Is it a better idea to register my script through WGA instead of registering that same script for copyright with my country's intellectual properties office? The book I'm reading says registering for copyright > registering with WGA, but my screenwriting professor says the opposite. What's the general consensus on this one?
Screenwriting : Quick question by Adam Jestin
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Thanks Nick.
Both, but the Copyright office is the most important.
Very good question .Adam Jestin I asked myself the same. I have never heard of a Copyright Office in Germany though...and the intellectual properties office is not for writers.
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Copyright office.
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Copyright. It's your life plus 70 years. WGA is only 5 years. Most screenplays circulate for 10 years - so 5 years isn't going to help.
William Martell yeah, that´s what it says in Germany too, no explicit copyright necessary. The moment you write it, you own it. But...it´s often required to copyright your work first, if you want to send it in for a contest. And which service should i choose then ?
Good point William Martell.
Good Advice...
https://youtu.be/l-e5qjqT2ZoI always say copyright office. I'm not really sure the WGA registration means much in a court of law.
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In the end it's whatever makes you feel the most 'safe'. Many people don't bother to copyright at all. As soon as you've finished a script it is legally your intellectual property! Email it to a few people and there's your 'proof'. If you're worred about keeping your title so noone else can ever use it ever, then yes copyright it with the state. If you want to just feel safe, copyright it with the WGA cuz that's faster, easier and I think a bit cheaper (and it's nice to support the WGA). Remember, no one can copyright ideas. Only finished scripts.
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my agent/agency wants every script copyrighted. I have never asked why though and I dont make a fuss. It's bare mimimum expense $ to play this game.
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If you feel the need, copyright. WGA reg means nothing in court (so I've been told by attorneys). As Sarah said, you have protection the instant you write it down. And again told to me by entertainment attorneys, if it gets to court, copyright, WGA, whatever - doesn't matter. Whoever has the biggest lawyers wins.