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Writers Theatrical Short Form Contract

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TELEVISION SHORT-FORM CONTRACT – WRITERS LENDING AGREEMENT

(FOR MOVIES OF THE WEEK AND MINI-SERIES)

DATE:

1. NAME OF PROJECT: (“PROJECT”)

2. LENGTH OF PROGRAM: MINUTES (OVER BROADCAST PERIODS/NIGHTS)

3. NAME/ADDRESS OF COMPANY:

(“COMPANY”)

4. NAME OF LENDER: (“LENDER”)

FEDERAL ID #

5. NAME OF WRITER: (“WRITER”)

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

6. WRITER’S REPRESENTATIVE:

7. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT:

8. COMPENSATION:

A. GUARANTEED COMPENSATION (SEE 16, BELOW): $

B. CONTINGENT COMPENSATION (SEE 16, BELOW): $

C. PROFIT PARTICIPATION: IF SOLE WRITING CREDIT, % OF (NET/GROSS) PROCEEDS; REDU

9. SPECIFIC MATERIAL UPON WHICH SERVICES ARE TO BE BASED, IF ANY (A COPY WILL BE SENT TO WRITER UNDER SEPARATE COVER):

10. OTHER WRITERS EMPLOYED ON SAME PROJECT OR FROM WHOM MATERIAL HAS BEEN OPTIONED/ACQUIRED, AND DATES OF MATERIAL, IF ANY:

11. COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE AUTHORIZED TO REQUEST REVISIONS:

12. COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE TO WHOM/PLACE WHERE MATERIAL IS TO BE DELIVERED:

13. ANNOTATIONS BE REQUIRED (IF YES, COMPANY’S ANNOTATION GUIDE WILL BE PROVIDED TO WRITER IMMEDIATELY)

14. PRODUCER IS AUTHORIZED BY THE NETWORK/LICENSEE TO REQUEST ADDITIONAL REVISIONS BEFORE SUBMITTING DRAFTS TO THE NETWORK/LICENSEE.

15. PRODUCER IS A SIGNATORY TO THE NETWORK WGA MBA (WHICH REQUIRES THE COMPANY TO NOTIFY THE NETWORK/LICENSEE IN WRITING WHEN WRITER HAS DELIVERED TO THE COMPANY).

16. SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED, INCLUDING NUMBER OF STEPS (e.g., story and first draft, two rewrites and a polish)

[Note: not less than 10% of agreed compensation for the first delivered material is due upon commencement, not less than 30% of agreed compensation is due on delivery of story, not less than 40% of agreed compensation on delivery of first draft teleplay, not less than 90% of WGA minimum shall be paid by delivery of first draft teleplay. The balance is due on delivery of final draft teleplay. In addition, if the writer is employed for story and teleplay, not more than 14 days shall elapse between the first submission of the story and the commencement of the preparation of the teleplay. For teleplay, the applicable time limits for teleplay in Article 13.B.8. shall control.]

A. FOR STEP 1:

WRITING PERIOD: WEEKS

READING PERIOD: WEEKS

PAYMENT DUE: $

B. FOR STEP 2: (IF APPLICABLE)

WRITING PERIOD: WEEKS

READING PERIOD: WEEKS

PAYMENT DUE: $

C. FOR STEP 3 (IF APPLICABLE):

WRITING PERIOD: WEEKS

READING PERIOD: WEEKS

PAYMENT DUE: $

D. FOR STEP 4 (IF APPLICABLE):

WRITING PERIOD: WEEKS

READING PERIOD: WEEKS

PAYMENT DUE: $

E. FOR STEP 5 (IF APPLICABLE):

WRITING PERIOD: WEEKS

READING PERIOD: WEEKS

PAYMENT DUE: $

F. ADDITIONAL STEPS (IF APPLICABLE):

17. COMPANY SHALL PAY THE ABOVE GUARANTEED AMOUNTS DUE IF READING PERIODS PASS AND COMPANY DOES NOT REQUEST SERVICES. THE READING PERIOD FOR A POLISH SHALL NOT IN ANY EVENT EXCEED THIRTY (30) DAYS. IF THERE HAS BEEN NO INTERVENING WRITER(S), HOWEVER, SERVICES SHALL BE DUE, SUBJECT TO WRITER'S PROFESSIONAL AVAILABILITY, FOR A PERIOD NOT TO EXCEED MONTHS.

