Might be a foolish question, but I've long been mulling this over in my head. I have a fondness for history in my own writing (I have yet to write a contemporary script), and am contemplating my next WIP, a biopic. Source materials have been few, save for an informative book that I've been pouring over. I don't own the rights to said book to make it a true adaptation, but I want to stay true to the themes. Is it possible to still write an original screenplay, while using the book as reference?
In the past, I've adapted two pieces of pre-existing material (one, a biopic that I used as a calling card, the other, a book in the public domain), so I want to make sure the legalities are in order. Being that no one owns the rights to a public figure, I assume I'm answering my own question as I write this.
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Interesting question legality wise. I'd assume no. Using the book as reference material will undoubtedly lead you to loosely adapting it without the rights. Definitely a question best suited to a lawyer, and only you know how much you're taking from the book at this stage. This question reads to me like you want to hear an "it's okay, do it." and that you're trying to convince yourself there won't be a problem. Staying true to the themes sounds like an issue. Have you tried reaching out to the author of the book to get the rights?
go on clubhouse and get your answers
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Nick Assunto not yet, but that's been a possibility.
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Nick Assunto a follow-up, I reached out to the author. We'll see how it goes.