Re: right to exhibit

The kinds of issues you raise are, unfortunately, not uncommon and are the reason why it is critical to have agreements in place before you start. The problems you are having can not really be addressed in a bulletin board like this, but there are a couple of points that might be helpful.

The credit issue is really a copyright ownership issue. If you truly wrote the screenplay by yourself, then you own the copyright and would need to convey it to the production company. That appears to be what your EP is really saying--he wants to own the script, and rightly so if he intends to exhibit the movie. But generally, payment and credit is involved when a writer transfers rights.

If he is threatening your life, and you take those threats seriously, you should contact the proper authorities. Signing a contract under a physical threat of violence amounts to duress and could void the agreement.

It is not clear why he believes you should not be paid for your contribution, or that you should settle for a percentage of the profits when others are paid wages.

I would suggest you consult a competent attorney to advise you further.

Re: right to exhibit

The kinds of issues you raise are, unfortunately, not uncommon and are the reason why it is critical to have agreements in place before you start. The problems you are having can not really be addressed in a bulletin board like this, but there are a couple of points that might be helpful.

The credit issue is really a copyright ownership issue. If you truly wrote the screenplay by yourself, then you own the copyright and would need to convey it to the production company. That appears to be what your EP is really saying--he wants to own the script, and rightly so if he intends to exhibit the movie. But generally, payment and credit is involved when a writer transfers rights.

It is not clear why he believes you should not be paid for your contribution, or that you should settle for a percentage of the profits when others are paid wages.

If he is threatening your life, and you take those threats seriously, you should contact the proper authorities. Signing a contract under a physical threat of violence amounts to duress and could void the agreement.

I would suggest you consult a competent attorney to advise you further.

Re: right to exhibit

You need an attorney. Contact my office if you wish to discuss.

Best,

Daniel Bakondi, Esq.

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