Category Archives: Legal

CAN I USE THAT?

Posted on June 22, 2006 9:25 PM by TW

William from NYC asks: I’ve been playing with the idea of writing a spec screenplay based loosely on an obscure made for TV movie. I’ve done some searching and haven’t come across any production of it or future production of … Continue reading →

Posted in Legal | 5 Comments

5 QUESTIONS

Posted on June 2, 2006 11:48 PM by TW

The Thinking Writer often receives questions the answers to which are too brief for an entire column. Here are some of the recent ones. QUESTION #1: Sabin from San Francisco asks: I was curious how rewrites work with a script’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Legal, The Business, The Craft | Leave a comment

REAL LIFE – WHAT INFO CAN YOU USE?

Posted on July 31, 2005 7:59 PM by TW

Greg from Hermosa asks: When using stories that were told to you – like by a police officer – that involve cases that have already been prosecuted – what is the general rule as to how much of the story … Continue reading →

Posted in Legal | 3 Comments

NO FREE LUNCH

Posted on July 19, 2005 10:49 PM by TW

Joseph from Los Angeles asks: A production company has shown interest in optioning my script. They seem very enthusiastic, but have little experience as producers and want me to option my script for free. I have looked at a few … Continue reading →

Posted in Legal, The Business | 18 Comments

WHEN YOU NEED A RIGHTS RELEASE

Posted on June 6, 2005 9:05 PM by TW

When interviewing a subject for a screenplay do you need to take any legal precautions like having the subject sign a waiver before you start that process to protect yourself from any future litigation? William NYC Generally, if you are … Continue reading →

Posted in Legal | 8 Comments