How To Copyright Your Film Script?

Should I copyright my film script or just go for it and get it out there?

I remember this day as if it were yesterday. I’d finally gotten the final approval from a script supervisor that my script was officially complete. It took me 5 long years to hear those words, so it really meant a lot. It was a sleepless night that night, but also bittersweet.

It felt as if the journey had come to an end, but little did I know, it was only the beginning.

The high of figuring out what qualities, characteristics, and features to give to each character and scene always gave me an electrifying feeling. Hence, why I always knew that writing and creating stories was my true calling.

I’d also come to the realization that when reaching a goal – it’s the hustle, the grind, and the process that matters most. What I also wish I knew before starting my film journey was that completing the script was going to be the only easy part of the whole process of making a film.

The next morning, after a great cup of coffee and some meditation, I went straight to one of my three film bibles called “Producer to Producer” by Maureen A. Ryan. My thoughts suddenly began to run around in circles.

Anxiety and adrenaline were building because in the book, Maureen made it very clear that, before moving forward with any script, one must secure the rights to the underlying material.

Well, I’d already secured the WGA (Writer’s Guild of America West & East) copyright to my script for $25 each, so I should be in the clear right?

Wrong!

I continued to read and the book also said that the owner would need to obtain the “exclusive, worldwide, life, film festival, future technology, and perpetuity rights“.

“What? What does that mean? That sounds like a lot and will cost A LOT”, I thought.

But I wasn’t going to take any chances. So, I contacted Diane Leigh Davison, a local entertainment attorney. But when I called, there was no answer. So, I left a voicemail and sent an email asking her for advice on how to obtain the rights, and what her fee would be?

Within the hour, I got an email response back stating that, she was confused as to what I was asking for. And that, if I wrote the script and created it, why would I want a contract to show that I own it? Because…

“By common law you own the copyright to any original work upon creation and fixation. You can optionally register a federal copyright to evidence your rights and further protect your rights as well as enforce your rights.”

Ohhh!! I see!

So, I immediately registered my script with the “Library of Congress” for an additional $65 for the script’s federal copyright (the most important).

All in all, when you’re new at anything it’s normal to over-react, overthink, and ask ridiculous questions. You don’t know what you don’t know until you ask.

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Disclaimer: 

The author is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions of failure to act related to the content in this article. If you need specific legal advice, consult with an attorney who specializes in your subject matter and jurisdiction.