Copyright questions!

J

JustinBrown

Well-known member
I have been doing research for the last year for a documentary project that I am hoping to begin filming this fall. It has recently been announced that a hollywood studio would be producing a fictional narrative version based on the historical events that I am hoping to cover in my documentary. My question: Do I even need to be concerned about any conflict with that production in terms of copyright since I am making mine about the actual events/people/places based on original research? Or should I abandon the project now before I get any further along?

Thank you for your input!
 
There should be no concern at all. In fact it may be a boon for you insofar as the "hollywood" production could generate interest in what you're doing.
 
Noel Evans said:
There should be no concern at all. In fact it may be a boon for you insofar as the "hollywood" production could generate interest in what you're doing.
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That's what I was thinking too. I would just hate to invest a serious amount of time and resources into the planning and execution only to be told I'd have to scrap it...or whatever. Thanks for the reply!
 
JustinBrown said:
That's what I was thinking too. I would just hate to invest a serious amount of time and resources into the planning and execution only to be told I'd have to scrap it...or whatever. Thanks for the reply!
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Like it's been said, shouldn't be an issue. But don't let them bully you!!
 
I would take the precaution of cutting myself off COMPLETELY from any news, reviews, previews, etc. about the Hollywood version. Even though yours is a documentary, if you structured your film like theirs, or copied (or were thought to have copied) some specific design elements, there could conceivably be a problem.

It might help (in multiple ways) to keep a journal, and document all your design decisions, just in case you're ever asked where a particular idea came from.

And all the best for your project!
 
AtticusLake said:
I would take the precaution of cutting myself off COMPLETELY from any news, reviews, previews, etc. about the Hollywood version. Even though yours is a documentary, if you structured your film like theirs, or copied (or were thought to have copied) some specific design elements, there could conceivably be a problem.

It might help (in multiple ways) to keep a journal, and document all your design decisions, just in case you're ever asked where a particular idea came from.

And all the best for your project!
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Thanks! Good idea. I am very confident that the two will not even be close to similar based on the initial things I have read about the spec script that was purchased, but that could change. While it would be cool to get a little attention for having the same subject I am kind of hoping that the fictional film drifts into production limbo at least until I get my footage shot.
 
If you're doc covers major biographical territory of a specific person(s) life I would highly recommend you have them sign a "life rights agreement". It gives you exclusive (or non-exclusive) rights to that person's story.
 
scorsesefan said:
If you're doc covers major biographical territory of a specific person(s) life I would highly recommend you have them sign a "life rights agreement". It gives you exclusive (or non-exclusive) rights to that person's story.
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If a studio is already producing a bio pic about the person I assume the studio already secured the rights.
 
adkimery said:
If a studio is already producing a bio pic about the person I assume the studio already secured the rights.
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The narrative film is based on a spec script. The actual people involved have been dead for over 100 years. All of the information for my project is derived from historical documents that are readily available to the public.
 
I think it would be in your best interest to get your doc out a little bit before the feature is released. That way you'll be able to piggy back on them without seeming like a copycat.
 
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JustinBrown said:
The narrative film is based on a spec script. The actual people involved have been dead for over 100 years. All of the information for my project is derived from historical documents that are readily available to the public.
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I meant the rights to do the narrative. Which I don't think wouldn't impact your rights to do the doc anymore than some owning the written biography rights to a person would prevent someone else from writing an unauthorized biography.
 
arniepix said:
I think it would be in your best interest to get your doc out a little bit before the feature is released. That way you'll be able to piggy back on them without seeming like a copycat.
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Totally agree. It was a casual research project until I read the announcement. Now the pressure is on!
 
adkimery said:
I meant the rights to do the narrative. Which I don't think wouldn't impact your rights to do the doc anymore than some owning the written biography rights to a person would prevent someone else from writing an unauthorized biography.
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Gotcha!
 
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