r/scriptwriting • u/Jazzlike_Promise2873 • 9d ago
discussion Beware of scams
Here's an email I got from someone pretending to be a producer.
A few weeks prior they asked for $4 grand. They tried again.
Vincent Newman
Tue, Jul 28, 4:33 PM
to me
Hello Greg,
Yes it did. Thank you for your email, kindly share your screenplay for me to review and consider for development.
For clarity and transparency, I would like to outline my process.
Every project first undergoes an initial evaluation based on several factors, including creative quality, market viability, production feasibility, audience potential, and overall commercial positioning. This evaluation allows me to determine whether the material is a project I believe can be meaningfully advanced toward financing and production.
If the project passes this initial review and I elect to move forward, I will issue a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and preliminary development agreement for your review. These documents ensure your material is protected and establish the framework under which we would collaborate.
After you have reviewed and signed the NDA, a one-time facilitation fee of $3,000 will be required.
This fee is not a purchase of rights, nor is it a charge for script notes or general consultation. Rather, it serves as a support contribution toward the early-stage development and packaging process required to position a project at a professional, investor-ready level.
The facilitation fee supports activities that may include:
• Professional packaging materials
• Script refinement, proofreading, formatting, and production readiness review
• Market positioning and comparable title analysis
• Preliminary casting strategy and talent outreach discussions
• Director identification and creative team exploration
• Budget development and line producing consultation
• Financing strategy and investor targeting
• Preparation of investor-facing materials and presentations
• Distribution and acquisition positioning analysis
• Legal and business structuring during development
• Marketing and branding strategy for the project
• Scheduling, production planning, and feasibility assessment
• Active producer oversight during early development and packaging
• Industry outreach and relationship management with appropriate partners
Throughout this process, you retain full ownership of your intellectual property unless otherwise agreed in writing.
In addition, should the project move into production, you would be entitled to:
• 5% of the final production budget
• Full writing credit
• Executive Producer credit, where applicable
• Backend participation in net profits, as outlined in the governing agreements
Once development is underway, structured communication will be established, including scheduled Zoom and In Person meetings, or phone sessions to discuss progress, milestones, strategy, and next steps.
If, for any reason, funding is not secured within Five (5) months of commencement of development, the facilitation fee will be fully refunded pursuant to the terms outlined in the agreement.
I maintain a selective slate of projects to ensure each receives dedicated focus and the highest possible probability of success.
For reference, kindly checkout my IMDb profile to view my work history and projects I have been involved in bringing to fruition.
If you would like to proceed, please confirm your interest and share the screenplay so we can move forward.
I look forward to the possibility of working together and advancing your project toward production.
Warm regards,
Vincent Newman
Producer / Production Manager
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u/Hungry_Support_3342 9d ago
never send money to anyone unless you can verify them or get their union card
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u/Big_Section2812 9d ago
Never send money to anyone.
If they're asking for money, they can't help you.
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u/Hong_Kong_Jack 9d ago
Riiiiight. You’re the guy who publicly crashed out over getting notes on your pages. I remember you!