18. BONUS:

A. For sole writing credit: $

B. For shared writing credit: $

C. For “green light” or engagement of an “element”: $

Bonus may be applied against the bonus in A. or B., above.

19. CREDITS AND SEPARATED RIGHTS:

20. EXISTING CREDIT OBLIGATIONS REGARDING ASSIGNED MATERIAL, IF ANY (SUBJECT TO WGA MBA):

21. VIEWING CUT:

Writer shall be invited to other screenings.

22. PREMIERES:

Company shall provide Writer and one (1) guest with an invitation to the initial celebrity premiere.

23. VIDEOCASSETTE: Per WGA MBA.

24. TRANSPORTATION AND EXPENSES:

more than miles from Writer's principal place of residence, which is

weekly sum of $ ($ per week in a high cost urban area)

25. SEQUELS/REMAKES:

26. THEATRICAL EXHIBITION: 100/50/50 (BUT NOT LESS THAN WGA MINIMUMS):

27. NOTICES:

TO LENDER AND/OR WRITER:

TO COMPANY:

28. MINIMUM BASIC AGREEMENT:

29. GUILD MEMBERSHIP:

30. PLUGOLA AND PAYOLA:

31. RESULTS AND PROCEEDS:

32. WARRANTY AND INDEMNIFICATION:

33. NO INJUNCTIVE RELIEF:

34. PROFIT PARTICIPATION:

35. WRITING TEAMS:

36. AGREEMENT OF THE PARTIES:

LENDER

BY:

COMPANY

BY:

TITLE

CC: WGA CONTRACTS DEPARTMENT

ATTACHMENT 1

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS, IF ANY:

By signing below, Writer acknowledges that Writer has read this agreement and confirms all grants, representations, warranties and agreements made by Lender and agrees to perform the services provided for therein in accordance with the terms and conditions thereof and, if Writer fails to do so, Writer acknowledges that Company shall have the same rights against Writer as Company has against Lender. Writer shall look solely to Lender for any and all compensation hereunder and, if Writer’s employment agreement with Lender becomes ineffective or if Lender ceases to exist, then Writer, at the election of Producer, shall be deemed substituted as a direct party hereto in the place and stead of Lender.

(“Writer”)

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What the Writers Theatrical Short Form Contract Is

The Writers Theatrical Short Form Contract is a concise agreement used to document the relationship between a playwright or writer and a producing entity for a specific theatrical engagement. It typically summarizes grant of rights, payment terms, delivery schedule, credits, and limited warranties in a single page or short multi-page format. Designed for speed and clarity, this short form is used for single productions, readings, workshops, or limited runs where a full-length publishing or assignment agreement is unnecessary. The contract can be executed electronically under federal and state e-signature law.

Why a Short Form Contract Often Makes Sense

A short form reduces negotiation friction, clarifies core rights and payments, and minimizes administrative burden for one-off or limited theatrical engagements while preserving essential legal protections.

Why a Short Form Contract Often Makes Sense

Who Commonly Uses This Short Form

The Writers Theatrical Short Form Contract is used by creators and small to mid‑sized producing entities for straightforward, time-limited projects.

  • Independent playwrights licensing a single production for a defined run and territory.
  • Regional or community theaters hiring work for readings, workshops, or short engagements.
  • Agents or literary managers arranging limited commercial or noncommercial productions.

Typical Signers and Their Roles

Independent Playwright

A writer licensing performance rights for a single production. Responsible for delivering manuscript and approving script changes per contract; often retains copyright unless an express transfer is included.

Producing Company Counsel

A lawyer or authorized representative for a producing organization who reviews terms, confirms authority to bind the company, and ensures the agreement includes needed indemnities, payment mechanisms, and credit language.

Step-by-Step: Filling and Executing the Contract

Follow a consistent order: identify parties, confirm rights and compensation, set dates, then collect signatures and retain executed copies.

  • 01
    Prepare Parties: Enter full legal names and contact information for each party.
  • 02
    Define Rights: Select precise scope, territory, and duration of the license or assignment.
  • 03
    Set Payment: Specify amounts, schedule, and acceptable payment methods.
  • 04
    Execute: Obtain signatures and dates from authorized representatives.

Configuring an Electronic Signing Workflow

Set signer order, authentication level, reminders, and final document distribution before sending to reduce follow-up and errors.

Field Configuration
Signer Order Sequential or parallel routing per production needs
Authentication Email link or SMS code; choose stronger KBA if required
Reminders Automated reminders interval and expiration settings
Final Copy Auto-send completed PDF and certificate to all parties

Typical Document Flow for Execution

From upload to final copy, a clear flow reduces signer friction and preserves an audit trail suitable for enforcement.

