How to Copyright a Screenplay (Part 3)
20th May 2006
The acquisition of rights agreement should be drawn up to explain the transaction between the writer and yourself. This document is a legal contract that explains the details of the transaction including who wrote the work, who owns it now, what the purchase price was, if the writer retains any control, if the writer is going to continue to be involved with the project or if he has been bought out altogether. It should be drawn up in standard contract form with the title of the document centered at the top of the page, and the text below. In the first paragraph a simple explanation of the transaction and the primary parties involved. Below that the terms of the agreement and a specific statement explaining who owns the rights to the work. Once this has been agreed upon there needs to be an area for both parties to sign and date the contract. A signed copy of the contract should be given to both parties for their records and an original signed copy will have to go along with the work to the copyright office. Once you have this contract signed and receive your notice back from the copyright office with the copyright number on it you now have the copyright for the work.
After you have completed the copyright process you can move forward with the production of the film. The screenplay can be altered after the copyright process has been completed and during the production of the film. It is a good idea to resubmit a final copy of the script to the copyright office that reflects all the changes in the final version. All you will need to do is send in the final copy with a cover letter that has your copyright number on it to the copyright office and they will file it in with your original draft.
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