Copy of the Film
Credited writers are guaranteed a copy of the film. While the WGA site uses the word videocassette, it’s more than likely that it will be a DVD or Blu-ray.
Copy of the Shooting Script
Credited writers are guaranteed a copy of the shooting script.
Credit Rights
The company is required to abide by the Guild’s determination of writing credits in accordance with the provisions of the credits schedules of the MBA. These provisions detail how the credit will appear on screen, during the sequence of credits, as well as the appearance in ads, publicity, etc.
If for whatever reason you choose to use a “reasonable” pseudonym, you have that right if the request is made within five business days after credits have been finalized. One stipulation in the MBA does state that this only applies if you were paid less than $200,000 for writing services on the movie.
Negotiations
All of these rights represent the minimum of what is offered by the provisions in the MBA. You, the screenwriter, can negotiate with whatever company you are dealing with in order to receive more rights, more compensation, and more detailed assurances that the MBA brings up in its preferences.
What we’ve covered here is just a broad stroke peek into what rights you have as a screenwriter. Click here to read all of the details and more finer points. MM
This article originally appeared on the blog ScreenCraft. ScreenCraft is dedicated to helping screenwriters and filmmakers succeed through educational events, screenwriting competitions and the annual ScreenCraft Screenwriting Fellowship program, connecting screenwriters with agents, managers and Hollywood producers. Follow ScreenCraft on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
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