Is this script agencies commissions too high in the contract they sent me?

[jasonnicholson]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? I'm in the state of Texas and I just received a contract from a script agency that I had a couple of discrepancies with but first and foremost is there commission statement. I am coming out with a book series that will follow my movie so I do not want a script agency to also have rights on what I might need a book agent to do. This is what it says...

6) COMMISSIONS: If during the period of this agreement the
agency brings you an off that you accept in writing and the sale
is actually closed, you will pay the agency a commission equal to
10% of all proceeds received from United States sales and 20%
received throughout the rest of the world. In addition, the agency
will receive the same percentages of all proceeds obtained from
any subsequent sale of rights that derives from the initial sale of
the Property. This includes, but is not limited to: periodicals,
serializations, condensations, translations, anthologies, electronic
reproductions, radio, dramatic, motion picture, television, audio
and video recordings, paperback, commercial and merchandising.

Does this look right to anybody out there? For a GOOD movie script??

 

[Zigner]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? I'm in the state of Texas and I just received a contract from a script agency that I had a couple of discrepancies with but first and foremost is there commission statement. I am coming out with a book series that will follow my movie so I do not want a script agency to also have rights on what I might need a book agent to do. This is what it says...

6) COMMISSIONS: If during the period of this agreement the
agency brings you an off that you accept in writing and the sale
is actually closed, you will pay the agency a commission equal to
10% of all proceeds received from United States sales and 20%
received throughout the rest of the world. In addition, the agency
will receive the same percentages of all proceeds obtained from
any subsequent sale of rights that derives from the initial sale of
the Property. This includes, but is not limited to: periodicals,
serializations, condensations, translations, anthologies, electronic
reproductions, radio, dramatic, motion picture, television, audio
and video recordings, paperback, commercial and merchandising.

Does this look right to anybody out there? For a GOOD movie script??

If you don't understand this, you should run this by a local attorney. If you don't agree with this, then don't sign.

 

[jasonnicholson]

I'm sorry let me rephrase my question, does this look like the standard commissions from a script agency for basically a good screenplay or even just a decent one?

 

[Zigner]

I'm sorry let me rephrase my question, does this look like the standard commissions from a script agency for basically a good screenplay or even just a decent one?

Why do you think there's a "standard?"

I'll rephrase my answer. Speak to a local IP attorney.

 

[jasonnicholson]

I say standard because they are also charging me a fee close to $500 for them to represent me, I've seen some websites saying to be weary if there is any additional charges other than their percentage fee and I've seen some that say SOMETIMES its ok. Standard meaning how often is the additional representation fee included with a screenplay contract and their 10% fee I would owe them for my commissions? And with them getting 10% of all sales with periodicals,serializations, condensations, translations, anthologies, electronic reproductions...Is this often included in screenplay contracts?

 

[Zigner]

I say standard because they are also charging me a fee close to $500 for them to represent me, I've seen some websites saying to be weary if there is any additional charges other than their percentage fee and I've seen some that say SOMETIMES its ok. Standard meaning how often is the additional representation fee included with a screenplay contract and their 10% fee I would owe them for my commissions? And with them getting 10% of all sales with periodicals,serializations, condensations, translations, anthologies, electronic reproductions...Is this often included in screenplay contracts?

I'll try one more time. Your contract will include what you agree to. If you don't agree to it, then it won't be in your contract. This may mean, of course, that you don't sign any sort of contract with this particular company.

Beyond that, contact an IP attorney (IP=intellectual property)

 

[jasonnicholson]

Alright cool, but if there is anybody else with an opinion or idea about how I should go about this with a knowledge base then please feel free to REPLY!! I'de love to hear more opinions and legal knowledge on it...

 

[eerelations]

This is as far as we're able to go. You want farther, you really need to consult with an attorney. (And if you're unwilling to pay an attorney, you really shouldn't be signing contracts, you're not ready for that.)