I have been working on a script that is based on a true story of a serial murderer who killed five people back in 1969.  My question is are their special release forms that would have to be signed before I  submit the script .  What is your legal position when dealing with a true event and real characters? Marvin K.Perkins

There's definitely special release forms you need to get signed. In the case of dead (?) serial killers, I don't know. Maybe you'd have to go through their families. If you're writing just for fun, I wouldn't worry about it though.

You may find this link to be of use - John August is a professional screenwriter, and his advice is worth taking in:

http://johnaugust.com/archives/2005/writing-about-real-events

That's really good advice on that article. What I prefer to do with a true story is change all the name and do whatever I want with it using the real event as the basis for an idea. After all, we all know full well that the movie version of a non-fiction event isn't what REALLY happened, but that writers' impression of it.

James, Niles and George, thanks for your reply.  I am not writing this script for fun, even though I do enjoy writing very much.  Thanks for the website, Niles that basically answers all my questions.  George, I think you are right I could change the names and even the time period in which the murders took place without the story suffering.  It is the story behind this character that is so interesting. Thanks everyone, I am new to the board and also new to screenplay writing.  I am working on my first two and hope to have one completed in the next couple of weeks. I have learned a lot from the board already, in particular from reading the outstanding scripts that are posted here on the board.  Thanks, Marvin.