Advice

Dave Hackel's producing credits include such long-running hits as Paramount's comedy series 'Wings' and 'Dear John.' Hackel's first writing assignment for a series came in 1978 for the 'Barney Miller' spinoff, 'Fish,' starring Abe Vigoda. While writing episodes for several series, including one-hour dramas and variety shows, Hackel honed his expertise for comedy. Hackel was named producer of Paramount's 'Dear John' for that series' first season in 1988. From there, Hackel worked as a writer/producer on the hit Paramount series 'Wings' for a total of 122 episodes, ultimately becoming the show's executive producer during the 1993-94 season. Since 'Wings,' Hackel...

I am interested in writing a sequel to someone else's movie. I was wondering, do I need permission from the original filmmakers, or can I just write the screenplay and market it as one of my own spec scripts? Margaret C., Far Hills, NJ Dina Appleton & Daniel Yankelevits respond: Great Question. Here's the answer -- you are free to go ahead and write the screenplay -- but purely as a showcase of your work. Any potential buyer of the screenplay would be precluded from exploiting it in any commercial way without separately securing the underlying rights. Sometimes (though it's...

Question: Can you tell me what the process is once I've submitted my screenplay to a production company? Where does it go once it's been delivered? Who reads it first, who next, and what exactly happens to my script next? Leticia R., Toronto, Ont. Larry Brody Responds: When you send in a screenplay all by your lonesome, without an agent, the odds are it gets tossed out, or you get a letter saying the company can't consider your submission without a release. If this happens to you, request a copy of their release form and sign it. The release will...

Question from Chris Van: I write to you from Johannesburg, South Africa. I have finally completed my screenplay after a six-year haul. Thanks to Writers Store I have used many of your publications on my path to success. I have a powerful email logline and message which I would like to send to agents etc. Please, can you advise whether you have a book of names and addresses of agents etc., so that I can email my message to them. Is this the method that you recommend? The movie is called William and is about the amazing life story of...

Dollars and Sense ~~ Monica P. asks: What does it mean to be offered $XX 'against' $YYY, for your screenplay? For example, does one price 'against' another mean that the writer is paid $XX now, with an additional $YYY later if the film is actually produced? Or does it mean that you'll either be paid one or the other amount? What does it mean 'an initial 12-month option agreement against a potential $100,000 purchase price.' Can you please explain just what 'against' means there? ~~ Skip Press responds: I suggest you study the Writers Guild 'Schedule of Minimums' (www.wga.org) if...