What happens if somebody options it?

When a producer options a screenplay, the writer, for a relatively small sum, gives the producer a certain amount of time to raise money to purchase the script. During that time, the producer is given exclusivity, meaning the writer can't shop the script around to other producers.

It sounds like a pretty bad deal, and it usually is, but beggars can't be choosers, and, at this point, I'm begging a producer, any producer, to show some interest in my screenplays.