Best Way To Protect A Screenplay Is With Copyright - Travis Seppala
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In this Film Courage video interview, Screenwriter/Author Travis Seppala on Best Way To Protect A Screenplay Is With Copyright.
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I register all of my scripts with the Copyright Office. I don't trust the WGA because they always go on strike any and every time the WGA doesn't pay the writers who are members of the Writer's Guild. I already have twelve scripts and a book series registered with the Copyright Office.
Everyone should follow Jon Griffin’s great advice: *Timely register your scripts with the US Copyright Office.*
Jon Griffin even uses the correct terminology of “register/registering” (rather than “copyrighting”) his creative works with the USCO!
Registration really counts!
How expensive is it to register a script with the Copyright Office?
@@andreagrazianodibenedetto1464 *Copyright Registration Fees:* www.copyright.gov/about/fees.html
1) The fee to register ONE un-/published work (like one book or one article or one photograph or one painting or one cartoon or one poem or one script, etc.) with ONE author who’s the SAME copyright claimant, that’s neither a-work-for-hire project nor a derivative nor compilation nor collective work, that does NOT include any third-party creative media (like Public Domain, Creative Commons, or other licensed media - you MUST have created the ENTIRE work YOURSELF), is $45. Use the *“Single Application”* (on-line, aka, eCO application): th-cam.com/video/MkBiPQNDVBc/w-d-xo.html
Otherwise, to register ONE work with multiple authors and/or CC, Public Domain, and/or licensed media, etc., the fee is $65. Use the *“Standard Application”* (on-line, aka, eCO application): th-cam.com/video/6gNkssUfYas/w-d-xo.html
2) To register a group of up to TEN *UN-published* (non-photographic) works of the *SAME kind of medium type” (like *all literary works,* like three un-published novels, three un-published poems, and or four un-published scripts, etc.) the fee is $85 total. See the tutorial *“Group Registration of Unpublished Works”:* th-cam.com/video/eR14iSM4esQ/w-d-xo.html
*US Copyright Office Information & FREE Tutorials (information and links are current as of February 15, 2012): otherwise, visit the **www.copyright.gov*
3) Copyright Registration: th-cam.com/video/mM5fs2TCMKs/w-d-xo.html
4) Submitting Your Work to the Copyright Office: th-cam.com/video/0w29otj5s6Y/w-d-xo.html
5) US Copyright Office Registration Portal: www.copyright.gov/registration/
6) Copyright Office FAQ: www.copyright.gov/help/faq/index.html
7) US Copyright Law basics: www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf
@@cnlicnli Thank you very much good sir, appreciate!
@@andreagrazianodibenedetto1464 Good Luck!
I see comments about copyright vs registration, for anyone interested according to destinationlegal.com REGISTERED COPYRIGHT is a protection provided by the U.S. government (and many other governments) for an ‘original’ tangible work. In the case of most creative entrepreneurs this will include things like articles, online courses, blog posts, pictures, or ebooks.
While "copyright" IS automatic and you do have rights just by creating content, REGISTRATION is not automatic.
While there is a presumption that this is your work even without notice or registration, you cannot seek a claim for copyright infringement unless it is registered. What this means: If someone steals your content and you haven’t registered with the government, you have no right to take legal action against them! The only thing you can do is send a Cease & Desist letter and/or contact the web host to let them know what’s up.
Question: what if you copyright the original screenplay, gets panned by potential studios, and you change the storyline? Like all the characters are the same, have the same roles, but maybe change stakes. Would you have to submit a new copy right?
