Film And Television Script Clearance And Copyright Laws

By Jeffrey Price


Whether writing a biography, book, screenplay or play, writers can often break copyright laws, many times without knowing. For, if there are businesses, characters, locations, scenes or subject matter which has been used in other productions, there can often be an issue. As a result, there are film and television script clearance companies which can help prevent these issues.

Whether working on a script or screenplay, the coordinator prepares the first draft, handling any clearance issues. When clearing a script, it needs to pass all copyright issues. As part of the process, the coordinator must work with legal staff to clear all characters, locations and subject matter whether by a physical review or software designed to catch these and other legal issues.

It is also the job of the coordinator to confirm there are no other legal issues with regards to the project. While there is often more than one pass necessary, the coordinator provides the first draft to producers and writers. After which, these individuals make notations which can improve the project, then return the script back to the coordinator. In the process, coordinator becomes a liaison between production staff and writers throughout the course of the project.

Beyond legal issues, coordinators also proof scripts for grammar, spelling, punctuating and formatting before releasing a draft. The production team then reviews the draft and offers notations to writers and producers in relation to revisions. After which, the final copy is provided to producers, writers, cast and crew members in order to finalize a scene or episode.

As the project moves from draft status into the final phase, there can often be several rounds of revisions. As this is the case, it is imperative that all those working on the script remain patient throughout the process. While most often producers have the final word with regards to content, there can be times when a member of the cast can add or make changes. When this is the case, it is important that another clearance take place.

When working on location, it can often be necessary to expedite the revisions on a daily basis. As such, it is important that when revisions are made, actors follow suit. Otherwise, it can result in a delay with regards to production of an episode or film release.

When it comes to finalization, it is important that a final clearance be successful before moving on to production. For, a minor change can sometimes have major consequences. As such, it is imperative that this process be the last step before a project moves into production. After which, it can often be more costly and time consuming to rectify the situation if legal issues were overlooked until after the start of production.

Writers often have less knowledge in relation to character names, businesses, locations and subject matter of other projects than producers. As such, it is often up to these individuals to assure that a script is in compliance with copyright laws and legal issues. At the same time, it can often be crystal clear when a writer has committed libel with regards to a production based on real people. In either case, by allowing the legal team to have the final say, the responsibility for any of these issues moves into the hands of the legal team or studio rather than that of the writers or production team.




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