Navigating Option/Purchase Agreements: Workflow Integration?

Hey everyone,

As a writer/director, I'm finding myself at a point where several projects are gaining traction, which is exciting but also a bit nerve-wracking on the legal front. I've been doing my best to educate myself on option agreements, purchase agreements, and all the associated legalese. I've even had some initial conversations about a short I directed getting adapted into a feature, which throws a whole new curveball into intellectual property.

My question for those of you who have successfully navigated the option/purchase process: how have you integrated this understanding of legal basics into your personal workflow when it comes to pitching or submitting scripts? Do you have a checklist of things you consider, or a specific point in your process where you really start thinking about the nitty-gritty of the agreement? I'm trying to avoid being completely blindsided when things get serious. Any insights on how you prepare for those conversations would be hugely appreciated.