*Copyright Registration Fees & Registration Tutorials & Tips:*
1) The fee to register *ONE* un-/published work (like one book or one article or one photograph or one painting or one cartoon or one poem or one script, etc.) with ONE author who’s the SAME copyright claimant, that’s neither a-work-for-hire project nor a derivative nor compilation nor collective work, that does NOT include any third-party creative media (like Public Domain, Creative Commons, or other licensed media - you MUST have created the ENTIRE work YOURSELF), is $45. Use the *“Single Application”* (on-line, aka, eCO application): th-cam.com/video/MkBiPQNDVBc/w-d-xo.html
Otherwise, to register *ONE* work with multiple authors and/or CC, Public Domain, and/or licensed media, etc., the fee is $65. Use the *“Standard Application”* (on-line, aka, eCO application): th-cam.com/video/6gNkssUfYas/w-d-xo.html
2) To register a group of up to TEN *UN-published* (non-photographic) works of the *SAME kind of medium type” (like *all literary works,* like three un-published novels, three un-published poems, and or four un-published scripts, etc.) the fee is $85 total. See the tutorial *“Group Registration of Unpublished Works”:* th-cam.com/video/eR14iSM4esQ/w-d-xo.html
*US Copyright Office Information & FREE Tutorials (information and links are current as of February 15, 2012): otherwise, visit the **www.copyright.gov*
3) Copyright Registration: th-cam.com/video/mM5fs2TCMKs/w-d-xo.html
4) Submitting Your Work to the Copyright Office: th-cam.com/video/0w29otj5s6Y/w-d-xo.html
5) US Copyright Office Registration Portal: www.copyright.gov/registration/
6) Copyright Office FAQ: www.copyright.gov/help/faq/index.html
7) US Copyright Law basics: www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf
Can changes be made to a script after it's copyrighted? Are there limits to how much a copyrighted script can be changed?
Honestly? I'm not 100% sure. I suggest not copyrighting until it's ready to go out.
Audie Thacker wrote, “Can changes be made to a script after it's copyrighted? Are there limits to how much a copyrighted script can be changed?”
Yes. After you *“register”* your script with the US Copyright Office/USCO (NOT copyright it; your script already has automatic copyright upon creation), you can register a derivative of the original script.
Using the USCO’s on-line registration procedure (aka eCO), use the “Standard Application” at $65. In your application, you’ll have to identify any pre-existing work (your original script) and what new authorship (changes) you added to the derivative work. See th-cam.com/video/6gNkssUfYas/w-d-xo.html
Your original issued copyright “Certificate of Registration” will be part of your second (derivative) registration and its Certificate. Your derivative work does not replace the original work.
Adding “substantive” changes, like removing/adding a chapter/s, extending a storyline, adding new characters, etc. would warrant filing a derivative copyright claim. If, however, your changes are mere grammatical/spelling, then you may not have to submit a derivative application.
If you made a mistake in filling out your copyright registration application or want to amplify some of its information, like you forgot to add your friend as a co-script writer, contact the USCO and ask them how to prepare a “Supplemental Application”.
Good Luck!
@@travisseppala4318 Travis Seppala wrote, “I suggest not copyrighting [registering it] until it's ready to go out.”
Even if a script is not quite finished or you’re expecting to make changes later on, you’re URGE to *“register”* it with the US Copyright Office *BEFORE(!)* you begin shopping it around (register the work as un-published).
Using the on-line eCO “Standard Application,” you can register the finished script later on as a derivative work.
@CheekyNi wrote, “…it’s best to finish it [your script], and have it go through all its drafts to its final product before shopping it around or selling it.”
I agree: Completing and finalizing your script, and then *IMMEDIATELY registering it with the US Copyright Office* is a prudent plan *BEFORE* you begin to shop it around.
However, if an interested party wants to read your unfinished script, you can accommodate that request - just get it immediately registered BEFORE sending it. That way you’re best protected.
How do you protect your finished scripts?
Will you now use copyright?
I understand getting my screenplay copy written and keeping track of who I give the script to... But how do I keep track of people if I enter my screenplay in a screenplay contest? They will probably have multiple people judging my screenplay over many contests.
Should I copyright my screenplay before submitting it to any kind of script competition?
Yes.
hunderoz - yes, I did.
JA G Thanks! I have another question though. Let’s say I want to submit to a US competition but I live in the EU. Should I copyright my script in my home country or should I get it done in the US?
@@HunDeroz both.
@@HunDeroz it will not hurt having it copyrighted in the US and EU. In fact, i know that international copyright laws are similar across the board but to be on the safer side it wouldn't hurt you to have it copyrighted in the EU and US
Travis says register the script when it's finished. Sure. But scripts are never finished. They're living documents. So, after the first draft? Before you're ready to release it into the wild? Timing has always been question. Given that from a first draft to a fifth or tenth draft, a script can look totally different. Thanks in advance.
Before sending it out into the world. Eventually, you have to be "done" with your script. Stop rewriting it, and have it be ready for producers, reps, contests, etc to look at.
