story regarding a script inspired from a true story

[chlsy8]

a friend reminds me there could be some legal problem of my script.

My script has some similarities with one of DATELINE shows. That show did have some influence on my writing.

Now I wonder if you guys think there would be a problem with my script in production.

Thanks!

 

[rayw]

None whatsoever, unless it's a blatant ripoff.

And just for shitzzengiggles, what are your intentions with your screenplay?
DIY short/feature?
Spec sale?

 

[chlsy8]

None whatsoever, unless it's a blatant ripoff.

And just for shitzzengiggles, what are your intentions with your screenplay?
DIY short/feature?
Spec sale?

diy feature

dateline story is a true story. My story has some of frame/structure, but of course a lot of difference.

I wonder if you move a true story from dateline to the film production, is there any restriction for that?

 

[NickSoares]

diy feature

dateline story is a true story. My story has some of frame/structure, but of course a lot of difference.

I wonder if you move a true story from dateline to the film production, is there any restriction for that?

Based off what you just said you should be good. But if it was a true story about something on DATELINE and some other producers have contacted the people in which the story is about and got them to sign the rights to their story over to them, and then you do that story yourself, then yes you would have some legal issues. If something was truly inspired and you go off on your own version then your good. Be careful on some advice you take from people you dont know, its always best to talk to an entertainment lawyer for pro advice as mine could even be off. Law always change

Nick Soares

 

[directorik]

I’m with ray and Nick. “Inspired by” is fine. You know that both
“Psycho” and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” were inspired by the
same true story. Talk about different movies - the writers took
different aspects the true story and elaborated on what they found
most interesting. If you didn’t already know that, you would never
guess those two movies were inspired by the same story.

 

[chlsy8]

Thanks guys.

Will a disclaimer in the beginning of the movie like " this is fictional, any similarities are co-incidental" etc help with legal issues?

 

[directorik]

I do not think a disclaimer will help. If you are infringing on
someones copyright, simply saying you did not intend to do
it will not be a legal defense. If you are not infringing on
someones copyright then a disclaimer isn't needed.