The Screenwriter's Legal Guide [Paperback]

Stephen Breimer (Author)

Book Description

Series: Screenwriter's Legal Guide | Publication Date: April 1, 1999

This authoritative guide will help both fledgling and established writers to negotiate the best deal, protect their work, and get fair compensation for it. One of the most powerful entertainment lawyers in Hollywood provides clear, expert advice on all the legal issues- involved in the business of screenwriting. He gives an enlightening explanation of the screenwriter's position in the industry and then provides a thorough discussion of contracts, options, and purchase agreements, writing assignments, copyright, collaboration agreements, the producer's role, and working with agents and lawyers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"As hard as it is to write a good screenplay, it's still only half the game. What's in this book is the other half- and to ignore it is to risk being eaten alive." A Tedious Read? Nope! - 9 Stars! (Jeff Arch, Screenwriter)

"The Screenwriter's Legal Guide" is chock-full of example documents that you may encounter in your screenwriting career. In "Protecting Your Money" there is a sample escrow agreement. In "Commissioned Screenplays" you get a certificate of authorship agreement. In "Agreements: Other Provisions to Watch Out For" are typical representations and warranties provision as well as article 28 of the WGA. Whenever the author discusses a type of agreement, sample of that agreement is provided. Overall - 9 Stars! "The Screenwriter's Legal Guide" covers just about everything you'll ever encounter in this business as a screenwriter. You'll be able to protect yourself on the legal side of this business with this handy, informative guide. Read this book, so you can protect yourself as a writer. -- Done Deal Screenwriters' Bookshelf

As hard as it is to write a good screenplay, it's still only half the game. What's in this book is the other half and to ignore it is to risk being eaten alive. Steve Breimer is the exception to every lawyer joke I've ever heard, and you'd be crazy not to soak up everything he has to offer in these pages. Unless you want to see your ship finally come in and then sail away without you, you should march to the counter right now, take this Legal Guide home, and start reading! -- Jeff Arch, screenwriter, Sleepless in Seattle, Iron Will, and Sealed with a Kiss

Navigating shark-infested waters in a litigious world where fortunes change hands based on legal mistakes, this extraordinary handbook is a guide for anyone in or contemplating entering the entertainment business. It's a must for those wishing to avoid or minimize problems before they impact, a primer in basic deal flow and structure from a man with decades of experience at the highest levels of the business. -- Peter J., management consultant, Media, Entertainment, Technology and Telecommunications

Short of having a brilliant idea for a movie, this is one of the best resources for the aspiring as well as the professional screenwriter. -- Michael Peretizian , Vice President, William Morris Agency, Inc.

The Screenwriter's Legal Guide demystifies screenwriting contracts. An unsurpassed and imperative reference for screenwriters , their attorneys, agents, and managers! -- Marc H., entertainment attorney

About the Author

Stephen F. Breimer is a partner of Bloom, Hergott Diemer and Klein, in Beverly Hills, California, one of the most prestigious entertainment law firms in Los Angeles. He has worked as a film producer, writer, and story editor, and has worked on numerous TV movies including Friendly Fire and First, You Cry.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Allworth Press; 2nd edition (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581150210
• ISBN-13: 978-1581150216
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,431,483 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a fantastic resource for any screenwriter., August 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Screenwriter's Legal Guide (Paperback)

How do you know if you're getting a fair deal? How do you protect your original creation? And what does it mean when they tell you you're going to get a share of "Net Profits?" This is an invaluable resource for screenwriters. Stephen Breimer is an entertainment lawyer who really knows his stuff. It's great that he took the time to make this information available (for a lot less money than he'd charge for an hour of his time!). Screenwriters, don't be taken! Check it out (or better, buy it!).

2.0 out of 5 stars NEVER AGAIN FROM THIS COMANY...., November 28, 2011

By 

dadknowsall - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Screenwriter's Legal Guide (Paperback)

First and only time I would order from this company. Even though transactions was within time frame for receiving an order, all of the "right side" pages of the book have the last line cut off, either completely missing or half or more of it missing. Looks like the company has this book in a PDF file format and sent it to a press to print/bind the book themselves. Will never do this one again...

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book!, June 19, 2008

By 

NikiiBabie (All over the world!) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Screenwriter's Legal Guide (Paperback)

Great book detailing the ins and outs of entertainment scriptwriting contracts and negotiations. Recommend this highly!