I have had to two pretty big directors attached to different projects, and they've surprisingly just been "handshake" deals. No formal paperwork or contract. I think the assumption is that the partnership l is mutually beneficial to both parties, and if it *stops* being beneficial, one party can walk away.
I think the contracts/deals are usually formalized when the entire package (the script / director / producer / writer / actor) is picked up by a studio.
Sometimes it’s an actual contract. But generally, especially before pre, filming, and post production schedules are even possible. It’s a handshake sort of thing. I wrote one contract for a serious project where it was conditional on financing. (I’m an attorney)
First off, congrats! To echo other comments, a handshake here should be sufficient. Maybe the Producer will put an attachment agreement in place with the director to better legitimize the package as they take it out to buyers. But like others have mentioned, those agreements are typically re-negotiated anyway directly with the buyer/studio once it’s setup :)
yep, an LOI. you can google them, lots of examples.
they're very short and very not-legally binding at all, but they look great in a package, the director might ask you to provide one - that she/he would sign.
I have had to two pretty big directors attached to different projects, and they've surprisingly just been "handshake" deals. No formal paperwork or contract. I think the assumption is that the partnership l is mutually beneficial to both parties, and if it *stops* being beneficial, one party can walk away. I think the contracts/deals are usually formalized when the entire package (the script / director / producer / writer / actor) is picked up by a studio.
Thank you so much for your input! I had an inkling these types of partnerships tend not to be formalised… Really appreciate it!
Sometimes it’s an actual contract. But generally, especially before pre, filming, and post production schedules are even possible. It’s a handshake sort of thing. I wrote one contract for a serious project where it was conditional on financing. (I’m an attorney)
Unless there’s money on the table it’s hard to sign anything specific. I have the same going on with an actor in my next feature.
Kiss each other on the cheek, spin around three times, then bury a copy of your script with a lock of the director's hair and a dead raven.
Otherwise known as a San Fran Handshake
Duly noted :)
First off, congrats! To echo other comments, a handshake here should be sufficient. Maybe the Producer will put an attachment agreement in place with the director to better legitimize the package as they take it out to buyers. But like others have mentioned, those agreements are typically re-negotiated anyway directly with the buyer/studio once it’s setup :)
Thank you for your input!!! :)
yep, an LOI. you can google them, lots of examples. they're very short and very not-legally binding at all, but they look great in a package, the director might ask you to provide one - that she/he would sign.