WGA-STYLE TELEVISION LITERARY OPTION, DEVELOPMENT AND PURCHASE AGREEMENT
(WRITER-ENHANCED / INDUSTRY STANDARD INTEGRATED VERSION)
This Agreement is made as of __________ (“Effective Date”) by and between:
Writer: ____________________ (“Writer”)
Address: ____________________
and
Producer / Studio: ____________________ (“Producer”)
1. MATERIAL & OWNERSHIP
Writer is the sole author and copyright holder of the original literary property:
Title: ____________________ (“Property”)
All rights not expressly granted are reserved by Writer.
2. OPTION GRANT (STANDARD INDUSTRY STRUCTURE)
Writer grants Producer an exclusive option to develop and purchase television rights.
Includes:
- Series (episodic / serialized)
- Limited series / mini-series
- Streaming adaptation
- Pilot development rights only
❗No transfer of copyright occurs at option stage.
Option Term
- Initial term: ____ months
- Extension: ____ months (optional, additional fee required)
3. OPTION PAYMENT (STAGE 1)
Option Fee: USD $ __________ (blank)
Payment structure:
- 50% upon execution
- 50% within ____ days
All payments via international wire transfer (SWIFT).
4. DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (WGA-STYLE STRUCTURE)
Producer may request:
- Series Bible
- Outline / Treatment
- Pilot script
- Episode breakdowns
- Rewrites / polishes
Writer shall be considered Lead Writer unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Development Fees
Producer shall pay separately for each writing service:
- Series Bible: USD $ __________
- Pilot Script: USD $ __________
- Episode Script: USD $ __________ per episode
- Rewrite: USD $ __________ per revision
❗No unpaid writing services shall be required.
5. PURCHASE OF RIGHTS (OPTION EXERCISE)
If Producer exercises the option:
Purchase Price: USD $ __________ (blank)
Payment schedule:
- 30% upon option exercise
- 40% upon delivery of final approved pilot script
- 30% upon series greenlight / production start
6. WRITER CREDIT (WGA CORE STANDARD)
Writer shall receive credit consistent with WGA Credit Determination Procedures:
Mandatory credits:
- “Created by [Writer Name]” (if applicable under WGA rules)
- “Written by [Writer Name]”
Credit shall not be:
- Reduced
- Shared unfairly
- Removed without Writer’s consent and applicable guild arbitration
7. WGA SEPARATED RIGHTS (ENHANCED WRITER CONTROL)
Writer retains Separated Rights consistent with WGA principles, including:
- Literary publication rights
- Stage adaptation rights
- Audio / podcast rights
- Non-dramatic publishing rights
- Sequel / spin-off consultation rights
8. WRITER PARTICIPATION (ENHANCED PROFIT SHARE)
🎯 5% Gross Revenue Participation (Key Clause)
Writer shall receive:
- 5% of Gross Receipts derived from the Series
Includes:
- Streaming licensing fees
- International distribution revenue
- Broadcast rights
- Syndication deals
- Format sales
❗Gross means:
before profit participation definitions, overhead, or recoupment.
9. SEQUEL / SERIES CONTROL RIGHTS (VERY STRONG CLAUSE)
Writer retains First Negotiation + Consultation Rights for:
- Season renewals (Season 2+)
- Spin-offs
- Prequels / sequels
- Franchise universe expansion
- Reboots / remakes
- Character-based derivative series
Restrictions:
Producer may not proceed unless:
- Writer is offered participation first (ROFN)
- Writer is consulted in good faith
- Written waiver is obtained if Writer declines participation
10. MERCHANDISING & ANCILLARY RIGHTS
Writer shall receive:
- ____% of gross merchandising revenue
Applies to:
- Toys / collectibles
- Apparel / fashion goods
- Publishing merchandise
- Digital goods / NFTs
- Brand licensing
- Theme park / experiential licensing
Quarterly accounting required.
11. RESIDUAL-LIKE PAYMENTS (INDUSTRY ALIGNMENT)
Although non-union production may differ, Producer agrees to:
- Pay Writer participation consistent with WGA residual principles where applicable
- Streaming reruns and re-distribution triggers additional payments (if negotiated separately)
12. CROSS-BORDER PAYMENT TERMS
All payments in USD via international wire transfer.
Producer bears:
- Bank fees
- Currency conversion fees
- Withholding taxes (if applicable)
Payment is complete only upon cleared funds.
13. CREATIVE CONSULTATION RIGHTS
Writer shall have:
- Script consultation rights
- Pilot review rights
- Character integrity review
- Showrunner consultation (non-binding unless agreed)
14. REVERSION RIGHTS (STRONG WRITER PROTECTION)
If:
- Option expires unexercised OR
- Production does not begin within ____ months after exercise
Then:
- All rights automatically revert to Writer
- Writer retains all payments received
15. TERMINATION (WRITER PROTECTION CLAUSE)
If Producer breaches payment obligations:
- Immediate termination
- Rights revert to Writer
- Payments retained as liquidated damages
16. WARRANTIES
Writer:
- Confirms original authorship
- No infringement
- Authority to enter agreement
Producer:
- Financial capability
- Good faith production intent
17. ARBITRATION / GOVERNING LAW (WGA-LIKE STRUCTURE)
Disputes shall be resolved via:
- Binding arbitration (preferred industry method)
- Jurisdiction: ____________________
18. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement supersedes all prior discussions.
SIGNATURES
Writer: ____________________
Date: ____________________
Producer: ____________________
Date: ____________________
