Registering Your Script Online

I recently finished my script and it was suggested to me that i should get my script copyrighted... At first it seemed silly... getting something copyrighted seemed like somthing big companies do...

But then the situation come hwere I wanted to send my script to online websites and stuff and then got a bit worried about my precious script that I worked so hard on... I don't want it to be stolen... and everywhere I read stuff that suggested getting your work protected...

Okay... to shorten this a bit...

I own a book which pointed me in the direction of The Wrtiers Guild of America . I am planning on registering my script there... It seems easy enough...

The reason for my post is that I do not know ANYTHING about what I'm doing... is this the right move? Is this the place i want to do this?? Has anyone done this before and can tell me what they did? Is there a better place or way to go about protecting my work??... I obviously need help...

Thank You
-Drew

 

I wanted to send my script to online websites

As opposed to what kind of Web sites?


ANYWAY

I'm assuming this isn't a fan film script you're referring to, first of all. If it is, save your money.

NOW:

First, know that anything you create is copyright on some level, and no one can take your work from you without a lawsuit going up their bunghole.

Now, ask yourself:
"Who is possibly going to want to steal my script from me?"
If you can think of a good answer, read on for a cheaper solution.

If you are worried about not being able to prove you wrote your script, mail it to yourself and don't open the envelope (the postmark will prove the date).



Rick McCallum loves you!

 

If it's not a fanfilm script, and you plan to put your scripts up for consideration on certain websites, then yes, the Writers Guild is the best place to go. There is another place I found a while ago that copyrights your script for 10 years instead of 5, but I forgot what it's called. But the main reason you want the Writer's Guild is that some websites require you to have a Writer's Guild copyright number.

Plus, it's always cool to get a little sheet of paper that says "Writer's Guild of America".

EDIT: And what Adam said is always a good way to prove copyright. You should always mail your work to yourself, even if you do register with the WGA.

Cometgreen

 

thanks guys...No its not a fanfilm

yea, i know about the - mailing it to youself technique- I'ld not that but i want something a bit more official.... I'm just being picky...

Anyway... money is not a problem... at the writers guild its just a Meesly 10 bucks for 10 years... thats not the problem...

I was just having a few doubts as to wether i was doing the right thing... I have no clue what i'm doing...

 

If I was working on something with the intention of putting the whole thing out to the public then I would go ahead. After all, it wouldn't hurt anything.

 

That mailing the thing to yourself to prove copyright or whatever is nonsense. It wouldn't stand up in any kind of legal situation at all, and as that's the only reason to do it in the first place, don't bother.

Though I read this online, it was from extremely knowledgable people.

 

Did you read it online from copyright lawyers? Because that's what my father is. According to him, mailing a script to yourself WILL prove that you wrote the thing when you say you did. So, if Sony (for example, not saying this is a typical Sony thing at all) makes a movie off a script you wrote, they (or the writer) may hold a copyright dated May 12, 2003, but if you can PROVE that you have a copy of the script dated BEFORE that time (by the postmark), that WILL hold up.

Copyright is yours by the virtue of the fact that you wrote it. Straight from the horse's mouth (or my father's, as the case may be). You don't have to register to hold the copyright. But it helps you to prove it, if you haven't mailed to yourself.

M. Scott

 

If it is a registered letter, that is almost proof that it hasn't been faked. But not enough to hold up in court.

Here's where I read it, so I guess it's up to you what you do. But it seems unnecessary.

 

can't u secure ur document in PDF or anything? thats not really copyrighting it - but it can help to make sure no one fiddles with it.

I donno...

 

The thing is: JediDrew wrote a script for a short he is shooting right now. It's not a fanfilm, it's an original work. (I'm assuming it's for "Piece of Cake", right, Drew?)

Well, of course it's safer to register the script in the Guild. Do that.

But I'd like to ask Scott's father this: Drew posted his script right here on this boards sometime ago. Is this a valid "proof" of a copyright? I mean, does the fact that his script have already been "published" here secure his ownership of it? Or is it the opposite? Could anyone steal his script from this board and say it was his?

 

Solo... Yes, its for "Piece Of Cake"

You bring up a good point... I would also like to know...

Tjough, I've made up my mind, I am eistering with the guild.

 

Just wondering....

What about the actual film?

Where do i go to get that protected?

 

Send 30 bucks, a filled-out Form PA and a copy of the finished work to the Library of Congress, and you'll get an official, real-deal Certificate of Copyright in return. Cool, eh?

Details here.

 

the mail thing is legit, I have seen it used in court.

EDIT: although that was for song lyrics, but theyre in the same boat

 

Actually, there are many examples of "The Poor Mans' Copyright" not holding up in court...there are many case examples available for review right online.

You are going to end up with a judge deciding which party he believes, because postmarks can be easily replicated with todays' software...and even with registered or certified mail, the receipt comes back to the sender (aka You), so forging is possible.

 

If you are worried about not being able to prove you wrote your script, mail it to yourself and don't open the envelope (the postmark will prove the date).

The Poor Mans Copywrite apparently is not legally upheld in court.

My friend is taking a few film/multimedia courses in college and he brought that up. The instructor said it does not hold up. It is still not a legal document.

I'll get more info, but just wanted to let you know before you try it.

 

If the script is an original script, then YES! You need to register the script with the WGA. They require a copy of the script being sent to them and charge a fee to register it. But I believe it's $20 now.
That will protect your idea.

The FORMPA copyright can also be used, sure.