I have copyrighted all my feature screenplays, easiy enough, one and done.
I have now started writing a series, I have the pilot written, done detailed outlines of episodes 2-10, and high level outlines of seasons 2-5.
What is the best way to safeguard this IP?
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Novelise the pilot at the very least - novelisations usually act as a form of insurance. That way, you have some degree of control over how your work is used.
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I've registered a series bible with the U.S. Copyright Office, David Miller. I've heard of writers registering a pilot script and series bible. Maybe with the "Group of Unpublished Works" option. www.copyright.gov/registration/performing-arts I suggest contacting the Copyright Office to be sure. Their contact info is at the bottom of their website.
If you register a series bible, don't put any copyrighted material in it (like pictures). The Copyright Office will reject your application. I made that mistake.
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Being blunt, and because I wouldn't want to see a writer wasting their time, you shouldn't be writing episodes. Those will not be wanted by a network. Some don't even want to see a pilot.
I'm not sure what's going on, but I'm hearing about writers doing this more and more, to the point it's becoming normalised. Until a year or two ago, I don't think I'd ever heard of a screenwriter putting energy into episodes. Now I'm hearing about people penning an entire season, plus more. Unless it's going to be novelised, it's a waste of time that could be better spent on new specs.
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Thanks everyone. I've scripted the pilot, detailed outlined the first season, high level detailed seasons 2-5. I created a series bile and was able to load it along with the pilot screenplay to the copyright site, so all is good (I hope).
You're welcome, David Miller.