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Writer Agreement (Work-for-Hire)

Hire a writer and generate a ready-to-review agreement.

Who It's For

  • Producers and companies hiring a writer to create or rewrite a script.
  • Screenwriters taking on paid writing assignments.
  • Anyone commissioning original writing they need to own.

What It's For

  • Engages a writer to deliver a script, treatment, or rewrite.
  • Transfers full ownership of the writing to the company (work-for-hire).
  • Sets the fee, payment schedule, deadlines, and credit.

Parties

The Services

Delivery

Compensation

Rights & Credit

Governing Law

The jurisdiction whose laws govern this agreement — usually where your company is formed (e.g., California, New York, Delaware). Not where you film.

WRITER AGREEMENT (WORK MADE FOR HIRE)

This Writer Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of [effective date] by and between [company name], located at [company address] ("Company"), and [writer name], located at [writer address] ("Writer").

1. ENGAGEMENT & SERVICES. Company engages Writer to render writing services in connection with the Original Screenplay tentatively titled "[project title]" (the "Work"). Writer's services are described as: [services description].

2. DELIVERY SCHEDULE. Writer shall render and deliver the Work in accordance with the following schedule: First Draft within [X] weeks; one set of revisions within [Y] weeks of Company's notes; one polish..

3. COMPENSATION. As full consideration for Writer's services and all rights granted, Company shall pay Writer [total fee], payable as follows: 50% upon commencement of services; 50% upon delivery of the First Draft..

4. OWNERSHIP. The Work is specially commissioned by Company as a "work made for hire" within the meaning of the U.S. Copyright Act. Company shall be deemed the sole author and owner of all right, title, and interest in and to the Work, including all copyright, throughout the universe in perpetuity. To the extent the Work is not deemed a work made for hire, Writer hereby irrevocably assigns all such rights to Company.

5. CREDIT. Subject to Writer's completion of the services, Company shall accord Writer the following credit: Screenplay by [writer].

6. WARRANTIES. Writer warrants that the Work is original to Writer (except for any material supplied by Company), does not infringe upon the rights of any third party, and that Writer has the full right and authority to enter into this Agreement.

7. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. Nothing in this Agreement creates a partnership or joint venture between the parties.

8. ASSIGNMENT. Company may freely assign this Agreement to a production entity, financier, or distributor.

9. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior understandings.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

COMPANY: ____________________________ [company name]

WRITER: ______________________________ [writer name]

TEMPLATE ONLY — NOT LEGAL ADVICE. Consult a qualified entertainment attorney before executing this or any agreement.

Filmmaker Genius — Document Library. Template only; not legal advice.