In an effort to expand its original video content, including movies and TV series, Amazon announced this morning the launch of a free, cloud-based screenwriting software program calledAmazon Storywriter. In addition, the company says it’s expanding to include drama submissions, and will no longer take a free option on scripts submitted to the Amazon Studios website, allowing WGA members to upload directly to the site.
Previously, Amazon accepted script submissions for feature films, primetime comedy series for adults, and series for children aged 2 to 14, but this is the first time that Amazon will now consider drama series submissions as well.
Amazon Studios launched in 2010 to serve as a way to crowdsource the process of finding new scripts for films and series. It offers a wayfor writers to upload their content online and make their projects public in order to gain feedback from the larger community. However, its launch and a related“script contest” wereimmediately fraughtwith confusion and controversy as a number of writers warned of Amazon’s then-free 18-month option on scripts from the moment they were uploaded, as well as other issues with copyright and authorship.
That submission program has evolved over the years, however.Amazon Studios’ prior policy, until today, stated it had the exclusive right to buy a movie script for $200,000 or TV script for $55,000 from the day it’s uploaded up to 45 days out. It can then pay $10,000 to extend that option for 18 months, which it can do up to two times, according to its FAQ.
We’ve asked Amazon to clarify if the terms on its site are still accurate, given its news related to the elimination of the free option. The company has not yet responded, but we’ll update when it does.
Update: Here’s how Amazon Studios explains its new options policy:
Before, it would take a 45-day unpaid option when receiving scripts, andit would pay $10K if it wanted to extend that period. Now, if Amazon is interested in a script on its site, they will reach out and offer a paid option that matches or exceeds any applicable guild minimum, and the writer canchoose to accept or reject the offer. The updated Terms are here.
Because the Amazon Studios script submission program was meant to attract newcomers, dabblers and others who are not yet established in the world of scriptwriting, it makes sense that Amazon would eventually roll out its own software to enable screenwritersto more easily crafttheir scripts. TV and movie scripts have a certain format and style to them, and new writers may not know how to get started.
Amazon Studio has already greenlit a series that came in through this online platform: “Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street,” a kids’ series that’s now on season two.
Amazon Storywriter helps with the styleproblem by auto-formatting as you type, and supports import and export of PDF files, FDX files, and Fountain formats. In addition, the software saves the work online, in Amazon’s cloud, andincludes a Chrome application for both Mac and PC.
This is the second software program Amazon has introduced for scriptwriters. The company released Storybuilderin late 2013, which is like a virtual version of thenotecards writers use when plotting out a story’s progress.
But while Storywriter is meant to help newcomers participate in Amazon Studios,the change to the way scripts are optioned is meant to help better cater to more established writers. As Amazon explains, this means that members of theWriters Guild of America and the Animation Guild members can nowsubmit their original material through Amazon’sonline submission process.
FAQs
Amazon Storywriter helps with the style problem by auto-formatting as you type, and supports import and export of PDF files, FDX files, and Fountain formats. In addition, the software saves the work online, in Amazon's cloud, and includes a Chrome application for both Mac and PC.
Why is Amazon Storywriter closing? ›
Cause of Failure
The removal of Roy Price, president of Amazon's Entertainment and Media Development, who was rooting for the project since its inception. The failure to bring in high-profile and hype-creating dramas that offered a global appeal, which was the main reason Jeff Bezos supported the program initially.
How much do Amazon Studios pay for a script? ›
How much does Amazon pay for a script? The WGA reports that the median pay for a screenplay deal with Amazon in the past was $300,000, and the highest salary was reported as $5,000,000. Rewrite deals are the second most common screenwriting for traditional studios and streaming platforms.
Does Amazon Studios accept unsolicited scripts? ›
Now, Amazon Studios' crowdsourced-script program is dead, a tacit acknowledgement by the ecommerce giant's entertainment division that it will only produce stuff greenlit the traditional, Hollywood way. As of April 13, 2018, Amazon Studios is no longer accepting unsolicited submissions.
