Answer: Yes, if you've been around and have one hell of an agent. :-)

This issue is about the only thing I didn't like about Blake Snyder's Save The Cat. He refers to the color of the envelopes or checks that a screenwriter receives. But it seems the general consensus that those checks are a somewhat rare for a screenwriter to receive.

@itstartedwithawindmill: Just to be clear, all writers receive residuals regardless of profit participation. Every quarter, nice pale green envelopes with checks inside.

They still don't get it. If it ain't on the page... If we writers didn't insist on eating and making the mortgage payment, we really would wield all the power in Hollywood. When the time comes again (and it will), we should stay focused on these issues and take joy in the picket duty experience.

Scott,

I try very hard to ignore stuff that doesn't help with actual writing, so I haven't paid much if any attention to how a writer gets paid. If you could give a quick answer, what are residuals paid for? and why are they quarterly?

Thanks and much appreciated as always,

Scott Hite

Why on earth would you ignore everything that doesn't have to do with writing?

Understanding the business of screenwriting is as important (if not more important) than being a kickass writer.

Residuals are paid quarterly because, in general, corporations report earnings quarterly.

Some companies have tried to pay commissions (which is, in effect, what residuals are or vice versa) on a monthly basis, but even that is based on the previous quarter's earnings with the assumption that the earnings for each quarter will be better than the previous. Once the quarters stopped performing as expected, the models tended to fall apart.

@Susan: Agreed. Most of the bad decisions I've made in Hwood were due to my lack of understanding re the business.

@Tom: Thanks for that info.

Stop it! Please. I get those $-signs on my eyes like Scrooge McDuck. It's so hard to see what I'm writing then.

No, honestly, it was a very interesting post. Which I'll keep in mind when I sell a feature script.

But I can't keep money in mind when I write. As I said, those $ $ in my eyes, block the view.

Thanks for the updates. Excellent content, as usual and very much appreciated.

I guess I don't see $$ when I write. I just concentrate on kick-a** writing with a great story knowing that my writing is worth every $$ and more. I'll admit, I just started my first script/screenplay from an original story a month ago and after reading how much $$ the screenwriter makes, I'm wondering why they receive so little for such a creative effort. I feel like I'm missing something here...?