@@travisseppala4318 Kinda figured that, it made the most sense. Appreciate the confirmation. Best of luck to you.
70% complete
Question: Is the following standard boiler plate for submitting scripts? ""I understand and agree that I will not be entitled to any compensation because of the use by COMPANY NAME of any such similar or identical material." I was asked to sign with this text when submitting a script. The word "Identical" gave me pause.
Do we put the copyright or registration number on the cover page of the Screenplay? Or just notify whatever party that the script is registered? Please let me know I'm hearing contradictory opinions on this matter.
Not sure if anyone is you going to answer. My question: Should I copyright the first draft of my script? Should I just copyright the storyline and not the script?
What if the script needs to be modify during the actual shooting days. Will the copyright that I registered before the production still be protected?
The answer to first question is in above comment or inside it.
We are copyrighting a script to savw it from being stolen when sharing or telling the script to a producer, director or actor anyone, if the shooting is already started then its not required to copyright at all because you are already making the film. It's not in production a script gets stolen but in the process of finding producers or directors or actors or production controller etc, we have to be careful with this people when sharing a script, if the work is started then no problem
I'm currently storyboarding . ..
I tend to write stuff so bad that no-one in their right mind would want to steal it.
Me: 1 - Facists: 0
So very true. Just do it. :o)
The thing is that how to define a finished script. A director can change the script and producer can change the script.
So every revised version will have to be copyrighted?
Check a comment above...
At what point shoul I copy right my script? Before anyone sees it? Comsidering the fact that I'm probalbly going to rewite it..
Would I have to copy right it again aftewards? Why/why not?
Alex L writes, “At what point shoul I copy right my script? Before anyone sees it? Comsidering the fact that I'm probalbly going to rewite it.. Would I have to copy right it again aftewards? Why/why not?”
Even if a script is not quite finished or you’re expecting to make changes later on, you’re URGE to *“register”* it with the US Copyright Office *BEFORE(!)* you begin shopping it around (register the work as un-published).
Using the on-line eCO “Standard Application,” you can register the finished script later on as a derivative work.
I just finished a script about 3 hours ago. It was my first script, should I register for WGA?
Absolutely!
@@travisseppala4318 for somereason it said i was not approced and should contactthem lol. im new to this, do ineed to have representation or something??
How many days it took to write...??
@@DevoFrames No, you don't need a rep to copyright. That's odd. Did it give a reason for not approving?
Travis Seppala mood, just said “please contact us” lol
>I< GOT THIS.....🙏 ✏📒 I BELIEVE ...
Don't need to pay for copyright in Australia. Plenty of scams out there.
Probably because they cba
I think I'm being paranoid. But, I did a script swap with this person on Reddit. I read his script that day, and sent him the feedback. But, he never commented on the feedback I gave (it was all positive). I was afraid to criticize it because he said he scored an 8 on a Black List evaluation, and after reading it, I had my doubts. So, I focused on the good. Buy he never messaged me back. I messaged him today, and still nothing. It's only been a day and a half since we swapped scripts. But, this person, who suddenly decided to ghost me, makes me nervous. Ideas? Am I being crazy? I've swapped before, and this has never been a problem.
Stop swapping scripts.
@@ShreeNation Hi. Yeah, this was a while ago. I forgot about this. I was wondering though, do you mean don't swap because I'm paranoid, or because it's just a bad practice to begin with? I was just wondering. I was also debating whether it's a good idea to do a script swap for the next one I finish.
Does these two ways of protecting your script work internationally?
Each country has its own copyright office. Many have their own writers guilds. I'm honestly not sure beyond that. Sorry.
Pessimiste89 - Good question, I do all my writing in EU - so I made an umbrella business here carrying over my writing companies name. This is to protect myself of being sued in case of claims of plagiarism. I have a script copyrighted in the USA, but I don’t think that carries to EU? Although, I have linked the copyright to my business - so Ill have to check.
Most countries outside the US do not have a formal copyright registration system.
In the US, creatives help prove their copyright authorship (creation) and copyright ownership by quickly registering their works/scripts with the US Copyright Office, as this grants authors *“prime facie evidence” (“presumptive legal proof”).* See 17 USC § 410 (Registration of claim and issuance of certificate) & 17 USC 506(e) (False Representation [Criminal Offenses]).
