Screenwriting : Script registration by Michael John

Hi Michael - several lawyers have told me if you have your material registered with the WGA, you're protected with a clear date and timeline. I'm sure other lawyers may disagree, but just thought I'd pass on the information, my friend!

Registering with the WGA is not copyrighting your script. A script is copyrighted when it is created, but you need to be able to prove ownership. That's why you should register with the LOC.

The WGA provides protection and additional representation to its members.

Comparison guide here: https://nofilmschool.com/WGA-Register-or-Copyright-my-script

Michael John yes I posted two scripts, they are WGA-registered and also copyright registered with the copyright office, my novel is filed with the LOC,

my understanding is that I'm on pretty solid ground but yes it's up to each individual to set up our own intellectual property protection that satisfies us,

so that members have a clear understanding that Stage 32 does NOT "provide" those aspects of IP security or control..

I post all of mine. Getting stolen is probably my best chance of having it prodiuced.

Michael John I host all mine at Scriptrevolution.com they can be downloaded from there. I think most people don’t post their work here, because people don’t come here to find writers. This is a community of writer more than a marketplace.

To put your mind at rest there is some simple math to explain why people don’t steal. Your work is 100% value to you. But it is 2% (or less) of the cost of a film. If a producer steals from a writer, a simple court order preventing the release of a film until script ownership was settled. This puts 98% of a producers investment at risk. Plus the producer has no power in the decision. The judge could give 50% of film in damages (or something equally stupid).

Would you risk 98% of what you have to save 2%? I wouldn’t.

Plus there are millions of scripts. There will be another as good under the next rock.

I copyright my scripts and also host them on Script Revolution, where they can be downloaded by other Script Revolution members. Every time one of my scripts is downloaded, I get an email from Script Revolution. I can also see who downloads it and their IP address. While Craig makes excellent points on why people don't steal, I just like knowing these details.

I don't host my scripts on Stage 32 because, to my knowledge, they do not provide these details. Every platform has its plusses and minuses. Do what makes you feel comfortable.

NOTE to self, Script Revolution, thanks so much Andrea & Craig & posting the question, Michael ! New to the site & I can find no mention, posting, job description of Literary-Script managers, the guys or gals who go out & hustle, market & sell your script to the motion picture studios before you enlist a contractual, state licensed Agent ?

Yes, you can totally post your scripts. Not everyone on the site is a screenwriter. Also, the more places you post it (Script Revolution, Black List, CoverFly), the better your chances. You should definitely consider pitching your scripts as well, though. Not everyone will come to your profile to find your script, but it's good to have it there to make it easier for those who do.

As long as your register it with the WGA, it's safe, but remember, that doesn't mean someone can't steal your fresh concept or general idea and write the same thing with enough differences to keep their new property safe from your infringement claims. To be protected, a script must be almost exactly like the one written later by someone else. Hope this helps!

I actually just posted asking if NDA's are included with sign up for pitch sessions here.. sat across table with major players many times; but, NDA's were always done prior!

Great question, Jon Raven! NDAs are not required because to discuss them outside of the context of the service is against Stage 32's policy, which both parties agree to when you sign up for the service. Since the service is educational in nature, there is plenty of evidence to track who came into contact with the information and when.

Also, when you're trying to sell your script, you want to get it into as many hands as possible. NDAs are typically what you sign once you've sold the script and you're attempting to attach major players. To request an NDA from someone who is just giving you feedback on a script or is attempting to help you secure funding stops the process before it begins.

Thank You Karen... so part two of question could lawyer be conferenced in?

To be blunt.. "to discuss outside of context" is vague from status quo legal pov. Though one has certain proprietary copyrights... even registered material "must be defended to be maintained". I have been lucky in my career as not to NEED to sell any one thing. If "context" is not expressly defined... then the term in a major liability case certainly could... and would be challenged..

WGA registration isn't safe at all.

LOC is the only copyright claim system that entitles a claimant to statutory damages. That makes a huge difference when employing legal representation.

Services like WGA's are there as a backups and offer lower costs to their membership as an added benefit. WGA members pay half that of the general public.

There's also the issue of what an industry member is going to accept if you ever come to sell and they need to secure the chain of title. There may be both union and distributor demands in place that they're shooting from a script registered with the LOC. They're also going to be very wary of anything that's been shared around without a copyright claim in place.

Anyone in a country that belongs to the Berne Union is protected by the Berne Convention which gives you ownership of copyright by default without the need to file a claim with evidence. However, given that we're talking about £35 to file a claim from the comfort of your home on a script potentially worth millions, it's crazy not to do it.

Exactly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The U.S. Copyright Office is a better choice. https://screencraft.org/2013/04/06/copyright-vs-wga-registry/