Legal Question in Entertainment Law in California

I am a screenwriter in a strange position. I recently signed to an established manager. I am working on a project dictating an individual's story and must work out an agreement with him. That's normal. My quandary is that my manager wants to structure the contract through his production company. My manager -- who's prime value is his connections with green-lighters, directors, and other big producers -- would be producing. Is this a conflict of interest, or is it accepted practice in the movie industry for managers to produce their writing clients' scripts?

Thank you!!


Asked on 3/20/10, 11:35 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

On the one hand, it's a conflict of interest. Is he going to charge you a management fee for selling your script to himself? And is he going to negotiate with himself over how much you get paid? On the other hand, how many thousand screenwriters would trade places with you? You can always sue the guy later for any actions he takes that disadvantage you because of his conflict of interest, meanwhile your movie gets made.

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Answered on 3/25/10, 11:59 am


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