A member here once posted something to the effect that stolen scripts are largely a myth. I'd like to think that that's true. For one thing, the last thing production companies want to do is get caught stealing. And hasn't it been posted here somewhere on I.T. that that's one of the reasons why some companies won't accept unsolicited scripts...to avoid even the appearance of impropiety?
The fact is that there are unscrupulous people in the world. And they do steal.
This may be wrong, but if you do have a great, let's say a fresh idea, then you might want to avoid posting it on a public forum, especially if you're hoping to sell the screenplay that uses that idea.
On the other hand, while you cannot copyright an idea, you can copyright whatever it is that you create with that idea, like a script. So, while it is said and written that you should register your screenplay with the WGA or with the government, technincally, if I understand contemporary copyright law enough, the moment you write it down, sculpt it, paint it, photograph it, etc, then it's copyrighted to you. Thank God, that's how it should be. The lawmakers got that right, at least.
I like what Heather suggested. That's a lot like the advice that you mail your script to yourself. Don't open it. Leave it unopened. The post office's date stamp can be evidence.
Another factor that I hope in is this. Indie Talk is a popular place for filmmakers and enthusiasts, including professionals. You gotta wonder just how much of the filmmaking and would-be filmmaking community visits I.T. There's a lot of people who are looking for ideas and material, true. That might lead us to fear sharing. But, when you publish your screenplay or video here, it is witnessed by that community. And, if I am not mistaken, it is also published. Just because it is published on the internet does not make it
not really published, I hope. I think you'd have to have some very large balls indeed to outright steal a script published here. Of course that doesn' t mean that there aren't thieves around that have balls that are indeed just large enough to steal anything regardless of the risk, especially when we're talking about the ever corrupting quest for money, status, etc. My point is that I hope that there is some protection in this being a community, even if it's largely a community of strangers. When you publish something here on I.T. or somewhere like it, there are all those I.T. community eyes watching. And that, at least, could amount to something like a neighborhood watch. If some unscrupulous piece of scum steals something off of it, then hopefully there will be an I.T. communty worth of witnesses, at least of those who read the screenwriting forum.
But you know, you write that you're terrified. That moves me to suggest that you do not post a screenplay...for now. At least, you may not want to post the screenplay that you hope to sell for six figures, or whatever. Why not post something more, well, less precious to you. Life is too stressful as it is. Why torture yourself? Read some more advice and input from members. Think it over. Give it some time, if need be. If and when you feel you have reason to not be terrified, then post. I know from recent personal experience that it can be very helpful to get feedback and guidance here on I.T.
