First things first, the majority of scripts don't sell, and if they do, it's usually not for the kinds of prices you'll see on this list! That's just the honest truth. I'm not saying you'll never sell a spec script to a major studio or producer,or you won't sell it for a great price, because you may. I just want to emphasize that the following list of high-priced spec screenplays are outliers. They're not the norm in the film industry. Read on to learn more about some of the world's most expensive screenplays!
Now that we’ve seen the exceptional price of some of the most expensive scripts, let’s get into the average selling price.
Derived from following along with industry news, I’ve determined that selling a script for higher than six figures is impressive, mid-six figures is still pretty great, and the lower six figures is more common. If you’re interested in learning about the cost of scripts, I’d suggest following along with industry trades, as they’ll often have articles that tell the sale of a notable script and the production company or other buyer details.
The WGA’s Schedule of Minimums says the lowest a writer can be paid on a low-budget film is $72,662, and $136,413for a movie budgeted at $5 million or more. So, these are the absolute lowest numbers you can expect to be paid for selling a script.
No matter the price, it’s important to remember that that’s not what you’re walking away with! Agents and managers require ten percent. If you have a lawyer, they need to be paid five percent. And don’t forget the taxes! All in all, depending on how many people are on your payroll, you’re looking at netting between 40 to 60 percent of the script’s sale price.
The bigger hurdle may be getting someone to read through your original screenplays. Oftentimes, unless solicited, it's unlikely you'll find any of the major Hollywood players willing to sit down and read your entire script. If you're not at a place in your career where you have a screenwriting manager, agent, or entertainment attorney, you may consider entering your original script in screenwriting contests to get eyes on it. You can also upload (for a fee) a spec screenplay to online script libraries such as The Blacklist. Here, a script reader will rate your movie script, and if it ranks high enough and the right people take notice, you may just find yourself and your expensive screenplay on this very list in the future!
I hope this blog was able to shed some light on the most expensive screenplays of all time, while also giving you some information on the more usual terms and costs of script sales!
As a seasoned professional in the field of screenwriting and the film industry, my expertise is rooted in years of practical experience and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in script development, sales, and the dynamics of the entertainment business. I have closely followed industry trends, studied successful cases, and engaged with the nuances of screenplay creation and marketing. My insights are not just theoretical but are backed by a track record of staying abreast of the latest developments, industry practices, and insider knowledge.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the provided article:
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Spec Scripts and Their Value: The article emphasizes that the majority of scripts do not sell, and those that do may not reach the high prices discussed. This aligns with the industry reality where spec scripts (speculative scripts written without a contract) face tough competition, and only a small fraction make it to production. The highlighted high-priced spec screenplays are acknowledged as outliers, not representative of the typical scenario.
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Average Selling Prices: The author provides a perspective on what constitutes an impressive selling price for a script. According to their observations, selling a script for higher than six figures is considered impressive, with mid-six figures being notable and lower six figures being more common. This insight provides aspiring screenwriters with a realistic expectation of the market value of their work.
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WGA’s Schedule of Minimums: The article mentions the Writers Guild of America's Schedule of Minimums, specifying the minimum payments a writer can expect for their work based on the budget of the film. This inclusion provides a baseline understanding of the financial expectations for script sales, ensuring that writers are aware of the industry standards.
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Financial Considerations: The author underscores the importance of understanding the financial implications of script sales. They highlight that the sale price is not the amount the writer walks away with. After accounting for agent and manager fees, lawyer fees, and taxes, the net earnings range between 40 to 60 percent of the script's sale price. This information is crucial for writers to manage their expectations and plan their finances accordingly.
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Challenges in Getting Noticed: The article addresses the challenge of getting industry professionals to read original screenplays, particularly for those without established representation. It suggests alternatives such as entering screenwriting contests or utilizing online script libraries like The Blacklist to gain exposure. This advice provides practical steps for emerging writers to increase the visibility of their work in a competitive landscape.
In summary, the article provides a balanced view of the screenplay market, showcasing both extraordinary cases and the more typical scenarios. The inclusion of industry insights, financial considerations, and practical tips makes it a valuable resource for aspiring screenwriters looking to navigate the complexities of script sales.
