Posted by kona302 on 07/12/06 21:58

I'm sorry if this is not the right newsgroup to ask this question.
There seems to be quite a few professionals on here so I'm hoping I can
get some insight into what to do about my dilemma. Here it is...

There was a small up and coming network that became interested in an
idea I had for a show and they wanted me to do 13 shows for them with
the arrangement that I would not be paid for the content but would
instead be given a certain amount of commercial air time that I could
sell.

I went to a lawyer and he said they were most likely trying to take
advantage of me and trying to get a show for next to nothing. He asked
me some details about the show I want to do and expressed interest in
helping me pitch my show to some networks. He told me I needed to do a
treatment and write up a business plan (among other things) and that he
would hook me up with a producer.

My question is, as a show creator/newbie producer should I acquire an
agent? I've read someone state that some lawyers are in bed with the
networks and might get kick backs from them if they help the network
get a more favorable deal. With this in mind, would an agent come in
handy as a precaution to prevent that from happening?

Or maybe when/if I get an offer, I could show what's on the plate to
another lawyer for a second opinion to make sure I'm getting a fair
shake before making a commitment?

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