From Edie: Learn how writers can spot fake producers, avoid free labor scams, and set professional boundaries to protect scripts, stories, and creative work.
Writers Beware: How to Spot Fake Producers and Protect Your Work From Free Labor Scams
by Zena Dell Lowe @ZenaDellLowe
If you’re a screenwriter or novelist, you’ve probably had someone express interest in your work. Maybe they claimed to be a producer or industry “insider” who could take your story to the next level. But sometimes, these conversations are less about collaboration and more about free labor.
I recently had an encounter that illustrates this perfectly. An independent producer reached out to me, saying he was looking for collaborators. He asked me to read and critique one of his development scripts—without pay—and then requested that I send him one of my own scripts, which happened to be an adaptation of a novel. Believing this might be the start of a legitimate professional relationship, I agreed. I gave him thoughtful notes, sent my script, and invested hours of unpaid effort.
A week later, he came back asking for even more. This time, he wanted to set up a meeting with the author of the novel and me, and he asked that I prepare a full character breakdown for the project—even though he hadn’t finished reading my script. He claimed he was interested in developing it into a TV series based on my pitch, but I had no contract in place; no assurance that this would lead to anywhere but wasted time. That’s when alarm bells went off.
Set Clear Boundaries
When someone starts asking for unpaid work—especially development materials like character breakdowns, pitch decks, or a series Bible—it’s time to draw a line.
Here’s what I wrote back:
“I’m happy to have a conversation once you’ve finished reading the script. At that point, if you’d like me to create additional materials (like a character breakdown or series Bible), we should first discuss terms for development compensation or a formal agreement.”
This polite but firm response made it clear: I’m a professional, not a volunteer.
Ask the Right Questions
When you’re approached by someone who claims to be a producer, it’s vital to ask clarifying questions before giving away your ideas. Are they simply exploring, or do they have a concrete plan? Do they have a network, streamer, or studio in mind? What is their actual role—producer, showrunner, financier? If they avoid answering, that’s a sign you should be cautious. And if your story involves rights—like mine did, since it was adapted from a novel—you need to protect not only your work but also the rights of the original author. No one should be pitching to networks or investors without an option agreement or, at the very least, a shopping agreement that spells out the terms.
When I pressed him on these points, here’s how he responded: “Exploratory conversation. I am not going to discuss business strategy over a text. The choice is yours. Line up a video call with you both. Let me know when. If this is going to be hard to do in the beginning, it just means it’s going to be harder later. If this way you want to handle business, then let’s just move on. It is your call. Let me know.”
Why His Response was Manipulative
The subtext of this reply was crystal clear. Instead of giving me clarity, he deflected. Instead of engaging with my questions, he painted me as “difficult.” His words—“If this is going to be hard now… it’ll be harder later”—were nothing more than guilt-tripping, a way of reframing my professional boundaries as a problem. And his final line—“It is your call. Let me know”—was a classic fear tactic, designed to pressure me into compliance.
Here’s the truth: real producers respect boundaries. They don’t punish you for asking fair questions. They don’t use manipulation, subtle bullying, or shame to get their way. What this man revealed was that he wasn’t a legitimate producer at all—he was an opportunist hoping to score free development work without accountability.
Walking away from someone like this isn’t about being “hard to work with.” It’s about protecting your time, your sanity, and your art. If a person shows you upfront that they won’t respect your boundaries, they aren’t going to magically start respecting them later. Legitimate professionals will always honor your rights and your process. Manipulators, on the other hand, will shame you for daring to have boundaries in the first place.
So don’t be afraid to walk away. It’s not rejection—it’s protection.
The entertainment industry is full of passionate, talented people, but it also attracts opportunists who see free labor as their ticket in. As a creative, you have to know how to spot the scams, ask the tough questions, and insist on professionalism.
Your work deserves respect. And so do you.
Want more tips on navigating Hollywood and telling stories that matter? Check out The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe on your favorite podcast app or YouTube.
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To find out more about Zena or her current courses and projects, check out her websites at WWW.MISSIONRANCHFILMS.COM and WWW.THESTORYTELLERSMISSION.COM
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