Option and purchase of screenplay or book rights
An agreement giving a producer the exclusive right to develop a screenplay or book, with a purchase price if made.
What is included
- Reviews or drafts production, distribution and talent agreements
- Negotiates options and purchases of screen rights to scripts and books
- Organizes chain of title and rights clearances
- Reviews errors and omissions insurance requirements
- Advises on co-production and production services structures
What is not included
- Registration and filing fees and other disbursements
- Talent management, booking or agent services
- Lawsuits, arbitrations or appeals not covered by the lawyer's written retainer
- Tax or accounting advice
Who this service is for
- Independent producers and production companies
- Writers and authors selling screen rights
- Actors, directors and crew
Information to have ready
- 1Script, treatment or book details
- 2Existing rights and option agreements
- 3Budget and financing outline
- 4Drafts or term sheets from the other side
How a referral works
- 1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
- 2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
- 3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
- 4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.
NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm, not a law firm. Every step of a referral, and your rights
Frequently asked questions
What does the lawyer charge?
A typical Ontario fee for this service is $1,500–$5,000, plus HST. The lawyer quotes the actual fee before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.
What is chain of title?
The documents that show a producer owns or has licensed all the rights needed to make and distribute a production. Distributors and insurers usually ask for it.
What is an option agreement?
It gives a producer the exclusive right, for a set time, to buy the screen rights to a script or book, usually on terms agreed in advance.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
- No outcome can be guaranteed
- The other side may not agree to proposed changes
- The lawyer confirms the scope, fee and steps in a written retainer before starting
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