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Script Development

The overall process of generating, refining, and preparing a screenplay for production.

Spec Script

A screenplay written without pay, on speculation that it will sell, typically without producers or studios attached.

Screenplay Draft

Any version of the script before it becomes a shooting script; goes through multiple rounds of rewriting based on notes.

Shooting Script

A locked, production-ready script that features scene numbers and technical details used by all departments on set.

Screenplay Option Agreement

A contract granting a producer the exclusive right to purchase a screenplay for a defined period.

Worthless Option

An option agreement without a purchase agreement or agreed upon terms/costs for purchasing the screenplay.

Screenplay Purchase Agreement

A contract wherein the buyer purchases the rights to the screenplay, transferring copyright ownership unless negotiated otherwise.

Logline

A one-sentence summary of your story that focuses on the protagonist, goal, and stakes.

Film Synopsis

A 1–2 page summary describing the full plot, including major characters and turning points.

Film Treatment

A longer narrative document that details the story in present tense prose; used in pitching and development.

The Black List

An annual survey of the most liked unproduced screenplays in Hollywood.

Exercise the Option

When a producer formally chooses to buy the screenplay during or at the end of the option period.

Applicable Against the Purchase Price

Means the option fee is credited toward the final purchase price of the screenplay.

Copyright

A legal protection that gives creators exclusive rights to their work, automatically existing upon creation.

Fair Use

A legal doctrine allowing limited use of copyrighted work without permission for purposes such as commentary and teaching.

Intellectual Property (IP)

Creative works protected by law—copyrights, trademarks, patents, which often include original scripts.

Reversion of Rights

A clause that allows rights to return to the creator if certain conditions aren’t met.

Writer’s Services Agreement

A contract outlining what the writer is hired to create and the compensation for each step.

Step Deal

A deal in which the writer is paid in 'steps,' such as treatment and draft phases.

SAG-AFTRA

The union representing actors and other on-screen talent, enforcing pay minimums and working conditions.

WGA (Writers Guild of America)

The union representing film and TV writers that sets minimums and hiring protections.

Right of First Negotiation

Before taking the project elsewhere, the writer must negotiate in good faith with the producer first.

Right of First Refusal

If the writer receives an offer elsewhere, the producer has the right to match that offer.

Life Rights Consent Agreement

A contract granting a living person permission to portray their life on screen.

Fiduciary

A person or entity legally obligated to act in the best interest of another.

Pitch Deck

A visual presentation used to sell a film project, typically including logline and budget range.

Film Look Book

A visual document presenting the aesthetic of the film, such as color palettes and cinematography examples.

Film Prospectus

A formal business document used for recruiting investors, often required for legal compliance.

Script Breakdown

The process of analyzing the screenplay to identify all elements needed for production.

Stripboard (Production Board)

A board used to create the shooting schedule by organizing scenes by location, time, and production efficiency.

Production Budget

A detailed financial document estimating all costs needed to make the film from development through postproduction.

ROI (Return on Investment)

A financial metric comparing profit generated to the money invested in a project.

Film Proof of Concept

A short film or visual reel created to demonstrate the potential of a larger project.

Film Office (City or Locality)

An organization that supports film productions by providing location assistance and permit information.

Film Producer

The person responsible for overseeing the entire filmmaking process from development to delivery.

Film Distributor

The company responsible for releasing the finished film to theaters and streamers.

Film Presales

A financing strategy where producers sell the distribution rights to a film before it is completed.

Film Preproduction

The planning phase where producers finalize schedule, budget, casting, and locations before filming.

Film Production

The period when filming occurs, involving all on-set activities and key departments.

Film Postproduction

The phase after filming in which the movie is assembled and finalized through editing and other services.

Above-the-Line Costs

Creative and development costs including producers, directors, writers, and principal cast.

Below-the-Line Costs

Technical and production costs including crew salaries, equipment, locations, and postproduction services.

Film Creative Team

The core creative decision-makers including the director, writers, and producers.

Film Crew

The technical team executing the production, such as the camera department and sound crew.

Film Market

An industry event where producers, sales agents, and distributors buy and sell film rights.

Film Festival

A curated event showcasing films to increase visibility and potential for distribution deals.

Film Exhibition

The process of showing films to the public through various platforms.

Co-Producer

A producer who shares responsibilities with another producer, focusing on specific areas.

Line Producer

The producer responsible for managing the budget and day-to-day operations during production.

Executive Producer

Often contributes high-level oversight and financing but may not be involved in daily production.

Associate Producer

A supporting role with responsibilities that vary widely from coordination to creative contributions.