Hey people, I've been away, studying and writing :) Well, I've come across some conflicting ideas about script ideas, registration/copyright and the first idea to be produced (When several ideas are the same). First of all, we're aware about the essence of registering a written work of arts - screenplay, and while we may hold on to such rights, I still think we must act cautiously. My point is, while several scripts (be they good or bad), are being posted on Amazon Studio and made public, can there be any guarantees as per the registration of the screenplay idea? For one, I don't think so. Some would give the advantages of posting a script on amazon studio, which is totally acceptable, but for a truly creative writer who for some reason, runs short of inspiration and wants to write outside his inspiration or line maybe reads your script and feels he can write his own out of your idea - such as would slightly be different from yours either in style, presentation or plot and then goes ahead to produce it while yours is still waiting for approval or something. Now, a story has already been said and whether we agree or not, it has been said twice but viewed...? I would say once, based on who produces his first. So, how would you advice beginners who place their stories on such websites (I say gamble). PS: Missed you too :)
Screenwriting : Conflicting ideas over a registered script that haven't been produced and similar script ideas that are produced by Conrad Ekeke
Conflicting ideas over a registered script that haven't been produced and similar script ideas that are produced
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I love your comment Dan, how about when you don't and someone who can make it unique see it and makes it real and unique? You know, some ideas might be poorly presented don't mean they can't cross the mark. Or would we agree and say only unreal stories which are not unique, should be sent to such websites that promise opportunities for the unpopular screenwriters as such? I like your POV though.
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You can not copyright an idea, only the execution of that idea. So the key is to have the best possible execution (writing, etc). New writers often thing there is widespread idea theft in Hollywood, but it hardly ever actually happens. It's cheaper in the long run to just buy the script and have it rewritten. And (in my experience) most people who are worried about having their ideas stolen have terrible ideas that no one would ever want to steal. Being a screenwriter is about writing - and about the writing. Ideas are important, but so is execution. Most of the time your script is a "job application" for an assignment, so they read the script in the first place because you have an amazing idea, and then the rest of the script needs to be filled with amazing ideas and fantastic writing. Because we all swim in the same pond, it is likely that other people will come up with the same ideas that you do.
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I totally agree with you William. Dan that's also true, which brings us to the stealing part, William. I wouldn't say "stealing" isn't appropriate even though it sounds that way. Let's look at it as making a terrible idea become wonderful, for someone who gets creatively ignited by a "terrible idea" and can make it look better. And quite likely, we're swimming in the same pond and how would one advice a newbie who finds such sites as an opportunity to rise? Consider, this newbie doesn't have a "terrible idea". Thanks for your comments guys :)
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It's very simple: if you post a project on Amazon Studios, you have the option of keeping it private (i.e. - between you and whoever's reading the script at Amazon) or making it public for a 45-day evaluation period. Once that evaluation period ends, whether they've read and evaluated it or not, you have the option of making it public (or doing nothing, which will automatically make it public) or taking it down. At that point, since Amazon is no longer considering the material for development or production, simply take it down … unless you're interested in getting generalized feedback and votes from other users, and potentially allowing someone who has no legal stake in the matter to read and rip off your material. So long as your project is kept private, the only two parties that have access to it are you and Amazon Studios, and if Amazon then turned around and made a project that was incredibly similar to yours (probably unlikely), you'd have grounds for a lawsuit.
That's true Matthew.
Conrad do you have a credit card
I think that i found something that can help both of us for 30.00
Topher Rhys-Lawrence, Creative Executive with Atlas Entertainment. Atlas Entertainment is one of the largest production companies in town. They've produced hit films like SUICIDE SQUAD, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, THE BANK JOB, and AMERICAN HUSTLE (nominated for 10 Academy Awards, winner of 3 Golden Globes). Topher looks for material ripe for production or development with Atlas Entertainment and Atlas Independent. He is looking for all genres of screenplays and pilots! Click here to pitch to Topher.Topher Rhys-Lawrence, Creative Executive with Atlas Entertainment. Atlas Entertainment is one of the largest production companies in town. They've produced hit films like SUICIDE SQUAD, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, THE BANK JOB, and AMERICAN HUSTLE (nominated for 10 Academy Awards, winner of 3 Golden Globes). Topher looks for material ripe for production or development with Atlas Entertainment and Atlas Independent. He is looking for all genres of screenplays and pilots! Click here to pitch to Topher.
Hi Rushil, I'm on a comic book. Something about some weak guy becoming a super hero and would have to save the city from an alien attack - his powers come from the aliens - and must prove to the police that he's not responsible for the many atrocities done. Meanwhile his girlfriend and best friend get trapped and held hostage by these aliens, he's faced with a tough choice of saving his friends, the city and not involve the police. I'd started a screenplay on that but let's see what the turn out would be with a comic book. Thanks.
how about we write a novel based off of some form of history
The only thing that can be protected is a unique expression. Which is your version of an idea, not the idea. Here are some examples: take criminals and make them into heroes to fight bad guys: "The Dirty Dozen" & "suicide squad". A hero with a secret identity saving the city.... the list is too long to type from a phone. I'll tell everyone my ideas. As already stated ideas are free. Plus I have more than one story in me. Plus a script is about 2% of a budget, the movie is still going to cost the other 98%. They save virtually nothing. Plus they risk their 98% because you could tie up production or release with court action.