Hi everybody. I have been going to this site for a while but have never posted anything. I just finished my first screenplay and really am eager to know what everyone on this site thinks about it. My only problem is that I'm completely paranoid! I've been told every new screenwriter goes through a phase where they think their baby will get stolen from them and I can confess it is happening to me.

I know script stealing is probably rare but just the thought of someone else going around with my script or a version of my script, saying they wrote it makes my head hurt.

Anyways, tell me how stupid I'm being for not posting my script and then maybe I'll work up the courage to.

Thanks everybody,

Matt

Register your script with the Library of Congress and then post it.  This will give you something to take to court should someone steal your script.


Phil

Why don't you just register your script to the WGA...

http://www.wgawregistry.org/webrss/

It only cost twenty bucks and it protects it from being stolen. Then you'll have nothing to fear.

Hey bandit,

First of all, welcome to the boards. Second, register your script with the US Copyright Office and WGA. Now, this won't prevent anyone from stealing your work if you post it online, but it does make it a hell of a lot easier for you to sue anyone who does.

Once you've done that I think you should submit your script here so that we may tear it apart :) Just kidding.

Read and you shall be read.

Cheers
Rob

Thanks for the help. You guys are great. This site is great. Life is great! Now if only I could get that script to be great....

Quoted from directoboy12 Why don't you just register your script to the WGA... http://www.wgawregistry.org/webrss/ It only cost twenty bucks and it protects it from being stolen. Then you'll have nothing to fear.

The WGA won't protect the script from being stolen.  Much like a copyright registration, it will only prove that you had possession of a script the date you submitted it.  This may help you should you have to go to court over possession of said script.

Copyright registration, through the Library of Congress is better than WGA registration, as it last for 75 years after your death.  WGA registration is only good for ten years.


Phil

Quoted from dogglebe Copyright registration, through the Library of Congress is better than WGA registration, as it last for 75 years after your death.  WGA registration is only good for ten years.

As I understand it, the WGAw registration was reduced to five years. I could be wrong.

Also to add to what you said about U.S. Copyright registration: The U.S. also has agreements with a lot of foreign governments that may even help you if your script is stolen by someone from another country. The WGAw won’t help you with that as far as I know.

The only reason I see to bother with the WGAw is if you want a registration number right away, say for a competition that requires proof of protection. Even then, though, I would still register it with the U.S. Copyright Office at the Library of Congress. As Phil said, for $35 (online; $45 snail mail), you can register your script and never have to renew it. It helps you protect your work and you can leave it behind to family, who can benefit from it after you’re dead.


Breanne

Quoted from Breanne Mattson As I understand it, the WGAw registration was reduced to five years. I could be wrong.

WGAw = 5 Years

WGAe = 10 years

Quoted from Shelton WGAw = 5 Years WGAe = 10 years

Ahh, thanks Mike.

I believe the WGAw used to be ten and was reduced to five. But I guess I assumed the east did the same. That’ll teach me. Thanks for clarifying.


Breanne

I recently came across this as well, and although I haven't tried them, it looks interesting.  The only issue I can see is in submitting to those who require either a WGA or LOC registration, but here it would be sufficient.

http://www.goasa.com/registerscript.shtml