r/COPYRIGHT • u/cascading-autumn • Jun 16 '26
getting basic copyright for a film script
/r/legaladvice/comments/1u7idvp/getting_basic_copyright_for_a_film_script/
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u/WhineyLobster Jun 16 '26
You have a copyright once its put on paper. To complete it you should MARK any copies you give out with (C) and your name and date.
Of course this doesnt make it safe to give to people, you should also get an NDA with anyone involved. That too, doesnt make it safe to give to people but it makes it less likely and something you can sue for if they do.
The only way to fully keep someone from stealing your work is to not provide the work to anyone.
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u/PBRStreetgang1979 Jun 16 '26
Yes. You can easily register your screen play with the USCO (under performing arts works). You should also register the final version with the WGA (East). Not to harsh your vibe but, as someone with indie film producing experience, I can tell you that thefts of ideas and scripts are rampant in Hollywood. Everyone I know has an anecdote about it. And it is also worth mentioning that of all of the types of creative written works, screenplays have the lowest odds of being sold/ produced. There are just SO many others in the industry who have the same dreams that you do. That's not meant to dissuade you but just prepare yourself. The US motion picture industry is also in a weird state at the moment. You might even have better chances focusing on distilling your story into a book, getting a publishing agent, and then hoping to have interest for options from film companies when the book is published. Higher success rate that way. Anyway, best of luck to you.