I've written a short that, although it does not contain my or anyone I know's name, is clearly biographical. I would love to produce this script, but I know that as soon as I do I can count a lot of people I'm very close to being offended. Should I just tough it out, should I get someone else to produce it, or should this script never see the light of day? How have you handled scripts of a sensitive nature?
Screenwriting : The Biographical Screenplay by C.m. Andino
The Biographical Screenplay
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Do it. Who cares what they think.
You could warn them. You might need to legally ask their permission depending where you live.
I should have said autobiographical. Sorry for the confusion. I have thick skin, and don't really care what people think. What I worry about are the repercussions for my young children. Is there any way to soften the blow?
I'd tread carefully if it may have impact on your young children, could you change enough in the story so it wasn't obvious it's you as the subject?
I've changed it enough that it's not obvious to just anyone, but the people in my life will recognize themselves no matter what I do.
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Without knowing the specifics it's difficult to say... here's my top of the head thoughts 1) If the people in it will be offended, and may not speak to you again... then you have to decide if you can live with that. 2) If there will be a negative impact on your children, then can you cope with that and support them through that? 3) Is there any chance that the other people you will base characters on will take issue with it and sue you? You said that it's a short... one other alternative is to find a Director/Producer in Europe/Autralia etc and have it filmed abroad, you'd then have some control over who saw it. Good luck with it.
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Not just recognize themselves... but hire lawyers and sue you? Unless all of these people are public figures, you need releases from them. Are you making this yourself or hoping to sell this script? Because it sounds like a legal nightmare.
Thank you all for your comments. You have all been very helpful. I think I may just put this one away until my kids are a little older.