I have a question that is somewhat related. In your example you use a $600,000 against 1,000,000 deal. How real is that? As a first time writer, if I'm able, to say, sell a script to a major studio, could the deal be that big? Or would it be closer to something like 200,000 against 500,000? Does being a first time writer negatively affect you?

K-9 sold for $750K in 1987, so that's probably a million dollar deal nowadays. We were first time writers. "Grim Night" just sold for $1M. They are first time writers. It all depends upon the script and the marketplace. Now when it comes to open writing assignments, basically you have to work your way up, bumping your quote up with each assignment. So yes, being a first-timer can start you lower down that fee scale.

[...] few days back Scott put up a post that talked about what it means when principal photography begins. While it was an interesting [...]

[...] The Business of Screenwriting: Commencement of principal photography (gointothestory.blcklst.com) [...]