Under the Writer's Guild Agreement (which governs most television projects), the price for rendering a half hour script is $30,000 while an hour-long script is $43,000. For this price the studio will be entitled to a story, first draft and final draft of the script. In some cases, the studio will bargain for a story, first draft, two sets of revisions and a polish. Usually, the writer/creator will receive a higher pilot writing fee than mandated by the WGA. It may range from $50,000 (for a relatively inexperienced writer) to $250,000 for an experienced and established writer. This money only applies to the “one-of” deal.

In many cases, when a pilot is picked up and ordered to production, the studio will guarantee the writer employment as an “executive producer” of the pilot episode at a negotiated fee. The WGA does not govern these producing fees. A writer's experience and social influence are taken into account during negotiations. These fees for producing such services can range between $15,000 - $100,000. Here is a great link with specific fees based on WGA 2008 Schedule of Minimums. http://www.wga.org/subpage_writersresources.aspx?id=68