Is there a free version of Final Draft? ›
Yes, there is a free 30-day trial that can at any time within the 30 days be converted to a full license.
Is Amazon Storywriter still available? ›
In May 2019, Amazon Studios announced Amazon Storywriter and Storybuilder were to be discontinued on June 30, 2019 with accounts disabled and any content not downloaded becoming inaccessible. Attempting to access Amazon Storywriter after the discontinue date will redirect the user to Amazon Studios' website.
What is the best screenwriting software? ›
- Best Overall: Final Draft »
- Best Budget: Arc Studio »
- Best For Collaboration: WriterDuet »
- Best Free: WriterSolo »
- Most Versatile: Movie Magic Screenwriter »
- Cleanest Interface: Squibler »
Established writers selling specs may get up to $100,000 or more, but even mid-level writers typically max out between $20,000-$40,000 for their early original scripts. So while that initial sale represents realizing your dream, you'll still have a long road ahead to earn a consistent living as a screenwriter.
How much do Netflix screenwriters make? ›
Get feedback on your pay or offer
Create an anonymous post and get feedback on your pay from other professionals. The estimated total pay range for a Screenwriter at Netflix is $147K–$248K per year, which includes base salary and additional pay. The average Screenwriter base salary at Netflix is $191K per year.
How much do beginner script writers get paid? ›
An Entry Level Script Writer in your area makes on average $23 per hour, or $1.09 (45.013%) less than the national average hourly salary of $24.29.
First and foremost, thank you for your interest in Netflix content! Unfortunately, we cannot and do not accept or review any materials (whether manuscripts, treatments, scripts, drawings, ideas, pics of rainbow-colored unicorns, etc.) that we do not specifically request.
How do I pitch a script to Netflix? ›
If you have an idea for a show or film, you may be curious how to send it to Netflix. Netflix only accepts submissions through a licensed literary agent, or from a producer, attorney, manager, or entertainment executive with whom they have a pre-existing relationship.
How do I sell my script to Amazon? ›
Submitting your script to Amazon Studios is as simple as going to the Storywriter dashboard and clicking the three dots on the script you want to submit and choosing, “Submit to Amazon Studios”. Does Amazon want to hear your story, idea, and script even if you're not a professional? Amazon answers, “Yes.
Which is better, Celtx or Final Draft? ›
Final Draft does not offer pre-production or production planning tools and comes at premium price catering to Hollywood professionals. It's available as a software download with two activations, meaning your use is limited to two devices, whereas Celtx does not impose a limit.
Is there a free version of Celtx? ›
Our goal is to make Celtx scriptwriting and media production tools accessible to as many creators as possible. That's why we've made Celtx free to students of an academic institution subscribing to either a Celtx for Education or Classroom plan.
Does Final Draft have a cloud? ›
Can Final Draft save or back up scripts to Dropbox, Google Drive or other cloud storage services? Yes, if you save your scripts to your service's installed local synch folder, they will be saved to the cloud whenever the folder is synched.
How much do studios pay for scripts? ›
The typical selling price for a spec script is approximately $110,000. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) sets distinct minimums for various projects, such as brief TV episodes, movie script sales, and high-budget feature films, ensuring that compensation corresponds with the nature and scale of the work.
Does Amazon buy movie scripts? ›
As of I can tell, they don't pick the scripts, they buy the ready product with high (as of their buyers opinion) commercial value. Their scouts (buyers) hunt at the movie festivals and AFM each year.
How much does Amazon pay for a film? ›
WHAT DO YOU GET BACK FROM AMAZON? As mentioned, it costs nothing to put your film on Amazon. You do have to go through some fairly tedious admin surrounding tax, but nothing a bit of googling can't solve. Once you're on there, for Buy / Rent you get 50% of all revenue, after tax.
How do I sell a script to Amazon? ›
Submitting your script to Amazon Studios is as simple as going to the Storywriter dashboard and clicking the three dots on the script you want to submit and choosing, “Submit to Amazon Studios”. Does Amazon want to hear your story, idea, and script even if you're not a professional? Amazon answers, “Yes.
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