I registered my script with the WGA and it says once I register it, changes can not be made. Is this true? I am not done writing but it is already registered was that a mistake? I was planning on sending it to people for feedback so I didn't want to send it out before it was registered. Also is registering it the same as copywriting it? Can I still make changes to my script?
Screenwriting : I registerred my script now what? by Lauren Bartling
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I wouldn't bother registering with WGA. Finish the script to best of your ability, register with U.S. copyright office then send script around for feedback and make changes if desired. Maybe just consider $ spent on WGA a sunk cost -- you'd need to register with copyright office in the future anyway.
I guess you can probably submit an edit , with an extra admin fee? Total guess.
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It is your work you can do what you want with it.
But if it no longer resembles what you registered, then it is a bit hard to claim they are the same work (if you ever had to prove it was yours).
Copyright automatically applies without registration the minute you create an unique artistic expression. Registering it just makes proving it easier.
Didn't realize copywriting it was better than WGA... good to know. I have some copywriting to do...
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When you commit the story to paper, you're automatically legally copyrighted. No need to officially copyright it. WGA registration is useless.
This comes from 2 different entertainment attorneys I've talked to with this very same question.
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Relax, you didn't screw up.
The handy thing about registering with the WGA is that you get a registration number immediately. Some contests or agents or listing services require either a copyright or WGA registration # before they'll accept/list or look at it. So - hurrah for expediency. It's also cheaper than registering a copyright.You don't have to register every draft of your script. In fact, I wouldn't register a second draft unless there are HUGE changes in it. (Even then - I'd consider waiting until it expires)
The WGA registration expires after five years - whereas copyright is lifetime plus (At the moment) 70 years.
While the WGA registration can be used to help prove authorship - it conveys no particular rights in a copyright lawsuit.
Getting a copyright registration can take several months. (I've gotten them as quickly as three - and as long as 12. All depends on how busy they are)
Understand - that your work is 'automatically' copyritten the moment you fix it in a tangible medium - BUT in order to get statutory damages in court - it needs to be registered with the copyright office. (Without registration - you might 'win' - and still get nothing) So registering the copyright - DOES mean more than simply the wga registration - or not registering.
My process is to register the first draft with the WGA. Then when I'm done re-writing it to the point of feeling it's ready to go out - I register it with the copyright office.
WGA is a private labor union. You gotta be a Member to receive any benefits such as minimum pay, residuals, healthcare, legal help.
Worry more about "Chain of Title". That's what Buyers and Reps (salespeople) care about.
Once you commit your writing to paper (or hard drive) - it's copyrighted, period. For the VAST majority of us/you; WGA registration (east or west) is of little/no value. No worthy Producer is willing to take the risk of stealing your work - if he really wants it, it's much cheaper to simply buy it. Let the paranoia go.
There is intrinsic copyright, but the only time I can imagine a person would really invoke that is if their work was (hypothetically) appropriated, and then they'd have to prove they were the author (most easily) via government copyright-registration for any redress.