What is the typical turnaround time for a WGA screenplay? Is it all negotiable or is it written in stone?
A: Typically, it’s 12 weeks, and it’s sort of mostly not written in stone.
The MBA doesn’t contain a specific provision for a minimum amount of time a screenwriter has to complete a first draft. All the MBA says is that if you take the amount of money you’re getting paid for that draft and you divide by the amount of weeks that the employer has requested you work, the quotient must be equal to or greater than the minimum compensation for a week’s work.
Generally speaking, though, it’s up to you to negotiate how much time you have to write your first draft. Every contract I’ve ever signed afforded me 12 weeks to write a first draft, and that seems to be the contractual norm.
It’s not the actual norm, though. In actuality, companies always seem to want scripts now now now. As such, from the very beginning of my career, I’ve always tried to deliver first drafts within 8 weeks. This seems to strike a good balance between my need to spend proper time writing something worthwhile…and their need to get the script now now now.
As such, if you’re working on your own, try and see if you can’t get a first draft done in 8 to 12 weeks, because it’s a rare professional circumstance that will grant you more time than that.
Does that 8-12 weeks include the treatment/outline, or any back and forth regarding “story”? Or is it pure go off and come back with a completed screenplay?
Thanks.
Miles:
Therein lies the rub. The 12 week period is typically supposed to be for the screenplay and the screenplay only, but abuses occur on a regular basis. So do mutually consentual adjustments and so forth.
I’ve always taken about 6 weeks for a first draft, but this bit of news has me totally procrastinating now… I have at least another two weeks! Thanks a lot! :-) But seriously, great to know what’s expected.
Thanks for the reply. So when you say you can finish a draft in 8 weeks, is that from scratch, or are you working off an outline?
Hey Craig,
I’m giving it a go — 82 pages at this very moment on my current supernatural thriller spec. I did the outline and started the script 23 days ago. More than ever, I understand the beauty of a quality outline.
~ Joey
Joey:
Good on you. In fact, that reminds me…I haven’t written a big huge essay on the importance of outlines and treatments yet, have I?
Why, no, Craig. You haven’t. I recommend outlining your essay as soon as possible!
~ Joey
Thanks for a great site.
Can you tell me or guide me to where I can find the WGA minimums and percentages for screenplay sales.
Thanks
T
Thomas:
You’re welcome!
If you go to wga.org and then writer’s resources, select Contracts & Compensation.
Look for the Schedule of Minimums.