How To Copyright Your Film Script?

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

Hmmm!!

I remember this day like it was yesterday. The night before, I’d just gotten the final approval from my script supervisor that my script was officially “complete”. It took me 5 long years to hear those words, so it definitely meant a lot. It was a sleepless night but also bittersweet. It was as if the journey had come to an end. The high of figuring out what qualities, characteristics, and features to add to each character and scene to make it whole was electrifying.

I’d also fully come to the realization that what successful people say about reaching a goal was true – it’s the hustle, the grind and the process in between that matters most. And when creating a film – writing the script is actually going to be the only easy part of the whole process.

The next morning, after a great cup of coffee and some meditation, I immediately went straight to one of my three film bibles called “Producer to Producer” by Maureen A. Ryan. My thoughts began to run around in circles again. The anxiousness and adrenaline were building because in the book, she made it very clear that, before moving forward with any script one must secure the rights to the underlying material.

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What does the term “Copyright” mean?

In simple terms, it gives you the creator/author full ownership of your creative works. By law, no one has the right to use your creative works without your permission. If they do, you have the full right to pursue legal action against that individual(s). But people can indeed say, “Hey, I created the artwork first”. To avoid this type of confrontation, registering your creative work(s) with the proper entities is very helpful to show your proof.

What is the cheapest way to prove you wrote your script?

Honestly, registering your script with the WGA is the cheapest way financially but you can also, “Send it to yourself via mail”.

Put a copy of your script in an envelope, seal it, address it to yourself, stamp it, and put in a one of the stand-alone US Post Office mailboxes in your area. When the letter comes back, there should be a post office stamp of record on the front of the envelope and keep it somewhere safe. This is called the “poor man’s way.”

But please, don’t stop there because the poor man’s way will NOT get you very far if you have to take legal action.

Here’s a quick video about the poor man’s way below.

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Lucky for me, I’d already secured the WGA (Writer’s Guild of America) rights for $25, so I figured I was in the clear. Then, I continued reading…the book also said to obtain the “exclusive, worldwide, life, film festival, future technology, and perpetuity rights“.

“Oh man. That’s a lot. This is probably going to cost me an arm and leg” but of course, 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 informing her of all the rights I needed and what the supposed estimated fee would be? I was just bracing myself and even began prepping to negotiate (Yes, I do love to negotiate. I am not afraid).

Within the hour, I get an email response back stating that, she was a bit 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.”

Oh!! Then, I immediately registered my script with the “Library of Congress” for an additional $65 which equates to a federal copyright (the most important).

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How long does it take to copyright your film script?

In my experience, when I submitted my script to be registered with the WGA, it took no longer than 24 hours for them to send me a certificate stamping their approval of script registration. When, I decided to take the extra step and copyright my script with the Library of Congress, it took 30 days to receive my copyright letter in the mail.

How much does it cost to copyright a film script?

In total, I spent $90 to copyright my short film script.

Is a copyright really, really necessary?

YES! YES! YES! There’s a reason why we’re seeing so many reboots of TV shows and movies within the last few years. Great ideas are scarce! I mean, major studios are now willing to accept scripts from screenwriters who aren’t represented. Let’s say, you want to get more eyes on your script or even put your script into production yourself, you’re going to have to let people read it.

Maybe you want to submit your script to competitions, grants, Hollywood Executives / Studios etc. you want to make sure your hard work is protected. You never know where someone’s headspace currently is and what they’re willing to do to get ahead in the film industry. Don’t be the suckerfish because of your lack of preparation!

Should you put the term “Copyright” on your script?

Yes. Or you can use the copyright symbol “C” like the image above, then add the year you copyrighted your work, and then your name. For example, © 2013 by John Jackson, but you only have to put it on the first / cover page of your script. Another way to do it especially when you’re sending your script out to crew members and actors via email is to state in the subject line, “Title of your script – Copyrighted”.

What is the WGA registration process like in the United States of America?

The process is fairly simple. Simply, figure out which coast you’re currently located in as the WGA has an East & West division. On the East coast website there’s a pop-up window on the front page allowing you to register your script online. However, on the West coast page, due to the current WGA strike, you’ll have to scroll all the way down to the bottom until you find the Register Your Script tab.

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So, all in all, I did feel a bit embarrassed and intimidated but also relieved because when you’re new at anything it’s normal to overreact, over think, and ask ridiculous questions. I mean, you don’t know what you don’t know until you ask.

Be willing to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. People who are successful and extremely knowledgeable in their industry are always open to helping people who are willing to help themselves. 

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What if you’re not a screenwriter but still want to create your first screenplay?

Like and leave your comments down below!

Other posts you may also be interested in:

• How To Navigate Between A Film Copyright & Trademark?
• How To Land Your First Film Gig With No Experience?
• What Happens On Set During A Film Production?

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.