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Screenwriting Collaboration Agreement

For two writers developing a screenplay together and sharing ownership, decisions, credit, and proceeds.

Hiring a writer rather than writing as co-owners? See the Screenwriter Agreement.

Drafted by a Harvard Law attorney.

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Writing together or hiring a writer?

Use this for two adult collaborators sharing a screenplay. A producer hiring a writer should use the Screenwriter Agreement instead. More than two writers or rights in an existing book, life story, or other property require additional arrangements.

Good fit for

  • Two writers creating an original screenplay
  • Collaborators agreeing unequal or equal ownership shares
  • Writers setting who can pitch and approve a deal

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What's Inside This Contract

Project responsibilities

Records the writing schedule, contributions, approval of drafts, and proposed credit subject to applicable guild rules.

Ownership and exploitation

Establishes shared copyright, preserves underlying rights, and requires both writers to approve a sale, option, or license.

Costs and proceeds

Recoups approved advances from project receipts, then splits the balance by ownership with quarterly statements.

Withdrawal

Ends future services without forfeiting ownership, permits no unilateral sale, and requires agreement for a buyout or continuation with new material.

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Before you start

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

  • Project title and format
  • Each writer's duties and deadlines
  • Ownership percentages totaling 100%
  • Underlying material and permission limits
  • Proposed credit, pitching permissions and approved costs

Points Worth Negotiating

  • Creative responsibilities and approval
  • Ownership and income percentages
  • How drafts can be pitched
  • Expense approval and cost recovery
  • What happens if one writer stops contributing

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a work-made-for-hire agreement?
No. The two writers share ownership of new project material in their stated percentages. A hired writer's services require a different arrangement.
Can one writer sell or option the screenplay?
Not alone. Both writers must approve and sign. Permission to pitch does not authorize accepting a deal or transferring rights.
Does leaving the project erase a writer's ownership?
No. Withdrawal ends future services, not the writer's ownership or accrued income. A buyout or continuation with new creative material requires a signed agreement.
Does this clear rights to adapt a book or guarantee WGA credit?
No. Underlying rights need sufficient separate permission, and applicable guild credit and payment rules prevail.
What are common warning signs in a screenwriting collaboration agreement?

These are common issues to watch for in any screenwriting collaboration agreement:

  • One writer can sell the whole screenplay alone
  • Ownership is confused with a guild credit determination
  • Underlying material is assumed cleared
  • Leaving is assumed to forfeit all rights

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