The Ankler Podcast Hollywood’s New Trick to Screw Writers
Jan 24, 2025
Katey Rich, an awards expert and journalist known for her Oscar predictions, joins the discussion on Hollywood's evolving landscape. They tackle the alarming rise of 'if-come' deals that leave writers unpaid unless their projects sell, creating a new era of 'involuntary servitude.' Katey shares insights into the recent Oscar nominations, adds excitement around Sundance, and reflects on Netflix's subscriber boom. The conversation reveals a troubling trend of unpaid work in an increasingly competitive industry.
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If-Come Deals on the Rise
- "If-come" deals are increasing in Hollywood, where writers only get paid if their project sells.
- Even established showrunners with prior successes are now facing these deals initially.
Free Work and Development
- Studios now require more free work from writers, including outlines and character development, before selling a project.
- This essentially outsources development departments without pay, increasing writers' workload.
Beyond Pilot Scripts
- The lack of a traditional pilot season means writers develop entire season bibles upfront for "if-come" deals.
- This adds to the free labor involved before any payment guarantee.