2 questions regarding copyright

[RED ROBOT]

Hello there .

So a couple of guys who work on TV want to see the script of my upcoming sci - fi project and see if they can help me out . I truly appreaciate that but I can get a bit paranoid , how can I be sure that when I send the script to them they wont decide to make the movie themselves or maybe steal my idea ?

Also I am colabborating with couple of people around the globe and they allowed me to use their footage from Youtube . The thing is how can I sign a contract over the internet so I can be sure that they are not going to change their minds once the video goes up on the web ?

Thanks .

 

[photon]

how can I be sure that when I send the script to them they wont decide to make the movie themselves or maybe steal my idea ?
Thanks .

Ideas aren't copyrightable. Expressions of an idea like a script are. There is no way of preventing anyone from taking an idea apart from not telling them the idea or making them sign an NDA before telling it. They can't make a movie based on your script without your permission.

 

[Sweetie]

how can I be sure that when I send the script to them they wont decide to make the movie themselves

They cannot steal your script legally. If they do, you sue for damaged and punitive damages and get paid more than what the script was worth to start with.

or maybe steal my idea ?

Don't get worried about people stealing your ideas. It's legal for them to do this. What you need to do is make sure your execution of your idea is so superior to any other version that they have no choice. Be a very strong writer.

Also I am colabborating with couple of people around the globe and they allowed me to use their footage from Youtube . The thing is how can I sign a contract over the internet so I can be sure that they are not going to change their minds once the video goes up on the web ?

Deal memos. Get contracts made, done and signed. When there is money to be made and greed is a possible factor, leaving it up to people to go against human nature isn't exactly smart.

 

[ChimpPhobiaFilms]

I knew a guy that was in college that wanted to get into advertising. The teacher assigned a project: write an advertisement for a product. He wrote it, and turned it in. Later, he had seen his EXACT SAME idea on television. Directed by his teacher.

They can't steal your script, but they can steal your idea. Give your script/idea to people you trust.

 

[Zensteve]

how can I sign a contract over the internet

You know the Post Office is still around, right?

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