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Screenwriter Agreement

For a producer or studio hiring a writer to write or rewrite a screenplay — covers steps (treatment, drafts, revisions, polish), payment schedule, credit, and sequel/remake rights.

Drafted by a Harvard Law entertainment attorney.

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Is this the right contract for your project?

This contract is built for hiring a writer to create or revise a script. It fits work that needs a set fee tied to drafts, defined revisions, clear credit, and clear ownership of the written work.

Good fit for

  • Producers or studios hiring a screenwriter
  • Production companies commissioning a script or rewrite
  • Showrunners bringing a writer onto a project
  • Writers setting their fee, drafts, and credit
  • Projects that need clear ownership of the script

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Before you start

It helps to have these details on hand before you create your contract:

  • The writer's name and the assignment
  • The drafts and revisions to deliver
  • The fee and how it is tied to drafts
  • Delivery deadlines and notes timing
  • How the writer will be credited
  • Who owns the script and any reused ideas
  • Any underlying material the script is based on

What's Inside This Contract

Engagement and writing services

Sets the assignment and the drafts the writer will deliver.

Compensation

Covers the fee, how it is tied to drafts, and payment timing.

Ownership and credit

States who owns the script as work made for hire and how the writer is credited.

Representations and warranties

Confirms each side has the right to enter the deal and meet its promises.

Term and termination

Covers deadlines, how the deal can end, and any reversion or guild terms.

Disputes and general provisions

Covers standard terms such as notices, how disputes are handled, and signatures.

Points Worth Negotiating

  • The fee and how it is tied to drafts
  • How many drafts and revisions are included
  • How the writer is credited
  • Who owns the script and any reused ideas
  • Deadlines for delivery and notes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a screenwriter agreement?
It hires a writer to create or revise a script. It sets the fee, drafts, credit, and who owns the written work.
What does work made for hire mean here?
The company paying owns the script from the start, rather than the writer. Most film writing deals use this approach.
How many drafts are included?
The number is negotiated. Deals set a number of drafts and revisions tied to payment milestones, with extra work paid separately.
Who owns the finished script?
The company that hired the writer owns it under a work made for hire deal. The writer still receives credit, which the agreement sets out clearly.
What should I have ready before creating it?
Have the assignment, the drafts and revisions, the fee tied to drafts, delivery deadlines, how the writer is credited, and who owns the script.
Should I choose the custom contract or the editable template?
Choose the custom contract to answer a few questions and have it filled in for you. Choose the editable template if you prefer a blank version with labeled fields to complete yourself.
What are common warning signs in a screenwriter agreement?

These are common issues to watch for in any screenwriter agreement:

  • Unlimited revisions for one flat fee
  • Unclear ownership of the script
  • No credit terms
  • Vague delivery deadlines
  • No payment schedule tied to drafts
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