I've written two short-film screenplays, and was just wondering what anyone's thoughts are on putting them up in a community such as this for feedback, especially since I don't have the means to copyright them as of now. I realize the whole "It's your story, nobody can write it better than you" but I still don't know about the whole thing.
TL;DR
Is it safe to post rough draft/finished screenplays on Stage32 for feedback?
That's a good question. I don't know if it's ever safe to put your work out there but sometimes you just have to trust in the Universe and jump in. Personally, I hedged my bets. I put up EXCERPTS from two of my screenplays-- but they're both already copyright protected and registered with the Writers Guild. I have others, but am not sure if I want to put them up or not. This provides a good sense of my writing skills and if someone is interested in reading a whole project, they can contact me personally to ask for them.
Best wishes!
Yes, it is safe. Jared and Brijit, understand you already have instant, immediate protections under "copyright" the very second you create a fixed work, e.g., a screenplay, which lasts your lifetime plus 70 years—at no cost. You register a claim of copyright with the LOC, which is purely voluntary. A simple, single registration costs $35 (one claimant, not for hire). So, say, a simple registration for a spec screenplay that you have written on your own that you wish to submit to a screenwriting contest, etc. Registering has become common practice and expected within the industry because should you have the very rare need to bring about a lawsuit you will need to have a registered claim in order to do so. Plus it gives you stronger legal standing in a court of law should the need ever arise, which again is rare. And many in the industry will not accept a script that has not been registered -- your registration protects them too. However, you cannot claim copyright of an idea or a title, only of a fixed work—a specific execution. And trademark is something else entirely. Ironically, the more you post and share your work the more public evidence you create that the work is indeed yours. So no need for paranoia. I kindly suggest you get the facts. And share whatever in whichever way you feel most comfortable. Hope that helps! ;) Go to https://www.copyright.gov/registration/
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That's what I thought, I just try to be as careful as possible. I know when it comes to the internet there's people who can be extremely crafty when it comes to finding loopholes and whatnot. Thanks for the confirmation nonetheless!