There's a book out there that I love, I think the story is great but it could definitely use some tweaks (Like the ending, it's terrible 😛 But everything else is great).
I've given some thought into writing a script for the book and producing it as a film but the only problem is, if I'm changing a good portion of the story does it still follow copyrights? If I completely rewrite the script but save the same premise ideas... will it violate copyrights?
How close can I come to a story and characters without violating any laws?
If you are basing a script off of a book, then you'll need the publisher's permission. And unless you have some clout with them, you probably will end up paying a fair deal of money and not being able to change everything you want changed.
So to answer your question:
It's all too close. Unless you just write another story with the same vague idea.
Copyright is a big subject. In general if the book was published before 1923 then you're safe. If it's after that date then you need to see if the copyright was registered and renewed. Tweaking a few elements of a copyrighted book won't protect you. You may want to write to the author...I understand Steven King is real cool about letting students and short-filmmakers use his stories as long as there's no real profit involved.
Dale K.
www.militaryintelligenceandyou.com
what if it is a non-profit film? Like we are just making it for ourselves and to show to friends. ?
"What walks can run, but chooses not to." - Me
http://blog.hnation.org
If nobody sees it nobody knows you broke the copyright law. But what is the point of making a movie that nobody will see? You expect to spend a lot of time and some money on a movie nobody will see? Even if you only show it at festivals you can be sued from exibiting the film. There really is no upside that I can see.
RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA
RJSchwarz
quote:
Originally posted by rjschwarz
If nobody sees it nobody knows you broke the copyright law. But what is the point of making a movie that nobody will see? You expect to spend a lot of time and some money on a movie nobody will see? Even if you only show it at festivals you can be sued from exibiting the film. There really is no upside that I can see.RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA
true... dam... how much does rights to a book cost usually? is it as expensive as rights to music???? like anyone have an estimate?
"What walks can run, but chooses not to." - Me
http://blog.hnation.org
It depends upon the book I suppose. If it's in the public domain I believe there is no cost. Otherwise its all over the map.
I would suggest you figure out what really drew you to the book and try to recapture that feeling in a totally different story and forget all about optioning a book. When you get down to it, books are books and movies are movies and it is rare that the two come together well. Ask Stephen King.
RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA
RJSchwarz
