I recently heard of a murder that happened some time ago. The story around the murder is quite interesting and has given me an idea for a screenplay that would dramatize the events.
My question is whether or not it is possible to write the screenplay and attempt to sell it without getting peoples permission. Does it make a difference if I change names and location, but the majority of the rest of the story is kept intact.
The murder was eventually tried and convicted like 15 years after it happened which would seem like it would make it open to the public to write about it, but I could obviously be wrong.
I would more than likely want to change things like names and certain detail to take artistic license, but do these changes add up to enough to allow me to do it without seeking out permission?
Wanted to get some answers before I put too much thought into this idea.
Thanks.
I think it'll depend mostly on how closely you'll portray the events and whether or not you plan to claim it was based on true events. I think a screenplay that is loosely based on true events and doesn't claim to be true would be OK. One that was obviously meant to be a re-creation of a true story down to the lives of the individuals involved would have issues.
Exactly, is it imperative to the film that you put 'based on a true story'? If not, just put a clause at the end that says 'any similarities blah blah are completely coincidental.'
Actually, you posting this thread probably negates that clause in a court of law.
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There's daggers in men's smiles
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There's daggers in men's smiles
Haha rizzo, was just about to say that.
Hmmm you may have to change your name by deed poll now Mr Tom Scott.
There are only a few of us seen this post so blackmail wont be too much
http://filmind.meetup.com/296/?gj=sj3
http://filmind.meetup.com/296/?gj=sj3
quote:
Originally posted by bvlgary
Hmmm you may have to change your name by deed poll now Mr Tom Scott.
Huh?
Do any of you know where to put this disclaimer in a script? I understand the basic rules of screenwriting but where to put "based on a true story" or "any similarities are a coincidence..."?
I definitely want to change names and locations, but many of the details of the murder I would like to keep. Is changing names and locations good enough with a disclaimer?
You would want the disclaimer at the start before anything begins.
RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA
RJSchwarz