I have to believe that a *Certificate of Registration* issued by the US Copyright Office could be used in Berne signatory countries (UK, Germany, Australia, Canada, Japan, etc.) to help prove an international artist’s authorship and copyright ownership claims in their home country. I also have to believe that a court outside the United States would respect & honor official documents issued by the US Copyright Office/the Library/Congress/the US Government.
US Copyright Registration benefits *ALL* international artists! In this US attorney article, just replace the word “companies” with “writers,” “creatives,” “photographers,” “videographers,” etc.: donahue.com/resources/publications/copyrights-registered-u-s/
You do not have to copy write something for it to hold up in court. Simply writing it gives you copywriter which will hold up. Having it stamped means you can prove it.
well, if its not registered, how in the fuck will you prove you wrote it first
@@spacecatboy2962 If you wrote it online, I assume the website has records of when you began writing and every time you edited it etc
Yeah is this wasn't the case, copyright abuse would be much worse! Imagine the idea that someone can copyright something you personally created! That being said, it's good to have legal documented proof
Space Catboy Just email the PDF to yourself before sending it to anyone
That's not true AT ALL!
I've had a producer sign an NDA. So.....He's wrong
But this video didn’t talk about the process...
Yep. So wrong about NDA. Pros will sign them without a second thought
What's NDA..??
Non-disclosure agreement
@@filmcourage ohhh... Thank you... What's the significance of it...?
@@mohamedmubeen4583 NDA (non-disclosure agreement) basically states that
1) you won't sue the producer if they have something similar to your scipt because they are always developing and may have something like it already in the works
2) you're not going to go around blabbing anything you and they discuss (like if they wanted to hire you for a project, you can't then go talking about that project on twitter)
@@travisseppala4318 ohhh kk.. Got it.. Thank you for your explanation... It means a lot...
He is confusing copyright protection with copyright registration. You don't need the latter in order to have the former.
I don't get it
What's the difference, can u elaborate?
Registration is filing with the government to get a piece of paper that says you "copyrighted" your work. This doesn't prove that you created the work though. You could steal it and then register it.
Protection is that legally your work is actually copyrighted because you created it, regardless of registration.
You have to weigh the cost of registration, especially if you are a prolific writer, vs. the likelihood of actually having legal action. For most of us, this is extraordinarily unlikely.
@@atallguynh what's the cost difference, seems like ur saying its really expensive
@@novelenterprise it's not expensive, but if you do it a lot it could add up:
www.copyright.gov/about/fees.html
Wish he woulda slowed down from abut 0:42 - 0:51. He kinda just blurts out generalities ...which could have been really broken down with specifics.
"especially with the way they change their registration and stuff only goes like overall..." What does that mean?
Sorry. This is series of vids with Film Courage is my first time being interviewed like this.
To be honest, I rewatched the section in question and even I'm not sure what point I was trying to make! lol But I believe I was pointing out that the copyright is an over-all vs having each draft protected. TECHNICALLY, each new draft would need to be it's own copyright in order to protect each draft. Which is why I suggest not copyrighting until the script is 100% ready to go out into the world.
@@travisseppala4318 Your talk here was very helpful Travis. Thanks for the information.
How to copyright a script
Most artists think very highly of themselves but the overwhelming majority of ppl dont have anything worth stealing lol
The overwhelming majority don’t practice or try hard enough.
My cousin came up to me at a cookout and said “Josh, I have this killer idea. You can’t tell anyone about it..” Then he started telling me about a Time travel western sci fi thing, and I almost laughed in his face.
@@saluteyoursnorts ideas are not copyrightable. Only finished products.
As funny as your statement is, it's kind of irrelevant. Thinking highly over yourself has nothing to do with it. If you want to be a professional artist, you need to act like one, and copyrighting your projects is part of that process. It's about being smart and not getting fucked over later.
First
An NDA sent to a producer by a writer means 'Nother Damn Amateur.
I'm almost sure it means 'non-disclosure agreement'
@@prezadent1 He's making a joke.
@@travisseppala4318 I know he was *trying* to make a joke. My reply was to relay that the 'joke' was so bad I thought it wasn't a joke. Woooosh on you, lol.
Why do you steal people's scripts? Just deal with them. You earn hundred millions and you give script writers two or three hundred thousand dollars. And still, you want to steal that amount?
Be honest and dont make people busy with your dirty issues