Many writers worry about "idea theft," allowing it to be the reason they don't tell people about their projects, won't publically post their loglines, or won't apply for contests and fellowships for this reason. But the fact is, copyright law protects the expression of an idea but not the idea itself.

Can someone steal your script?

If you need to sue them later, you'll need to prove that they had access to your script. Generally speaking, scripts are safe to hand around because they are protected by copyright. Don't run around pitching all your ideas, because under the law, ideas are not property -- you can't own them, and you can't steal them.

How do I protect my screenplay from being stolen?

Registering scripts with the Writers Guild of America is useful because it creates a public record of your claim to authorship, and it's convenient because you receive quick confirmation of the registration and can even register materials online. The process is relatively simple.

How can I legally protect my screenplay?

Screenplay copyrights and WGA registration. There are two main ways that you can protect your screenplay from theft – using the Writer's Guild of America's (WGA) registration service or sending it to the Library of Congress for a copyright.

Are movie scripts protected by copyright?

Remember, copyright protects the expression of an idea, not the idea itself. So, a script or screenplay, as a detailed expression of an idea, is copyrightable.

What If Producers Steal Your Screenplay? - Rachel K. Ofori

Who owns the rights to a script?

As a screenwriter writing an original spec script — a screenplay written under speculation that you will sell it to someone — the moment you write the script is the moment that you own that copyright of it, which includes all exclusive ownership rights mentioned above.

Who owns the copyright to a script?

Registering a Script

In this case, you or your company is the copyright holder and should be listed under “Name of Author.” On the other hand, if a writer has created the screenplay on his own, and he is then selling it to you, the writer would be the author.

How much does it cost to copyright a script?

Create an online account at www.copyright.gov (no charge for that). Log in and start a new “claim” (a new copyright application). Fill in the online form (between about 8 and 12 screens of information). Pay the government filing fee of $35 or $ 55 with your credit card.

How long does screenplay copyright last?

As a general rule, for works created after January 1, 1978, copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years.

How long does it take to copyright a script?

Copyright registration is effective on the date the U.S. Copyright Office receives the completed application and appropriate fees. When you file for copyright, you will receive an email confirming your application has been received. On average, it takes about 3 months for a copyright to be registered.

How do I protect my writing from being copied?

How do you get someone to buy your screenplay?

Do I need to register my screenplay?

Copyright automatically exists when you write something. Proof that you completed the work and the date by which you completed it is valuable, but stealing scripts is fairly rare. That said, there may be comfort in registering your IP.

What happens if you sell a script?

If you say you sold a script, that means that you wrote an original script, and a network, studio, streamer or production company bought it to record and turn into a movie or the pilot episode of a TV show.

How do you know if a script is copyrighted?

There are several ways to search for copyright registration records for scripts and other dramatic works. Use the Copyright Office database for works submitted after 1978. Items registered for copyright after 1978 may be found in the Copyright Online Catalog.

What are the odds of getting a screenplay produced?

Well, if you've been around for a while, you know the odds are about the same as winning the state lottery, approximately 50,000 to 1. Yes, one out of every fifty thousand submitted actually get made into a movie.

What is the #1 rule when writing a screenplay?

1. Tell a good story. This is the single most important “rule” in all of screenwriting.

How much does the average screenplay sell for?

Feature-Length Films

This is your standard feature film. For this type of screenplay, the Writer's Guild of America pays anywhere from around $70,000 and upwards of $150,000, meaning the average feature film script clocks in at just over $100,000.

How hard is it to sell a screenplay?

Selling a script takes a lot of hard work, loads of planning, and little luck, but the good news is that people sell scripts every day. Hollywood is hungry for fresh voices and new stories. And while it can be challenging to get traction for your screenplay, there is a market for your script.

How much does Netflix pay for scripts?

How much will Netflix pay for a script? The WGA reports that the median total pay for a screenplay deal with Netflix was $375,000, and the highest salary was reported as $4,000,000. As for rewrite deals, Netflix paid a median of $150,000, and the highest pay totaled $1,600,000.

Does Amazon still accept scripts?

Now, Amazon Studios' crowdsourced-script program is dead, a tacit acknowledgement by the ecommerce giant's entertainment division that it will only produce stuff greenlit the traditional, Hollywood way. As of April 13, 2018, Amazon Studios is no longer accepting unsolicited submissions.

Can I copyright my script for free?

In general, all you need to do is create a work of authorship and write it down or otherwise record it somewhere. This will automatically create copyright protections. In theory, you do not need to own the original copy in order to own the copyright.

Who do I sell my script to?

One of the best ways to find someone who might be interested in purchasing your screenplay is to contact a producer or production company. If you don't already have contacts in the industry, you can start by researching development executives and potential buyers based on what type of script you are selling.

Who do I show my script to?

Look for people who might be interested in your work.

Start by searching for producers and managers on IMDbPro to find people who seem like a good match for your script's overall vibe. If there are pitch fests or similar events coming up, they can be a great way to get your script seen by a lot of eyes.

Do screenwriters own their work?

The script itself is always considered an original creation to which IP rights are attached. The producer typically hires a script writer to produce a short narrative canvas for the film and a first draft; the agreement may also specify any further drafts, re-writes or polishes that are expected for agreed fees.