People who want their share of the pie

I used to read the threads on IMDb's ScreenWriters board and noticed quite often the seemingly mercenary attitude of writers taking whatever credit they could whenever they could.

For example, one person says that they're having trouble getting a particular line of dialogue to sound right. So people pop up and say that they will have a look at the line and suggest changes but in return they want full rights to be identified on the project credits as writer of additional material or some such terminology. This wasn't just a one of because I have seen it a number of times.

Even on this site I have seen the odd person say that any help they recieve gives them automatic rights to that material. Luckily I havent seen them trying to claim credit for helping others.

WTF? Is this how cut throat and mercenary things are?

I have assisted a number of people on this site. I've read over their work, notes, jokes, stand up material and full scripts. I've made ammendments, offered my advice or opinion and helped to reword jokes and so on - But never once have I ever dreamed of trying to claim any credit for any of it. I do it because I just like to help and share thoughts and ideas. The hope is that I get this in return when my own work needs some medicine.

What is the opinion of others of this (seemingly) cut throat writing credit requirements? Am I just too soft and niave? I hope not because I just like helping others where I can.

Def.

I guess I can see how some people want to take any chance to get their name in the credits.

I know in the writers' meetings for the last series of RFTP there were times when I suggested a line or gag when we were discussing someone's sketch idea. It was nice when I heard it being used in the sketch but it wouldn't have occurred to me to ask for credit just for that.

If I help someone out, it's because I want to, not because I want a credit or anything. Yes it would be nice to help someone, only to have them go on to become head of comedy for BBC and give me a series because I was nice but that's not why I'd do it.

Having said that, if someone helped a LOT with something then I might offer them an 'additional material' credit or something, especially if they were already well known and having their name on the project looked good!

Sounds a bit sad to me.

Agree with everybody above. If I help out with a few lines and/or suggestions it's because it's what I think that particular piece of work needs to bring it up to scratch and I don't expect any credit whatsoever.

Conversely, if people give me advice, I don't expect them to demand credit for it and assume they are giving it out of goodwill.

Dan

Quote: swerytd @ November 28 2008, 2:36 PM GMT

Conversely, if people give me advice, I don't expect them to demand credit for it and assume they are giving it out of goodwill.

Dan

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Oh.

Don't pretend you're some 'Queen of the one-liner'

Dan

Quote: swerytd @ November 28 2008, 2:42 PM GMT

Don't pretend you're some 'Queen of the one-liner'

Dan

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Queen? Empress more like.

Quote: swerytd @ November 28 2008, 2:42 PM GMT

Don't pretend you're some 'Queen of the one-liner'

Dan

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QE2?

I'd never demand a credit for helping out with something. If it's a joint project, then it's a bit different. Otherwise, as Marc said, it's a bit sad.

I give all manner of advice, lines, titles, character names etc for beer or chips.

Yeah I'm pretty relaxed about it really. I had this neat little idea called Blackadder that I suggested to Richard Curtis once. Not sure if he ever used it but good luck to him if he did.

Mmmm...pie

Is this the queue for pie?

Quote: swerytd @ November 28 2008, 2:36 PM GMT

Agree with everybody above.
Dan

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Hey Dan, IMO I think you should disagree and BTW if you do end up disagreeing then I want a credit for being instrumental in your decision on changing your mind.

TTFN

Quote: Blenkinsop @ November 28 2008, 10:57 PM GMT

Hey Dan, IMO I think you should disagree and BTW if you do end up disagreeing then I want a credit for being instrumental in your decision on changing your mind.

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I think you should replace 'instrumental' with 'being an unimportant part of', as the comedy rhythm is better.

Needless to say, I want a sub-credit in my credit to you.

Dan