A Word to the Wise

[mscherer]

I’ve been spending a bunch of time this year sending out queries seeking representation (mainly managers, not agents) and I have received several requests for scripts, but the one which concerns me the most – and may be of interest to you, dear reader – is Gallagher Literary Management run by Rob Gallagher.

I made the mistake of sending them a query before completing my homework on the company. I did receive a request for a script and was asked to send it along in PDF format and with a signed copy of their release document. Okay, not so unusual. Some, not all, folks who request scripts will ask for a ‘signed’ standard release form for their own protection. But when I opened the document imagine my surprise when I read sentences like:

EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO REPRESENT THE PROJECT: I agree that I am sending you this material on an exclusive basis and that while you are considering this material I will not send it to or sign with any other parties or enter into any other agreements with regard to this material without your consent.

And…

DEFINITION OF INVOLVEMENT AND OWNERSHIP: I agree that you shall attach yourself as a Producer to this project in exchange for your valuable time and involvement including development to rewrite and improve the script to make it more marketable and that your rights as an attached Producer and partner with a 10% ownership and partnership in the material will continue for TWO YEARS on this project.

WTF???

I am attaching this agreement for your amusement and perusal. Bottom line: please stay away from Gallagher Literary Management. But please do,

Keep Writing!

Attachments:

[Ben]

There has been a lot of robust discussion concerning Rob Gallagher over at DDP, including some lengthy responses from Rob himself.