Indie Option/Purchase Agreements: Protecting Writers with No Studio Leverage?

Hey everyone,

I'm Nina Kowalski, a working screenwriter, and I'm grappling with a practical dilemma. I've got a passion project, a sci-fi thriller, that an indie production company is really interested in adapting. We've had great conversations, and they're genuinely excited, but obviously, their budget is tight, no studio backing here.

My concern is negotiating the option and purchase agreement. Without the leverage of a studio, how do you even begin to approach upfront money or the length of the option period? I've tried to be flexible, but I also need to protect my interests and my work, especially when resources are so limited on their side.

What are your strategies for protecting the writer in these situations? Any creative ideas for structuring deals when everyone's operating on a shoestring?