Should I send my script to the author of the book?
Question by Alex: Should I send my script to the author of the book?
I asked this question a minute ago but didn’t include enougn information. Basically – the author of a published novel (based on her life story) asked me to write a screenplay based on her work. To begin with she said the two of us could ave a contract that would stipulate that we get 50/50 on all the proceeds but now she’s saying that because her publisher owns part of the rights to any movies etc – that’s no longer possible. She’s told me that I have to sell the script independently to recieve a lump sum – and the company that buys the script will then approach her and her publisher to negotiate a deal.
She’s gone back on a lot that she said. To begin with she said that she’d make sure that I was the one who got to write the script no matter what – but now she’s saying that if she’s approached by a company and they want their own scriptwriter to write the thing – then she’ll go with that option. I think her publisher has warned her not to get tied into a contract with me
According to her I can’t get any royalties on the movie because her and her publisher own 50/50 of the rights to any movies, plays, musicals etc that come from the book
I have now finished the screenplay and she’s asking me to send it to her so she can make any ammendments she needs to. Without a contract in place I don’t know if I should do this. Is my work copywrited?
Alex
well it is extraordinary so I guess I’m in luck:)
What other way to sell it is there – other than ‘by spec?’ Does the predicament I’m in leave me with less chance of selling my script? Is that what you mean? Thanks for the help guys
should I try and get written confirmation from her that she’d allowed me to write the script? Would this cover me? You see I really need to send it to her as she wont be happy until I do. She wants to know that my ‘adaption’ is accurate and anything I added doesn’t paint her in the wrong light
Best answer:
Answer by blatantly opinionated
YOU are the one who needs to apply for copyright. If nothing else you could make a second copy. Seal it in and envelope and mail it to a trusted friend with instructions not to open it. Do this before you send the copy to her If legal question arises as to your ownership of your work you will have the postmarked envelope with the material inside. This might help with SOME proof, but ultimately you should have a legal copyright established.
What do you think? Answer below!
