HI all,
I've had a look at some of the rates listed on the Writers Guild website for a theatre play and how much to ask for as payment for a 50min play. But I'm a little confused. What is the minium rate for this work? It says something like £4000-£5000 for 1 play. Is this correct?
I asked for a contract with a local theatre who commissioned a play from me but I'm scared to handover the completed work until I've got a contract to sign promising payment. (This is the first play I've written on a commissioned basis)
It's only a small theatre and I'm very much in doubt as to whether they even have the funds to pay me. (keep promising royalties on the work when it's never even been performed yet and stuff!)
Is it fair to ask for the money up front? Or should I be asking for it, AFTER it's been performed and we've sold tickets and that??
Thanks all!
It is really up to you how you want to be paid, you can set the terms. Whatever they are you must have a contract and in that you really should put in a clause for royalties on sales as well as any up-front payment. You don't want the pay to be a smash and the theatre to put it on for years without paying you anything.
When I put on plays we usually go through and agency that charges performance rights per night depending on the venue etc.
It may be that they can only hand over the cash when the play has been on for a while, but a contract will mean that you both know where you stand.