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Hey guys, haven't been on here in a while. But I got a strange call from another screenwriter (who gave me a fake name) claiming I stole his script that he wrote in 2011, also called Morphine. With the same premise. He requested that I remove the script, which is funny... apparently he didn't read the comments on this page or the Script Shadow review back in 2013 where I applied feedback into future drafts. And I optioned the script back in 2013 and continue to get paid. This disheartens me because I consider myself an "original voice". He threatened to get his lawyers involved if I didn't remove the script.
But, I refuse to remove the script. He claims I stole his idea and executed it in oddly similar way... which is very hard to believe. Especially when I wrote a similar script, with the same premise, back in 2006 that I posted on Triggerstreet called "Wonderful Pain" except I made it a comedy.
Sorry, but removing the script, to me, would be a false admission to plagiarism. Maybe I'm being hardheaded... any suggestions on what action I should take here?
Hey guys, haven't been on here in a while. But I got a strange call from another screenwriter (who gave me a fake name) claiming I stole his script that he wrote in 2011, also called Morphine. With the same premise. He requested that I remove the script, which is funny... apparently he didn't read the comments on this page or the Script Shadow review back in 2013 where I applied feedback into future drafts. And I optioned the script back in 2013 and continue to get paid. This disheartens me because I consider myself an "original voice". He threatened to get his lawyers involved if I didn't remove the script.
But, I refuse to remove the script. He claims I stole his idea and executed it in oddly similar way... which is very hard to believe. Especially when I wrote a similar script, with the same premise, back in 2006 that I posted on Triggerstreet called "Wonderful Pain" except I made it a comedy.
Sorry, but removing the script, to me, would be a false admission to plagiarism. Maybe I'm being hardheaded... any suggestions on what action I should take here?
-- Michael
My $0.02 -- unless the letter came from a reputable attorney, ignore it. Responding in any manner just gives him oxygen.
I remember reading that one. It's still with me. You seem to have a tendency to write those.
This all sounds very bizarre to me. Where does this guy say that he posted his scripts for you to have even found it? Did he copyright his? Did you?
Also, if you get an email or such from an "attorney", don't assume that person actually is one unless they give you their full name and name of firm they are working for.
He said it was WGA registered. But he says he didn't have it posted anywhere but shopped it around Hollywood. I wasn't very well connected back then (and really not now) to have access to scripts like that. Very funny. Sounded like some kid. Again, I did write "Wonderful Pain" in 2006, same premise. Someone on Script Shadow posted the trigger street link and commented that I must have had the premise brewing for a while... which I did.
Was this a voice message he left on your phone or did you actually talk with the guy? I'd ignore it either way, but if you do come into contact then ask him for proof to back up his claims. It's seem you have your back covered so it's up to him to make a good case.
Michael, he sounds like he's full of a lot of hot air.
So, where's his script? Where's the long paper trail of evidence to substantiate his claims.
He called you? Didn't email? Did you Google his fake name?
He's probably just a troublemaker. And he's been watching Secret Window.
I wouldn't do anything at the moment. Stick to your guns. And like the others have said, documents, credentials, can easily be faked in the age of the Internet.
So, I found out the real identity of the guy who accused me of stealing his script idea. His name is Frankie Hopkins. Screenwriting friends, if you are aware of that name, it's because he has been INFAMOUS for stealing other writer's work, including stealing short films and shooting them SHOT FOR SHOT and passing them off as his -- the credits at the end of these films all credit Frankie Hopkins as the writer, director, etc. I already knew of his name and thought "what a douchebag". Never would I have expected to ever cross paths with this legendary thief. I mean, that's what he's known for in the screenwriting/film community! Never heard of any of his scripts, just his reputation and exploits. The fact that people know him and are aware of him STRICTLY for his thievery and stirring shit up with other writers and filmmakers pretty much shows the kind of person he is. Dude's famous for it. Infamous rather. Kinda makes me feel better because the fact that he's known for this validates my innocence. If any of you get an email from this address (pzillafh@gmail.com), the dude is Frankie Hopkins, though he'll use a fake name. And he actually called me personally on top of that from this number -- (323) 984-0714. Dude's a fucking failure as a writer and especially a person... a complete sociopath. WRITERS BEWARE!!!
-- Michael
P.S. Frankie, if you're reading, burn in hell you piece of trash.
The Elevator Most Belonging To Alice - Semi Final Bluecat, Runner Up Nashville Inner Journey - Page Awards Finalist - Bluecat semi final Grieving Spell - winner - London Film Awards. Third - Honolulu Ultimate Weapon - Fresh Voices - second place IMDb link... http://www.imdb.com/name/nm7062725/?ref_=tt_ov_wr
Wow! Well, one good thing about having scripts posted at SS is that when things like this happen, there is not just a record, but also enough people that know about the script and have read it to create enough of a stink about it. I remember a guy who stole "Dr. Mabuse" Martin's script and entered it to the reality show On The Lot. In his bio, he even had a video where he sat and talked about how he wrote the script and such. Well, the SS community bombarded that show with emails telling them that it was not that guy's script, it was Martin's. The guy got kicked out from the show and shunned from screenwriting and filmmaking communities.
I'd email everyone connected to the 'production', Slated, Producers, Finacers etc and advice them that you are currently seeking legal advice as it appears Muppet Face has stolen your script and is passing it off as his own!
I'd also consider posting on Stage 32 too as there's a wider community of producers, directors etc on there and it'd be a good warning.