johnaugust.com » The big Fox deal

Several A-list screenwriters have made a big and potentially lucrative deal with Fox. In exchange for first-look rights to their next original screenplays the studio is offering a reduced upfront payment against their full quote plus first-dollar gross participation. Additionally, the writers will also be producers who will get a stake in creative decisions such as cast and director.

At first glance, this is a sweetheart deal. Congratulations!

But I question why the studio is expanding the writer's participation in the filmmaking process after so many years of nearly shutting them out. I think it's because they will use this and similar deals as a way to get out of being held to the MBA in current and future negotiations with the WGA.

Despite my misgivings, congratulations, again! Slainte!

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