In the world of filmmaking, taking leaps of faith can sometimes lead to magic—think Kevin Costner’s Field of Dreams. But for many writers today, the leap isn’t just a creative risk; it’s financial. The growing prevalence of “if-come” deals, especially in the post-strike industry landscape, raises serious concerns about the sustainability of storytelling, particularly for female creatives and producers who already face systemic barriers.
What Are “If-Come” Deals?
Unlike traditional option agreements or outright purchases, “if-come” deals are highly conditional. Writers pitch their projects to studios, and instead of a clear “yes” or “no,” they receive a tentative agreement: “If we sell this to a network, we’ll pay you.” The deal lays out hypothetical terms based on which buyer—Netflix, Starz, etc.—picks it up, but without a sale, there’s no compensation.
Historically, these deals were reserved for writers who were new or wanted to get a foot in the door. But today, even seasoned professionals are being forced into these arrangements. “A lot of the people that were on overalls and were making $2 million to $3 million a year are gonna make $400,000 this year because they’re going to get one pilot script, if that,” a prominent talent lawyer told The Hollywood Reporter.
The Gendered Impact
As a female producer, these trends are deeply troubling. Women in the industry already contend with pay gaps, limited access to networks, and underrepresentation in leadership roles. Asking writers—many of whom are women—to work for free not only devalues their contributions but also exacerbates inequities.
“If-come” deals disproportionately affect those without financial safety nets, which often include women and other underrepresented groups. Creatives are being asked to pour unpaid labor into pitches while studios hedge their bets in a risk-averse, budget-conscious environment. It’s a gamble that many can’t afford to take.
A Producer’s Dilemma
For producers, “if-come” deals might seem like a way to test concepts without financial risk, but they come at a cost to the creative ecosystem. Writers’ frustrations with these deals are boiling over, and for good reason. The deals have become a default starting point for anyone who isn’t a brand name, creating a system that prioritizes profit over creative collaboration.
Moreover, these deals require significant unpaid labor from representatives negotiating terms. Reps, often commission-based, are also shouldering the burden of a deal that may never materialize. This strains relationships across the board and makes it harder to foster trust and creativity.
A Call to Action
As a producer, I believe it’s time for a shift. Instead of perpetuating a model that devalues writers, we need to advocate for more equitable practices. Here’s how we can start:
Create Shared Risk Models: Producers can work with writers to find ways to share development costs or offer modest stipends during the pitching process. This ensures that creatives are compensated for their time while keeping development budgets manageable.
Champion New Voices: By prioritizing projects from underrepresented writers, producers can help diversify the industry’s storytelling landscape. Supporting these voices means offering more than “if-come” deals; it means investing in their success.
Advocate for Transparent Practices: The lack of transparency in “if-come” deals creates uncertainty and mistrust. Clearer terms and better communication can go a long way in building strong collaborations.
Leverage Collaborative Networks: Female-led production companies, like my own, have an opportunity to band together and push back against industry norms. By working collectively, we can create an environment where creativity is valued, not exploited.
Looking Ahead
The industry’s risk-averse tendencies may be a reflection of the current economic climate, but they don’t have to define our future. As producers, we have the power to set the tone for how deals are structured and how talent is treated. Let’s use that power to create a system where creatives are compensated fairly, voices are amplified, and innovation thrives.
“If-come” deals may promise possibilities, but it’s time to demand certainty—for the sake of the storytellers who keep our industry alive.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, industry conversations with talent lawyers and representatives.
Let’s Connect
At UNLEYEK, we’re committed to fostering equitable and innovative practices in the film and TV industry. If you’re a writer, producer, or creative professional looking for a partner who values collaboration and creativity, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us here to explore how we can work together to bring your vision to life.
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