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:

1. Writer is offered participation first (ROFN)
2. Writer is consulted in good faith
3. 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: ____________________