This may sound like a really stupid question. I know when basing a screenplay on a previous source material you need to acquire rights to it. When writing a screenplay based on a true story such as a true crime case or something like that, is there anything you need to attain in terms of rights?
-
Wondering which camera, gear, computer, or software to buy? Ask in our Gear Guide.
story Writing A Screenplay based on a True Story
- Thread starter GRob1211
- Start date
I think it depends on if the main characters are still alive.
A true crime story set in Victorian England, no worries.
A true crime story set in Tucson Arizona in 2011, I think you'll need to acquire the rights.
A true crime story set in Victorian England, no worries.
A true crime story set in Tucson Arizona in 2011, I think you'll need to acquire the rights.
I guess it would depend on how closely it's "based." This is a very gay area, in my opinion.
I'd workshop the idea and how you intend to treat it, get it laid out as precisely as possible, and then, if you're serious, go see a copyright entertainment lawyer to get an expert opinion.
Sure, but then you'd lose the PR advantage of referencing the incident, right?
If you advertise that it's "based on" a certain individual or incident, I suppose you're relatively safe, so long as the names have been changed, etc.
I'd still ask a lawyer.
Just out of curiosity: you use the reference points of Victorian England and modern day USA, what if we go in the middle and say inter wars period? Would I have to clear it with that person's estate, even if they're dead?
