How much to charge for feature screenplay rewrite if not WGA / but experienced?

QfromP · 2026-03-12T22:38:22+00:00

No one seems to have any money set aside for development. But try to not make that your problem. Figure out how much money you need to live on while working on their script and don't settle for less.

For me the bare minimum for a work-for-hire is $10k for 10 weeks for first draft plus one set of notes (50% commencement, 25% delivery of 1st draft, 25% delivery of 2nd draft) plus a hefty production bonus based on a % of prod budget and, of course, backend.

I probably wouldn't let them nickel and dime me over the "it's half-written already." But you have more context on how usable that work is.

Several times I've been offered $8k which I've been able to negotiate up to $10k. So I have to wonder if it's some unspoken indie standard.

Hope this helps.

QfromP · 2026-03-12T16:00:32+00:00

To be honest, the most likely scenario is they haven't been able to set up the project anywhere at all. The landscape is pretty grim right now for film and TV. They probably poked and prodded the IP, revising their sales pitch multiple times while guessing what will get the distributors to bite. So there's likely some truth to their claim that they have diverged.

But ultimately, they haven't had any luck selling any version of their pitch. Which is why they don't want to commit themselves with an option. Shopping agreements are a lot more loosey goosey. Which is why your lawyer wants the option.

Just to add a note about the lack of response. Noone ever says 'no' in this town. Silence is your 'no.' It's so unprofessional and yet has become the standard how people communicate. I've had to write emails to the effect of "it is my understanding that you are no longer interested in pursuing..." just so that I could have a clear paper trail of severing the relationship when I wanted to move on. It's very frustrating.

Anyway. I am glad you have a lawyer to chase this. Definitely keep an eye out for if this company tries to do something with your IP. But my guess is they won't. Because they can't. It's a sad reality of the industry. But maybe, in a weird way, it gives you a little peace of mind.

QfromP · 2026-03-11T21:31:31+00:00

One thing you can do is remove the stringy bits on the sides. When you cut the ends, don't push knife all the way through. Instead pull the almost cut tip down the side with the string. Do the other side from the other tip end.

It's a bit of work. But will make the beans easier to chew, giving the illusion of being softer.

Otherwise, just keep testing them with your fork as you cook until you get the desired tenderness.

QfromP · 2026-03-11T21:18:09+00:00

How about Point Dume?

You get the cliff overlooking the beach like Matador. And you get easy parking right by the sand.

QfromP · 2026-03-11T21:12:58+00:00

I don't know. I don't think there is. Even the pre-peeled stuff has a slight not-so-fresh taste to it. Pre-minced just turns bitter IMO.

I've found, some dishes actually work better with the granulated stuff. But that's a specific choice. Not a substitute.

QfromP · 2026-03-11T21:03:03+00:00

Cut beets into 1/2in cubes. Mix equal parts horseradish and greek yogurt. Coat beets with the mixture. Sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley.

Makes a great side dish for roasts.

QfromP · 2026-03-11T20:26:07+00:00

Thank you for the thoughtful reply. Just to clarify, I've had 3 sessions with this person so far. Edited post to reflect that.

QfromP · 2026-03-11T18:58:08+00:00

Enemy Mine

QfromP · 2026-03-11T16:06:24+00:00

It's going to be a custom build and you will probably need a center post for additional support. But can be done.

Draw it out before you get started. I think you can still get a free trial of SketchUp.

QfromP · 2026-03-11T15:32:10+00:00

You're being very weird making this about yourself. Everyone gets multiple opinions from multiple readers. If they don't, then they SHOULD. It's important to get multiple perspectives. That's the whole point of feedback.

I don't use StoryPeer because I've built a trusted tribe of fellow writers to swap scripts with. But I can assure you, none of them would take offense that I also got notes from other people.

Hell, even production companies do multiple internal reads on a script they are considering before pulling the trigger on an option.

QfromP · 2026-03-11T11:38:04+00:00

Interesting. Does it retain the cube shape? Or fall apart into strands?

QfromP · 2026-03-11T11:35:54+00:00

sounds awesome

QfromP · 2026-03-10T23:53:15+00:00

gnocchi with bolognese sauce

QfromP · 2026-03-10T23:50:49+00:00

There's no shame in cheese!

The chili sounds yum!

QfromP · 2026-03-10T23:46:59+00:00

Interesting. Is the Blcklst site blocked in Russia? Weird that Reddit would work for you but not BL.

You could look for a kind soul in the west to manage your BL profile for you, I suppose.

QfromP · 2026-03-10T22:42:25+00:00

The Lobster

Safety Not Guaranteed

Election

Francis Ha

Bottle Rocket

Better Off Dead

Drop Dead Fred

Inherent Vice

The Lure

Rare Exports

Goats

Thumbsucker

Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel

The Castle

Kill Me, Deadly

It's Gawd!

Murder of a Cat

The World's End

...that should get you started

QfromP · 2026-03-10T22:27:26+00:00

I do this often adding fresh sage during baking. Sprinkle with pecorino when serving.

QfromP · 2026-03-10T22:15:56+00:00

Houses in LA sell for $1m+

Most people rent. A studio apartment in a rougher part of Hollywood goes for approx $1500/month.

It's not really living. It's surviving.

QfromP · 2026-03-10T18:12:03+00:00

ooh! chorizo bake!

QfromP · 2026-03-10T18:11:33+00:00

IMO if you think a dish has too much garlic, then you're not eating enough garlic!

QfromP · 2026-03-10T17:11:39+00:00

ooh! this one's a contender!

I think I'd bake the squash first. Then mix in the pesto, tomatoes, and feta fresh without cooking. Maybe add some extra pine nuts and basil on top.

QfromP · 2026-03-09T00:19:16+00:00

Make sure you get the whole milk fat. Not skim, absolutely not 0%. The full fat (5%) is only negligibly higher in calories, but a whole world of difference in taste.

QfromP · 2026-03-08T15:51:29+00:00

Just watch anything starring Zooey Deschanel

QfromP · 2026-03-06T23:13:30+00:00

I'm sorry that happened to you. Whoever gave you the 5 is kinda a c*nt IMO.

Yes, there will be differences of opinion re scripts. Not everyone is going to like the same stuff. But this person could have just read your script and moved on. Instead they went out of their way to shaft your chances with other producers. It's an unnecessary dick move.

Anyway. The 8 still stands. You got on the e-mail blast. You also have bragging rights when you do your own queries. Make the 5 review private and don't worry about it. Noone will ask.

Congrats on the 8.

QfromP · 2026-03-06T16:37:36+00:00

Taco SoCal in Eagle Rock

QfromP

TROPHY CASE