Do Screenwriters Need an Entertainment Attorney?

By Jacob N. Stuart, Founder of Screenwriting Staffing

At Screenwriting Staffing, we are asked almost weekly: When does a writer actually need an entertainment attorney? With more than 350 screenwriting deals facilitated over the last twelve years and over 115 IMDb-verified projects produced, it is one of the most common questions our writers bring up. The answer depends on where you are in your career and what type of deal is on the table.

I hold a degree in Television and Film Entertainment Business, and I can tell you this industry shifts constantly. Markets, platforms, and even the role of representatives evolve with time. Yet when it comes to the legal side such as contracts, rights, and intellectual property, the rules are largely fixed. The law is far less flexible than the business trends around it, which is why understanding when to involve an attorney is critical.

A Quick Refresher: Attorney, Agent, Manager

Most writers already know the differences, but it helps to revisit them briefly.

• Entertainment Attorney. A licensed lawyer who protects your work and your interests. They draft and review contracts, secure rights, handle disputes, and keep you out of trouble. Attorneys can also submit material on your behalf, particularly when studios or producers require legal representation before reading.

• Agent. A state-licensed representative who is legally permitted to procure employment for you. Agents negotiate writing assignments, shopping agreements, and sales. Their focus is on making deals and taking commission, usually ten percent.

• Manager. A representative who cannot legally procure employment but plays a larger role in developing your career. Managers often have smaller rosters, give script notes, and may attach themselves as producers. Their commission is usually around fifteen percent.

Each role overlaps at times, but their distinctions matter once contracts, rights, or payments are involved.

With film and television now functioning as global industries, many writers decide to forgo representation altogether and hire an attorney only when necessary. This streamlined approach gives them legal protection while they handle their own career moves. Sites like Screenwriting Staffing (specifically Premium Membership) reinforce this option by cutting out the middleman (meaning agents and managers) and connecting writers directly with producers, executives, and companies who are hiring or buying scripts.

When a Screenwriter Needs an Attorney

The short answer: you do not need a lawyer for every step of your journey. Early on, when you are building credits, joining contests, or circulating queries, you can usually manage without one.

But once money, contracts, or rights come into play, legal counsel becomes essential.

Common scenarios include:

• Contracts. Option agreements, purchase agreements, and collaboration deals all carry terms that can shape your long-term earnings. Writers often assume these documents are standard, but a lawyer can spot clauses that shift control or profits away from you.

• Partnerships. Writing with a partner is common. Without a clear agreement, disputes about credit or compensation can derail interest from producers. An attorney can draft a collaboration agreement before those issues arise.

• Rights and Life Stories. If you are adapting a book, dramatizing a historical figure, or telling a true story, you may need to secure underlying rights. Overlooking this step can render an entire script unmarketable.

• Submissions. Studios and production companies may require a submission release. These documents can contain waivers that leave writers with little recourse if their ideas are mirrored elsewhere. An attorney can advise which terms are fair and which may put you at risk.

• Distribution and Sales. For independent filmmakers, a lawyer is vital during distribution talks. Distributors will want a “chain of title” proving you hold all rights. An entertainment attorney ensures your film is clean, insurable, and ready for release.

Protecting your chain of title can be the difference between distribution and rejection.

In short, once your work attracts financial interest or potential production, it is no longer just art. It is business. That is the point at which legal guidance moves from optional to necessary.

Questions We Often Hear

Q: Can my lawyer get me work the way an agent does? No. Lawyers are not licensed to procure employment. They can sell existing material and negotiate deals, but they cannot line up writing assignments. [Be sure to check out our Job Board]

Q: Should I hire an attorney before I sign with a manager or agent? Not always, but if you are offered representation, it is wise to have a lawyer review the agreement. It is easier to make changes before signing than to renegotiate later.

Q: What if I cannot afford an attorney? Some attorneys will work on percentage, similar to agents or managers, though many bill hourly. If you cannot afford full representation, you can still hire an attorney for limited tasks, such as reviewing a contract.

Q: Is it overkill to have an agent, a manager, and an attorney? It depends on your career stage. Newer writers may do fine with a manager and an attorney. More established writers often benefit from having all three, with each role complementing the others.

Q: Can an attorney help if my idea was stolen? Yes, but only if your work was properly protected and expressed in writing. Copyright and registration with the Library of Congress and the Writers Guild are essential steps before claiming infringement.

Final Thoughts

Entertainment law can feel intimidating, but it exists to protect you and your work. An attorney is not a luxury reserved for A-list writers. For many, it is the difference between keeping control of a project and signing away rights unknowingly. At Screenwriting Staffing, we remind writers that representation is not just about landing a deal, it is about securing a career that lasts.

Whether you are represented or not, many of our writers choose to use our query letter e-blast service. It has led to script sales, new representation, and paid writing assignments.

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Want to work with the Author

Jacob N. Stuart is an award-winning screenwriter, producer, and the Founder of Screenwriting Staffing. His work has appeared on Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, and Tubi, and his projects have featured talent such as Alan Ruck and Costas Mandylor. Through Screenwriting Staffing, he has facilitated more than 350 script deals.

Work directly with Jacob on your next script through the Speedy Script Development Program. From refining your draft to building your identity as a writer, the program helps position your script in front of real decision makers.