Say goodbye to new TV...

[Clodfobble]

Originally Posted by Radar

If the writers are paid for writing a script, that should be the end of the money they get.

And sometimes it does work out that way. But those types of writers make a lot more for their one-time work than a typical writing contract that includes residuals. Residuals in fact ensure that a producer doesn't have to pay the writer as much if the show flops.

Some book authors sell their works outright to the publishing company as well. But most publishers prefer a residuals scheme in case the book turns out to be a failure. It's the same situation, because most shows have to have several episodes created before any producer or network picks them up. Producers are not hiring laborers, they are purchasing a product from the writers, and they know exactly what they are buying beforehand.

[Radar]

Originally Posted by Clodfobble

And sometimes it does work out that way. But those types of writers make a lot more for their one-time work than a typical writing contract that includes residuals. Residuals in fact ensure that a producer doesn't have to pay the writer as much if the show flops.

Some book authors sell their works outright to the publishing company as well. But most publishers prefer a residuals scheme in case the book turns out to be a failure. It's the same situation, because most shows have to have several episodes created before any producer or network picks them up. Producers are not hiring laborers, they are purchasing a product from the writers, and they know exactly what they are buying beforehand.

Any number of contracts can be written up, but does it make sense for someone to make a stupid deal like that? Obviously not. Writers are paid VERY WELL for their work before a single copy of their work is sold either to television studios to advertise over, or to book publishing companies. In many cases they are paid up front before they write a single word.

The studios are gambling on the talent of the writers and paying them handsomely up front. They aren't making residual deals in case the show is a flop. Every single producer in Hollywood would jump at the chance to pay the writer once up front and never give them a cut of residual income.