PROTECT YOURSELF
You definitely do not need me to tell you this. I am not getting into too much detail because I’m assuming everyone knows these three steps listed below. Still let me repeat it for someone who is brand new to the industry- As a writer-director in the industry, there are three things you must absolutely do before you start pitching your scripts in the market.
1. BECOME A MEMBER OF INDIAN SCREENWRITERS ASSOCIATION
https://www.swaindia.org/swa_account/
The minute you feel your script is ready, before you share it with a single production house, make sure you register your script with the Indian Screenwriter Association. This helps you protect your script from getting stolen.
The screenwriters association website is a good resource for writers, with some useful tips on what a writer should and should not do.
Read https://www.swaindia.org/do.php
2. BECOME A MEMBER OF THE INDIAN FILM AND TELEVISION WRITERS ASSOCIATION
https://www.directorsiftda.com/
The director’s association is useful if you need helpful resolving any dispute with producers through their Dispute Committee. They also do a series of meetings workshops for assistant directors.
3. GET A GOOD ENTERTAINMENT LAWYER OR TALENT AGENCY
They will represent you during negotiations and to go through your contract terms. This step is absolutely critical because often contract terms can be brutal and you should know what you are getting into before you sign the papers.