Hi everyone

i'm sorry if i seem like a complete dumbass asking u guys these questions but i'm currently writing my first screenplay, and when i'm done i hope to post it on this site, now i've read that copyright thread on this forum and i would like to know how much is it to get your screenplay copyrighted?

Thanks

Andrew

Forty-five dollars.

http://www.copyright.gov/docs/fees.html



Phil

Geez, talk about money-grubbing. Ten years ago I got something copyrighted for $20...wait, ten years? Has it really been that long? Anyway, I remember only last year, we were talking about it being $30. They keep raising rates like this, and we won't get anything done.

You can also register with the WGA for $22, but while a copyright is for life, the WGA is only 10 years, which is normally enough if you plan on selling the script. Once a company purchases the script, it is copyrighted as theirs anyway. If it doesn't move in ten years, it's usually time to move on or register the extensively rewritten draft.

Here's a link:
https://www.wgaeast.org/script_reg//

Another disadvantage to the WGE registration is that, should you have to go to court to prove ownership, you get your registered copy in a sealed envelope.  Once you open it in court (or elsewhere), your WGE registration is gone.

Atleast that's the way it was years ago.


Phil

Thanks, i was wondering how much it would cost because when im finished my first script i wanted to get it copyrighted. Not so sure now because theres alot of respectful people on this site and i trust that they won't screw me over.

Andrew

Quoted from silent0saint Thanks, i was wondering how much it would cost because when im finished my first script i wanted to get it copyrighted. Not so sure now because theres alot of respectful people on this site and i trust that they won't screw me over. Andrew

Getting a copyright will make sure we don't screw you over.

Also, you can file a collection of short stories or scripts under the same copyright and not have to pay for each one.


Phil

I was looking into the copyright things at google and i found this

http://filmmakerstore.com/copyfilm.htm

My question is relevant to this topic so I dug it up.

I'm looking to copyright something with the CIPO in Canada and it charges 50 for an online appliacation to be filed but it doesn't ask for the work.

Do they approve it first before asking for the work or have I missed something?

I tried to look into that today, but I have to agree. It was somewhat confusing and I was unable to figure certain things out as well.

I hope for your $50 you can copyright all of Better Days as a collection.

I'm glad you're doing it. It's a good series.

Pia

You can use the US Copyright Office, Wes, even if you're from another country.

And you can copyright Better Days as a collection.


Phil

Thanks for the info, Phil.
I checked out that link, http://www.copyright.gov/docs/fees.html, and it appears you can also register documents electronically for $35, saving $10 for beer money...

Quoted from dogglebe You can use the US Copyright Office, Wes, even if you're from another country. And you can copyright Better Days as a collection. Phil

If you do it online will it allow you to sent it over the internet or do you have to send it postal mail. That large of a package would cost a lot to ship to America

It has to go via snail mail.

Check and see if you can send it 'manuscript rate.'  That should cut down on the cost.


Phil

I got a response from the CIPO regarding how to send in the work you want to copyright and here's the most confusing thing I think ever.

Quoted Text Mr. Cameron, In answer to your general correspondance that you entered on-line on September 2, we do not keep copies of works. So you can't send the work you wish to register. You will or already receive a certificate of registration. Thank you

How can they protect your work without knowing what it is that they're protecting?

I'd go with the American copyright, Wes.  If you have to, to cut down on postage, print everything double-sided or, if it's really expensive to ship, try copying four pages per sheet of paper.


Phil