Hi, just looking for some advise here.

One of my favourite books is 'The picture of Dorian Gray' and I'm thinking of basing a script on the general idea of it. Basically, just the fact that the consequences of someones actions are only felt by another person or thing, and he gets off Scott Free...kinda.

I was wondering if this would be classed as 'Fan Fiction' or not. I mean kind of the same as if you based a script on the general story of a Shakespeare play - which has been done alot. Would you have to have the rights or is the idea not covered by copyright?

It will be set in the modern world and it wouldn't involve a picture.

Cheers in advance for any help.

Ste

If its the idea, then I believe it is alright. Like your example of Shakespeare, I bet you he probably copied the idea off somewhere else. lol. But I think its fine and need not be classified as fan fiction. Fan fiction is more like if you write a script with copyrighted story such as Metal Gear or Hellraiser or spiderman.

Gabe

Dorian Gray? Wasn't that a character in "The League of Extraordinary Gentlmen"?

But, no. I don't think it'd be considered a fan-pic.

~Zack~

The novel is in the public domain so you can do as you please.

Quoted from Zack Dorian Gray? Wasn't that a character in "The League of Extraordinary Gentlmen"?

Yes, the whole league is comprised of classic novel characters.

My guess as far as the idea is concerned, is that you should be fine.  

To me, it's no different than seeing a movie with the same general concept of another movie you've already seen.

Nice one, will put my thinking cap on then.

There's another one I'd love to do aswell. Roald Dahl short story called 'The Amazing Story of Henry Sugar'. Pretty much teaches himself to be able to see through cards although I'd have to hunt for the book as I haven't read it for ages.

The rights are in public domain, true, but you need to check out the other movie versions, since any specific changes will be copyrighted by the respective companies.

I know a version came out a few years ago with the guy from 7th Heaven.