In Canada it seems the only way to get it on record is through an expensive lawyer, at least according to my research, but there probably are much cheaper ways that I have missed. Anyone know? Thanks.
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copyright How to get my work copyrighted without lawyers.
- Thread starter harmonica44
- Start date
You don't need a lawyer. Copyright exists the moment you record it or write it down. What is it you want copyrighted?
Someone once made an interesting point to me re: Copyright and related.
The issue isn't "how do I copyright it" (as has been said it IS your copyright): the issue, as Sonnyboo alluded-do you have the wherewithal to PROVE it in court (IE do you have the money to fight it in court with lawyers).
That's where it gets tricky.
The issue isn't "how do I copyright it" (as has been said it IS your copyright): the issue, as Sonnyboo alluded-do you have the wherewithal to PROVE it in court (IE do you have the money to fight it in court with lawyers).
That's where it gets tricky.
Not tricky at all.
Even outside of the US a US copyright registration will hold up
in court. It's an official "born on date". Our founder posted
the official link to the Canadian site; UK has one, France has
one, Germany has one...
The very real fact is if you have something worth stealing that
usually means you will have made a lot of money with the material.
And I'm not talking about something like copying a song - we
are talking about scripts. Scripts just aren't stolen and copied at
the rate some writers feel they are.
The way I see it, if you're a newbie, don't flatter yourself by thinking your script is so amazing that some big time Hollywood producer is gonna steal it. Because odds are, it sucks... uncontrollably! Or maybe it's the exact opposite and they don't recognize its potential greatness. Either way, if they're not interested, they're not gonna produce it. They'll most likely toss it in the trash. If they like it however, they're gonna want to work with you and keep you as a contact for possible future stuff.
Why would anyone burn a bridge by stealing someone's work? Especially if it's good and gonna generate money, respect, popularity, whatever. Just give them the credit, it's much easier than dealing with a lawsuit IMO.
Why would anyone burn a bridge by stealing someone's work? Especially if it's good and gonna generate money, respect, popularity, whatever. Just give them the credit, it's much easier than dealing with a lawsuit IMO.
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Well no I don't think I have some great masterpiece, per say. But I just wanna protect it just in case, that's all. So all of you scriptwriters just don't bother to copyright your work then?
What makes you ask that? I think we all copyright our work.
Registering the copyright is important.
Once a story/picture/music becomes fixed to media--paper, recording, film, etc.--it is technically considered copyright of the owner IF it is an original work. Ideas, per se, are not copyrightable. Names aren't copyrightable. However, trademarks exist to cover many things not covered by copyright.
While there are strong opinions in many ways, my own practice is to keep a string of copies as I edit the work. This shows both its origin and a continuity of work. Someone could say, "Well we had this idea in 1993." If my records show, that I created it in 1984 with revisions through out. That I shared that idea with the company in 1992 for consideration, it makes for a stronger case.
Because copyright is more enduring, I think of it as "concrete". That is, it is only protecting the manuscript as submitted--word for word, basically. So if the manuscript is being revised, you'd have to copyright each revision at a cost.
Most countries have Writers Guilds which provide registration. Registration is more flexible. Often you can make minor revisions. The registration can be used in a court to help establish some priority. It often is only good for five years and can be renewed. Many companies or services require you to have your script copyrighted or registered. There are independent services that also serve as "registration banks".
Before submitting a script, it's usually a good idea to have it registered. While what others say is true for movie companies, most of the complaints I've read on forums are individuals or start-ups looking for a script. Big companies have their choice of scripts and a stable of writers, so they are not going to play games.
I did read of a writer who responded to a Craigslist ad for a script. The 'producer' never wrote back. After pursuing it, the writer found that the guy collected scripts, doctored them, put his own name on them, and submitted them. Some of the script services don't screen who has access to your manuscripts. [I believe I read this on Absolute Write bulletin board but I can't find the citation. Sorry. There are a number of scams aimed a screenwriters eager to make the break. "If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is." Especially if they want $$$.]
Now as pointed out, this really only becomes an issue if the 'middleman' manages to successfully sell your script. Maybe s/he deserves the commission.
