Comments

Coursedesign wrote on 12/25/2004, 9:44 AM
You don't need federal registration in order to claim copyright, but it has one benefit. With it, you can get an immediate injunction against violators. Without it, the perps are free to continue using your stuff until you win the case after several years.

If you're talking about a script, use Final Draft to register your script with WGA, this has some other advantages besides simple copyright.

For other works, do a search here for old posts, it has been covered extensively.
p@mast3rs wrote on 12/25/2004, 9:50 AM
So would going with the WGA for the time being be enough to cover me until I actually receive my copyright certtificate from the LOC?

New realm for me.
Spot|DSE wrote on 12/25/2004, 11:20 AM
www.loc.gov.
Fill out the form. You have to send in the work, you can't just fill out a form online. The form is online, but you'll have to print and submit.
p@mast3rs wrote on 12/25/2004, 12:12 PM
Much thanks. Now for the million dollar question. How do I find backers for my project without some other company stealing the idea and making a cheap rip off of it?

Maybe I am biased and should be, but I think this thing has huge potential to be big if planned and shot right. The story and emotion is there to hook the viewer.

But if all it ever does is see paper and not the big screen, then my effort will be all for nothing :)

Any suggestions?
Coursedesign wrote on 12/25/2004, 12:17 PM
In the movie industry, WGA registration is generally respected and proven.

Still, there will be people stealing ideas and saying they came up with these all by themselves. Best is to get your idea produced before they do...

Lots more to say on this subject, I suggest you take a screenwriting class or get one of the good books on the subject.
p@mast3rs wrote on 12/25/2004, 12:27 PM
The screenwright is already finished. Now I just have to get some backing to get it into production so that it can be edited in time for Sundance submission at the end of the summer.

How does investors usually work? They put up X amount of money for the production and do I have to get bonded or something? How does that work for bonding?

I'd love to find someone with the experience that I could work closely with on this project so that I could learn my craft more closely and equally split the profits of the film. Just as long as I make more than Napolean Dynamite, I'll be happy.
Trichome wrote on 12/25/2004, 3:57 PM
Best of LUCK with your project, Patrick.

Many times it is easier to get 'matching funds' for your project.
Perhaps begin with a bank account in company name.

Wish I had more info....

Gary
Coursedesign wrote on 12/25/2004, 4:10 PM
There is a very good book on film financing written by Mark Litwak, an entertainment attorney in Los Angeles who has extensive experience working with independent producers.

See http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1879505746/qid=1104019695/sr=8-2/ref=pd_csp_2/102-2625387-4448969?v=glance&s=books&n=507846.

Additionally, http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1879505746/qid=1104019695/sr=8-2/ref=pd_csp_2/102-2625387-4448969?v=glance&s=books&n=507846 can be helpful.

He also does seminars on film financing at UCLA. Mostly the same content as the first book above, at nearly 20x the price.