“Unlocking the Secret: How I Secured 10 Feature Script Deals in Just Four Years—No Agent Needed!”

The next thing I know, I’ve got my own contract offer—my first running solo for the production company.

The company is a Canadian non-signatory entity that deals directly with Lifetime and its owners. Had I been a member of the WGA, I would have never been able to sign a contract with them.

Here’s the general process me and my SVP have:

• We agree on a pitch to take to Lifetime, whether it’s my original concept or hers.
• I write a pitch document, which is basically a logline and a three-page synopsis of the story.
• She takes the pitch to the network.
• The network says “yay” or “nay,” or they offer notes as far as what changes they’d want us to make.
• When it’s a go, I sign a contract with the production company.
• I write an outline, which is the first paid portion of the contract beyond a commence fee.
• She gives me notes as we collaborate on that.
• When we get it to an outline (basically a bullet point list of scenes/story progression) we agree on, she sends it to Lifetime.
• Lifetime offers us notes to apply.
• I apply them and then she excitedly emails me saying that I can go to script.
• I wrote the first draft, which is my second paid portion of the contract.
• I hand it in to her and she offers me notes.
• I apply them to a rewrite, which is my third paid portion of the contract.
• When she approves, she sends it to Lifetime.
• They have notes and I apply them for a fourth paid portion of my contract.
• She excitedly emails me saying that the movie has been greenlit. Keep in mind, this happens in a short amount of time.
• When production commences, the biggest paid portion of the contract is sent to me—and my wife is extremely happy as we are putting our oldest son through college (and his younger brother soon after).

Now, you’ll notice I didn’t go into detail about money and other dynamics. Frankly, I can’t. But I can say this: I joke to those close to me—friends and family—that I’m not Hollywood rich, I’m Lifetime rich. And that’s a fun nod to those who wire the money to me. It’s much appreciated.

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