But for the production company, they may be suckered and not know s/he stole the script. Having the records will help you support the argument of creative origin.
Bottomline, once you've revised your script to the point you're confident to submit it, then you need to make the decision. Registering is a good first step. If it is optioned, the producer will likely want to copyright the final script along with the subsequent production. If you do copyright it, it grants you certain additional protections and rights--such as sequels and adaptations. However, you will likely need to transfer many of those rights.
The cost of registration is similar to that of copyright in the US about US$20. Registration with the WGA is very quick and you receive your registration number immediately.
While most companies think it's amateurish to put a "(c) 2011, I.M. Author", most don't think too much about a "WGA 19302345" under your contact info. Many entertainment lawyers encourage you to do both. Many industry insiders suggest you do neither on your cover page.
If I'm sending a manuscript to an established company or agent, I'd probably leave them both off. Often in those cases, they have you sign an agreement prior to reading your script. If I'm sending it to an unknown individual or smaller company, I might have the registration listed as a deterrent. There will be a spectrum of opinions.
While there are strong opinions in many ways, my own practice is to keep a string of copies as I edit the work. This shows both its origin and a continuity of work. Someone could say, "Well we had this idea in 1993." If my records show, that I created it in 1984 with revisions through out. That I shared that idea with the company in 1992 for consideration, it makes for a stronger case.
Because copyright is more enduring, I think of it as "concrete". That is, it is only protecting the manuscript as submitted--word for word, basically. So if the manuscript is being revised, you'd have to copyright each revision at a cost.
Most countries have Writers Guilds which provide registration. Registration is more flexible. Often you can make minor revisions. The registration can be used in a court to help establish some priority. It often is only good for five years and can be renewed. Many companies or services require you to have your script copyrighted or registered. There are independent services that also serve as "registration banks".
Before submitting a script, it's usually a good idea to have it registered. While what others say is true for movie companies, most of the complaints I've read on forums are individuals or start-ups looking for a script. Big companies have their choice of scripts and a stable of writers, so they are not going to play games.
I did read of a writer who responded to a Craigslist ad for a script. The 'producer' never wrote back. After pursuing it, the writer found that the guy collected scripts, doctored them, put his own name on them, and submitted them. Some of the script services don't screen who has access to your manuscripts. [I believe I read this on Absolute Write bulletin board but I can't find the citation. Sorry. There are a number of scams aimed a screenwriters eager to make the break. "If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is." Especially if they want $$$.]
Now as pointed out, this really only becomes an issue if the 'middleman' manages to successfully sell your script. Maybe s/he deserves the commission.
But for the production company, they may be suckered and not know s/he stole the script. Having the records will help you support the argument of creative origin.Bottomline, once you've revised your script to the point you're confident to submit it, then you need to make the decision. Registering is a good first step. If it is optioned, the producer will likely want to copyright the final script along with the subsequent production. If you do copyright it, it grants you certain additional protections and rights--such as sequels and adaptations. However, you will likely need to transfer many of those rights.
The cost of registration is similar to that of copyright in the US about US$20. Registration with the WGA is very quick and you receive your registration number immediately.
While most companies think it's amateurish to put a "(c) 2011, I.M. Author", most don't think too much about a "WGA 19302345" under your contact info. Many entertainment lawyers encourage you to do both. Many industry insiders suggest you do neither on your cover page.
If I'm sending a manuscript to an established company or agent, I'd probably leave them both off. Often in those cases, they have you sign an agreement prior to reading your script. If I'm sending it to an unknown individual or smaller company, I might have the registration listed as a deterrent. There will be a spectrum of opinions.
Okay thanks guys, this helps. Anyone know of any registration companies in Canada to submit them to for registration? I have asked around but a lot of people don't know, and people in the screenwriting newbie business just male it to themselves as a form of proof, but I've been told that was not a good way.
Oh yeah, thanks. But is it safe to do it online though? Or should I mail it in?
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So after registering my script for copyright, and showing it around, I've gotten some opinions of things I should change and all that, if I wanna pitch it. How much should I change after copyrighting, or can I change anything I want just so long as the story is recognizably the same as the registered copy?