The Pocket Lawyer for Filmmakers, 2nd Edition

9

ACQUIRING SCREENPLAY RIGHTS

 

 

 

If you haven't written your own screenplay, you will either have to buy one from someone who has written one or hire someone to write a script for you. You may even have to buy someone's script and hire a writer to rewrite it.

In this chapter you will learn how to:

• Purchase a screenplay. (See “The Screenplay Option/Purchase,” p. 102.)
• Hire a screenwriter. (See “Hiring a Screenwriter,” p. 111.)
• Adapt a script from a novel or comic book. (See “Screenplay Adaptations,” p. 117.)
• Purchase the right to someone's life story. (See “Life Story Rights,” p. 124.)

BUYING RIGHTS

When you acquire literary property, such as the rights to a screenplay or the right to turn a book into a movie, you must pay special attention ...