Kev F
Friday 4th September 2009 3:58pm
Bristol
689 posts
THE SITCOM TRIALS OPTION CLAUSE
Hi all,
I'm fresh from my meeting with the Leicester Square Theatre, and the news about the Sitcom Trials Option Clause is... there is no option clause. Talking through all the permutations, we realised it was too complex a thing to tie everyone's hands from the start, so the situation is that everyone will enter their scripts with no terms and conditions imposed.
The onus is on us, The Sitcom Trials & Leicester Square Theatre, if we wish to make an offer to an individual writer or for a particular script, then we will make that offer on the same terms as any other production company or broadcaster, and the writer's relationship would then be the same as with any other company, ie they can negotiate over that offer. Any offer we might make would not affect any contributor's entry in the Sitcom Trials competition.
The LCT is in discussion with independent producers and it is likely any offer we make would be in partnership with such a company. Another carrot that we hope to dangle is the LA Sitcom Trials, which Martin and I are putting together with the Geffen Theatre in Westwood LA. The finalists will have the chance of having their work showcased in this LA show, to take place during Pilot Season between March and May 2010. This is still to be finalised, but we hope to be able to announce details soon.
I hope this puts your minds at ease about anything that might have caused you to hesitate in entering the Sitcom Trials. In short, terms & conditions for the 10th Anniversary Season of the Sitcom Trials are no different than the last season, all that has changed is the script format.
Any questions I, or James, will answer (depending on whose job it is to do so - James runs the show, I just lurk in the background appearing to cause problems!)
Have a good weekend everyone
Kev F Sutherland
Executive Producer
The Sitcom Trials