Movie script rights
Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Archives
Forum Name: Closed Topics
Forum Discription: Uncategorized posts from the previous version of our discussion board. For browsing and searching.
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=669
Printed Date: 5/10/25 at 5:00pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Movie script rights
Posted By: Guests
Subject: Movie script rights
Date Posted: 1/21/03 at 1:55pm
Needing to either be set straight or have the ammunition to set my board straight, please help!
Several people on our board want to do Monty Pythons Holy Grail as a play. We cannot seem to get an answer from "the Python People" and have to make a decision. I do not believe it is ethical, nor do I feel it is safe, to use somebody elses intellectual property without having permission. One person believes that if we dont charge admission we are safe, one believes that we are too small and a big company doesnt really care, one believes that they will never know anyhow. I believe that situational ethics suck and that stealing is stealing. I believe that we are risking being closed down and sued if we do not go about getting the rights. Does anyone know for sure? What are your feelings? Please answer soon, we have to make these decisions!
Angel
|
Replies:
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 1/22/03 at 10:37am
There is no doubt in my mind that you are correct. In my experience, it is not unusual to be ignored when you try to get rights to do a TV show or a movie. Most recently, I have tried to get rights to do Fawlty Towers but never hear from them.
I think the copyright laws are clear and you can not copy or adapt a show without permission. It makes no difference at all if you do not charge admission - a performance is a performance.
That said, we have a nearby theater which has done several episodes of an old time TV program without (as I understand it) rights. They advertise their productions and I am sure that word must have gotten back to the copyright holders but they keep doing the shows. What can I say????
The real issue is what happens when you are caught - and don't think you won't get caught - there are a lot of people who feel strongly about the copyright laws and will turn you in as a matter of conscience. The stories are legion about those who have done shows without permission. You can expect to spend a lot of money defending yourself and pay some hefty amounts to settle the inevitable lawsuit.
There are a million good plays out there - find one and do it - but don't steal it.
|
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 1/23/03 at 12:30am
Thanks for the input, I have heard the same stories about theatres getting shut down, people being sued over copyright infringement, but apparently nobody else on my board has. I am still working on this, and if I can figure out how to get the rights to Holy Grail I will let you know, if you ever get the rights to Fawlty Towers I will expect the same from you.
Thanks again
Angel
|
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 1/24/03 at 2:35am
I agree with Doug. Do not do any work without getting rights cleared first. Big or small shop, you are looking for serious trouble if you do. Your Board is saddled with the duty of running your group ethically. Even if you are incorporated, each and every Board member may be personally liable if the law is blatantly broken. Personally liable means that lawyers can and will go after PERSONAL assets along with the assets of the theatre. You are opening a big can of worms to produce shows without the rights to do so, be they paid or unpaid performances.
I see your Board’s ignorance and “do it anyway” attitude to be repugnant and a real blow to honest companies that comply with the law. It is people like they who give all of us a bad name. These people need a good does of reality. If their personal property were stolen, how would they react if they knew who the thief was? I’m thinking they would like to lock up the crook and throw away the key. What is the difference with stealing someone’s personal automobile and stealing a play?
Fiat Lux!
Bil K.
|
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 1/25/03 at 10:36pm
Thank you so much for the info and ammo. I was successful in overcoming (some members of) the boards total lack of understanding of copyrights and simple ethics. I was suprised to even have to fight this battle, as I thought it was really obvious what the right and safe thing to do was.
We were able to get through to the Python company and were told that we can expect to see Holy Grail on Broadway quite soon. Thats a bonus as it means we should all be able to get ahold of it Legally some time in the future.
I apreciate your help, thanks a million!
Angel
|
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 1/25/03 at 11:08pm
Angel,
Good luck to you. I wish you well and applaud your ethics. Your Board and all of us should be very proud of your sticking to your guns. It is very easy to break the laws of copyright, but so hard to get out of the jamb you may get into.
Fiat Lux!
Bil K
|
|