The Screenwriter's Legal Guide

by Stephen F. Breimer

This authoritative guide will help both fledgling and established writers to negotiate the best deal, protect their work, and get fair compensation for it. One of the most powerful entertainment lawyers in Hollywood provides easy-to-understand, expert advice on all the legal issues involved in the business of screenwriting. He gives an enlightening explanation of the screenwriter's position in the industry and then provides a thorough discussion of contracts, options, and working with agents and lawyers. This book shows screenwriters what to give up as a lost cause and what to hold out for.



• Includes current Writer's Guild minimums and recent legal development

• "A book that should be in every screenwriter's library."--Syd Field, author of Selling a Screenplay

• This replaces 1-58115-021-0

336 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2004

Reviews

[Phil Saroyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful guide for would-be screenwriters, and, perhaps professional writers who want some extra reference material. It does fall off and err on the side of a communications piece a lot, however, this is a highly relevant book with some useful examples and application to the Hollywood machine. There may be some instances of insider word play and nifty cop-outs to make the chapter, but is quickly redeemed with necessary material and explanation of the system and how it works. Definitely will recommend it to anyone who is seeking to make their first couple sales to a studio, or is in need of a concrete legal guide to get an idea of where to start.

[John Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many insights into the industry. Well worth reading. Answered nearly all of my questions.