVERYTHING, all the time! LOL #scriptchat
- well with Kindle, I'm not anti-technology, but my 8 year old would break it plus a paperback seems more real to me, more "there" #scriptchat
- Feel free to join the group page -- https://www.facebook.com/groups/toughlovescreenwriting/ … #scriptchat
- I post scripts and other fun stuff there. #scriptchat
- @sarah -- it's pretty much like any other type of homework. you just... do your homework ;) Come up with your best take... #scriptchat
- BIG THING, THOUGH -- make sure you're really, REALLY prepared when pitching. No substitute for preparation! #scriptchat
- Guys - don't think for a second you're going to get "lucky" on a pitch - it's like being on the witness stand in front of the... #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @TLScreenwriting Sounds daunting!
- meanest jury alive. LOL. They will GRILL YOU on story points, if you don't know them, you're cooked. #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @TLScreenwriting @filmwritr4 You know how I feel when you remind me I could be your mother!
- Or put another way, YOU need to know the holes in your pitch better than anyone... and have the answers to get by them. #scriptchat
- #scriptchat I've pitched unprepared. Never again!
- This is serious shit, guys. There are a lot of produced, hardcore writers out there struggling. As I like to say.. #scriptchat
- "They ain't givin' that money away." You'll fight to the death for it, God Knows. #scriptchat
- Post crash, there's not much room for fakers anymore. You're expected to come up with a hundred times the info you used to... #scriptchat
- #scriptchat or being on the stand in paths of glory
- Bottom line -- you gotta blow folks' doors off. Plain and simple. "Okay" ain't gonna cut it. #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @TLScreenwriting I couldn't agree more. It's everywhere, as well!
- @TLScreenwriting Do you write w/ audience in mind? gotta give'em something meaty every few mins or so? #scriptchat
- REMEMBER -- No contracts that are not WGA Signatory. Save yourselves a HUGE headache later down the road. #scriptchat
- @windar -- Not really. I write with myself in mind, in the sense of "what would *I* like to see? What would get ME pumped... #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @TLScreenwriting What do you expect? Length of pitch, etc.
- We've all seen a million movies. What is going to make yours fresh and different. That's what I think about. #scriptchat
LEGALLY SPEAKING, IT DEPENDS: Negotiation by @chrisschiller @scriptmag http://bit.ly/negotiat #scriptchat- @TLScreenwriting "No contracts that are not WGA Signatory" - Even if it means possibly NOT getting a sale? #scriptchat
- It won't mean a "sale" -- it will mean an "option". God Forbid that movie gets made and you have no protection... #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting Thanks so much for the amazing advice and insight you've given us here John! Will definitely be buying the book #scriptchat
- ..the producers can do ANYTHING they want when it comes to your credit -- and bonus. #scriptchat
- Going through that with a friend right now. #scriptchat
- hi Chris were you AFK? @blueneumann #scriptchat
- The WGA protects ALL writers -- NOT JUST MEMBERS. #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting Got it! Thank you sir for taking the time and "enlightening" us #scriptchat
- Without the Guild, we'd all be getting buggered 1000 times more than we already are! lol #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @TLScreenwriting Thank you so much. Getting the book tonight. Thanks for your candor. Rare these days.It is much appreciated.
- @TLScreenwriting you survived! Thanks so much for spreading the Tough Love tonight. #scriptchat
- so much useful information from John Jarrell @TLScreenwriting tonight, thanks John! #scriptchat
- Super fun! Went by in a flash! #scriptchat
- too fast! #scriptchat
- Don't forget to #FF @TLScreenwriting and check out his no-nonsense book http://toughlovescreenwriting.com/ #scriptchat
- #scriptchat a Thank you to our wonderful script chat team. Fastest hour of the week!
- New L.A. classes 9/27. Grab the book -- it's one helluva lot of fun! #scriptchat
- Night everybody. #scriptchat
- Cheers all! Really enjoyed it! #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting Toug Love Screenwriting - http://toughlovescreenwriting.com/ Will be picking it up this thursday. #scriptchat
- Next week there's no chat bc of Labor Day. Enjoy the long weekend & get your asses writing. #scriptchat
- @TLScreenwriting Any plans on maybe doing an online class? #scriptchat
- @windar -- More profanity than allowed by law! LOL #scriptchat
- No online for me -- love being in the room. That's where the magic happens -- just like when you pitch :) #scriptchat
- Sept 13th #scriptchat - @Storygeeks, author of Anatomy of a Premise Line: How to Master Premise & Story Development for Writing Success
- Grabbing transcript now... stay tuned. #scriptchat
- John Jarrell @TLScreenwriting 42s42 seconds ago
*** NEW L.A. CLASS BEGINS 9/27. ONLY TEN SPOTS. RUNS SUNDAYS FOR 12 WEEKS. EMAIL ME for a spot *** @ScriptReaderPro @ashleymeyers @jeannevb
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