Sample short story release form for script adaptation?

[ap0110]

I don't even know how to ask this right. I'm adapting several short stories written and published by friends into short film scripts. I'm looking for a sample release form or contract that says, basically, "I'm allowing this screenwriter to adapt my short story into a short film and give him rights to make it into a movie and give the filmmakers rights to show and distribute it", etc, etc. I believe Stephen King had something similar but I can't find it.

Does this make sense? Perhaps it would also help to know what terminology I should be using so I can ask the question more succinctly.

Thank you

[killbox]

Under the assumption you don't have any legal background:

If this is something you are really serious about, I would recommend you get a lawyer involved. This could get complicated if you find success off these shorts and the last thing you want at that point is a contract based on a boiler plate that you edited yourself.

[curious1980]

I agree with Killbox. You don't want the headache of having to deal with the sticky situations that could arise. Be safe. Get a lawyer. It'll make things much easier.

[ap0110]

Let's put things into perspective: the budget for the first short film I did based on an adaptation was about $50, which was about $50 more than I could really afford. The result was not particularly good, I just need some sort of legal clearance to show it at festivals. As my income and the quality of film grows, I agree that hiring a lawyer is a valuable next step. But this first one just needs some sort of agreement in place as a formality. So a boilerplate would be fine for the short-term.