  • Upload: Sender uploads the short form and supporting exhibits.
  • Place Fields: Add signature, date, and initial fields as required.
  • Send to Signers: Enter signer emails and set authentication method.
  • Complete: Signers execute and system records audit trail.

Technical Considerations for eSigning and Storage

Confirm the eSignature platform supports your required authentication, audit trail, and file formats before sending.

  • Authentication: Email, SMS code or stronger KBA
  • File Types: PDF, DOCX accepted for templates
  • Integrations: CRM and cloud storage connectors

Core Clauses to Include in a Professional Short Form

Even in a concise contract, specific clauses prevent common disputes. Ensure clarity on rights, payments, delivery, credits, warranties, and termination.

Grant of Rights

Specify exactly which performance rights are being licensed or assigned, including territory, duration, media limitations, and whether transfers or sublicenses are allowed.

Compensation

Detail fixed fees, royalties, payment schedule, and whether expenses or box-office splits apply; include remedies for late payment or returned checks.

Delivery and Approval

Define when the writer must deliver the script, allowable revision rounds, and any approval process for production changes or adaptations.

Credits and Billing

State exact billing credit wording, program placement, and advertising attribution to avoid later disputes over publicity or authorial recognition.

Warranties

Include limited writer warranties about originality and authority to grant rights, plus producer indemnities for unauthorized third-party claims.

Termination

Set causes for termination, notice procedures, and post-termination rights reversion or continuing obligations such as payment of accrued amounts.

Security, Compliance, and Authentication Checklist

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit; AES-256 at rest
Audit Trail: Timestamped events, IP, and signer metadata
Compliance: ESIGN and UETA compliant
HIPAA: BAA required for protected health data
Access Control: Role-based permissions and SSO
Accessibility: WCAG 2.0 Level AA support

Common Preparation Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Leaving the scope of rights ambiguous, which can lead to costly disputes when producers claim broader exploitation rights than intended.
  • Failing to name the correct legal entities or authorized signers, which may render the contract unenforceable or delay payment processing.
  • Omitting explicit crediting language or placement details, resulting in public relations conflicts and claims for corrective action.
  • Not specifying payment triggers and schedules clearly, causing disagreements over when amounts become due and collectible remedies.

Key Legal Risks and Potential Consequences

Unsigned Agreement: Not legally binding
Name Mismatch: Enforceability challenged
No Rights Clause: IP ownership dispute
Late Payments: Interest or collection action
Wrong Jurisdiction: Unintended governing law
Improper Execution: Contract voidable

Typical Deadlines and Time Items to Record

Record critical dates clearly in the short form to avoid disputes: performance dates, delivery dates, payment deadlines, and notice windows.

Execution Date:

Date agreement is signed by all parties

Script Delivery Deadline:

When final script must be delivered to producer

Payment Due Dates:

Exact due dates and payment method for each installment

Rights Reversion Date:

Date when rights revert if production not mounted

Dispute Notice Window:

Period to provide written notice for contract claims

Key Milestones from Negotiation to Performance

A short sequential timeline clarifies responsibilities and trigger points during pre-production, rehearsal, and performance.

01

Negotiation Complete

Parties agree on terms and sign the short form

02

Script Delivery

Writer submits final script per agreed deadline

03

Rehearsal Period

Producer schedules rehearsals and implements changes

04

First Performance

Performance opens and revenue sharing begins

eSignature Pricing and Feature Comparison

Comparing baseline plans and key feature criteria helps select a platform that meets authentication, compliance, and volume needs without hidden limits.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

Real-World Examples of the Short Form in Use

Two concise scenarios illustrate how the Writers Theatrical Short Form can be applied to common production situations.

Community Theatre License

A small community theatre licenses a one-week run of a new play with a short form that limits rights to that run and territory.

  • The producer pays a fixed fee upfront.
  • This approach reduced negotiation time, preserved the playwright’s copyright, and enabled the production to proceed on a tight schedule while documenting payment and credit obligations.

Workshop Agreement

A university theatre engages a student writer for a staged workshop and uses the short form to define revision rounds and credit.

  • Compensation is an honorarium.
  • The clear scope for academic and noncommercial use prevented future claims, ensured the institution’s ability to present work, and kept administrative costs low.

Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting

Answers to common legal, execution, and storage questions when using the Writers Theatrical Short Form Contract.


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