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How to Work With Producers as a Writer

If a producer hires you to write a script, he is essentially conceding the fact that you are better and he cannot do it himself. Despite this, producers will tend to to suggest many changes to a script, some of which are good and some of which are insanely terrible. As a writer, figuring out how to deal with producers in situations like this can go a long way towards making or breaking you in the industry. This tutorial will instruct writers how to deal with producers while maintaining integrity.

Instructions

    • 1

      Understand that negative things may be said about the script, but they are said to help better the film.

    • 2

      Do not take anything personally. Many clashes occur because comments about scripts are taken too personally.

    • 3

      Show confidence when you need to. If you strongly oppose a suggested change, explain (in detail) why it is there, belongs there, and needs to stay.

    • 4

      Avoid being overconfident. Producers may not be writers but they are not idiots. They ARE right some of the time.

    • 5

      Stay on a producer's good side by incorporating, and being enthusiastic about, some changes she suggests. This goes a long way to developing trust and keeping a relationship strong.

    • 6

      Recognize the give and take nature of your positions. Producers need a script to be a certain way to attract investors and actors. They are not out to change things for the sake of change. Be fair and cooperative, but defensive when you need to be.

    • 7

      Give respect to get respect.

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Screen Writing

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