tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706282221761427996.post2847518659769957898..comments2024-03-07T20:15:45.996-08:00Comments on The Bitter Script Reader: The Black List partners with TNT and TBS to help diverse writers break into TVThe Bitter Script Readerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575166527272639709noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706282221761427996.post-63812510674901121442014-02-04T16:57:21.606-08:002014-02-04T16:57:21.606-08:00Erita, I think you got the agreements mix-up. The...Erita, I think you got the agreements mix-up. The Submission Agreement, (the opt-in) is non-exclusive and states this clearly. The Blind Agreement (once you have been selected) is the first-look. The submission period referred to in the Blind Agreement is in regard to the submission of no less than three potential projects by the winner. It very clearly states on the first page that this particular clause will not take effect unless the writer has been selected for participation in the blind deal.<br /><br />So no one wanting to opt-in should be concerned with violating any agreements if the script is in consideration or contests elsewhere. If and when you are chosen as a winner, then you cannot submit to anyone other than Turner.<br /><br />This is how I read the agreements, hopefully Bitter or Franklin can correct me if I'm wrong.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706282221761427996.post-86333461717795821852014-02-04T15:52:57.032-08:002014-02-04T15:52:57.032-08:00Beat me to it. I just saw his post. Thanks, Frankl...Beat me to it. I just saw his post. Thanks, Franklin!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04174847140177291091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706282221761427996.post-7812804512086042312014-02-04T14:00:09.111-08:002014-02-04T14:00:09.111-08:00Got a statement from Franklin Leonard. Have to add...Got a statement from Franklin Leonard. Have to add it here via phone for now, but will update the post tonight.<br /><br /><br />"To avoid this very issue, the Black List provides users with opportunity to withdraw their submission by opting out of the program at any time prior to the submission deadline. Once a user has opted-out of the program, that user is no longer eligible for consideration for the Blind Deal."The Bitter Script Readerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16575166527272639709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706282221761427996.post-54940720215023737702014-02-04T10:52:37.233-08:002014-02-04T10:52:37.233-08:00I see one BIG downside to the legal release. The l...I see one BIG downside to the legal release. The legal release signs you into an aggressive first look deal with TBS and TNT from the beginning of the SUBMISSION term (ie. now) through three months after the submission window ends, whether they choose you as a winner or not. So--just by opting in, you're agreeing NOT to enter any other contests or studio fellowships with ANY of your scripts (many of which would disqualify you if you were in a first-look agreement anyway; they want you available)...and taking yourself off the market for all of STAFFING season. <br /><br />That's fine--if you win the blind script deal. If not, though, you just put all your hopes on one fellowship and missed a number of other opportunities. <br /><br />Let's say that you didn't see that clause (as many people will probably sign it without reading the release)...and you keep submitting elsewhere. And let's assume you get lucky and get an option or a sale (again, a big if, but still) and you want to drop out of the TBS competition. There's a clause for that too. You can't withdraw your submission. Now, you just violated a first-look agreement and TBS and TNT can now sue you and hinder the progress of your project. <br /><br />If only that clause began the date of winner selection, that would be better. I think a lot of talented writers aren't going to opt in once they see that they can't submit ANYTHING in the same genre elsewhere while the competition is running. <br /><br />New writers should be trying every opportunity possible, not hanging all their hopes on just one. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04174847140177291091noreply@blogger.com