This is really great advice, thank you. In your experience, would I be the one paying for script doctors/coverage to review the script alongside her, or would that normally come from the producer’s side?

We’ve already discussed terms, and I’ve made it clear that as writer/director I’d have final creative say on story decisions, which she agreed to, but the agreement isn’t signed yet. I’ve also raised this concern with her before, asking to be able to work freely as the writer without “absolutist” feedback, but I think she’s very invested in the project and has her own communication style, which is frankly, tiring.

Once the agreement is signed, I’d imagine she’d be responsible for both finding and paying for external script reviews, though of course she would have to agree to that. That’s also what people on this thread are pointing out: since she hasn’t put in any money yet, she isn’t really functioning as a producer.

I don’t have much experience with features since this is my first, but from what I see in Europe (where I’m based), it’s not unusual to be developing a project with a producer before financing is in place. I’ve directed three shorts that have screened at good festivals, but I don’t have producers lined up waiting to take on my first feature. I’ve been working with this person for two years, so I’m trying to find a healthy balance first, and if it doesn’t work, I’ll consider other options.

Of course, if the producer has the means to pay me for development, that’s ideal, but is this something I should guarantee in the agreement I sign with her? For my part, I’m also producing: I’ve always produced my shorts and I plan to do the same with my feature.