uncredited script

I'd say you're SOL unless you have a title or name or some other information about the writer. Even where he lives might be useful. If you know that google his city + screenplays and maybe he has a personal website or something or has posted something somewhere that would give you a hint as to who he is.

Could you get a mutual friend to call up the producer and ask? I'm amazed you let it reach a point where things are so toxic you can't even speak to him about it. Even with the biggest conflicts I've had on a film crew, I've still managed to maintain at least a modicum of courtesy in discourse with the offending party.
 
Hairy Lime said:
I'm amazed you let it reach a point where things are so toxic you can't even speak to him about it. Even with the biggest conflicts I've had on a film crew, I've still managed to maintain at least a modicum of courtesy in discourse with the offending party.
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Same here, but when someone physically attacks you because you dont do things their way, I dont think anyone in their right mind would stay associated with that lunitic. He's lucky I am the real man of the two and didnt call the cops.


Good call on the searching. I do believe he lives fairly close by to me (10-15 miles), so a search on film sites or even myspace might be a smart start.
 
I appreciate that you seem to be trying to do the right thing........ then there is:

Should the blame be on the writer for not caring enough to put his name on the script and obviously thinking that the gold he's written is nothing more than crap?
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That is painful to read no matter how you try to explain it.
 
ncje said:
I appreciate that you seem to be trying to do the right thing........ then there is:



That is painful to read no matter how you try to explain it.
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Amen. though watered down now, tone of this thread continues...
 
ncje said:
That is painful to read no matter how you try to explain it.
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would you ever NOT put your name on something?

the only time i could EVER think of someone not giving credit to themselves is if they think what they wrote is crap.

If you throw away a painting you made because you thought it was junk, and i go and take it out of your garbage and sell it for millions, do you really have the right to get pissed and want your "cut"? is it not your fault in the first place for not knowing its worth?
 
EP. I agree it's unfortunate the writer didn't put his name on the script, but you're really wasting your time criticizing him for it. I still say you dress up in a penciled in moustache and approach the producer incognito.
 
EP2005 said:
would you ever NOT put your name on something?

the only time i could EVER think of someone not giving credit to themselves is if they think what they wrote is crap.
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Or if it was a WORK FOR HIRE.

It's possible the writer didn't own his own work, having presold it in exchange for a paycheck. Which points back to the original dead end, the burnt business bridge.
 
EP2005 said:
would you ever NOT put your name on something?

the only time i could EVER think of someone not giving credit to themselves is if they think what they wrote is crap.

If you throw away a painting you made because you thought it was junk, and i go and take it out of your garbage and sell it for millions, do you really have the right to get pissed and want your "cut"? is it not your fault in the first place for not knowing its worth?
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Your analogy is flawed but since this isn't a freshman philosophy class there's no need to go in to it.

Seems like you're determined to steal this writer's material and you've come here to rationalize and justify intellectural property theft.
 
brianluce said:
Your analogy is flawed but since this isn't a freshman philosophy class there's no need to go in to it.

Seems like you're determined to steal this writer's material and you've come here to rationalize and justify intellectural property theft.
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I recieved my answers from others who were willing to help a NON SCRIPTWRITER with a problem, so I really dont want to keep this going, but so far every single one of your posts in this were rude and unhelpful. I'm sorry im not a seasoned writer like yourself and that I dont know the first thing about what is legal and what would get me in trouble. You ever hear of constructive critisism? Next time someone asks for help, dont forget the constructive part. Thanks.


For those who actually did help, I found the original screenwriter through, of all places, Myspace! With some friend of a friend of a friend searching, we got in contact and the script is now mine. He didn't even charge me, just wants credit and to help out on set. Now all i need is to find a good producer! :furious3:
 
EP2005 said:
For those who actually did help, I found the original screenwriter through, of all places, Myspace! With some friend of a friend of a friend searching, we got in contact and the script is now mine. He didn't even charge me, just wants credit and to help out on set. Now all i need is to find a good producer! :furious3:
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That's fantastic! I think it would be a nice gesture for you to write him in for some deferred payment, particularly if this is a feature. And make sure you get the agreement in writing. Nothing'll screw up your happiness over a successful festival run and distribution deal like an uncompensated writer without a contract.

Also, make doubly sure the original producer doesn't have any legal standing with regard to the script.

After all you've said about it, I'd love to read it. Mind emailing it to me?
 
If there were no contracts done up by the producer and the original screenwriter, and the only input the producer had was simply "music and dreams", then I would think that the scriptwriter would be the sole owner of the piece.

If you know his name look him up. If you can't find it through basic channels hire a private detective or an attorney to do a basic background and information search for him. It won't cost much, maybe $100 or more (probably less). It sounds to me you would have more ground to stand on legally with the original writer in your corner, if what you say is true.

Who knows maybe the guy will be flattered that you admired his script so much, that he would be willing to write a few more short scripts for you. After all we artistic types crave adulattion more than anything else.
 
It would make sound logical sense to have the writer sign a contract, because until pen is put to paper, he can sue you at any time will full WGA or LoC backing. Which can be very harmful for a producer and everything he/she owns.

It would also be a good idea to give the writer between 2.5% and 3% of final budget of the film. That's pretty standard (2.5% is).

EJ
 
EP2005 said:
You ever hear of constructive critisism? Next time someone asks for help, dont forget the constructive part. Thanks.

3:
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You want constructive? I'll give you constructive: don't rip off the work of others. I can't think of more constructive advice for people interested in creative endeavors.
 
Sounds like this saga is finding an ending, I used to work for a guy and he always said " I want to catch people doing things right." You have to do the right thing in order for that saying to work.
 
brianluce said:
You want constructive? I'll give you constructive: don't rip off the work of others. I can't think of more constructive advice for people interested in creative endeavors.
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Constructive can take many forms, but I can say I've never seen it defined as preemptively condemning someone as a thief and morally bankrupt because they are faced with a dilemma.

Just becuase your own prejudices caused your knee to jerk like a barnyard animal that rhymes with glass, doesn't make your response constructive in the least.

He was obviously asking for guidance, both ethical and practical. It would be one thing for you to say "I think you should either find the writer or pass because the writer still has rights and you may be sorry later." It's another thing entirely to accuse him of thievery outright, while taking a sanctimonious tone on top of it.

Then you presume to define constructive for everyone else?

Indeed.
 
There wasn't any contract or deal written up with the screenwriter or the producer, so this was still under the scriptwriters belt. I'm quite lucky for that, seeing as how excited the writer seems that someone likes his script that much.

I'm sure this has been answered many of times, but is there any online legal forms for this kind of thing? I have something written up already for my production company for waivers and such, but this would be my first script i used from someone other than myself. I'll just do some searching.

I'll definatly be giving the writer a percentage of what is made, because after all, without the writer there would be no film in the first place.

Id be more than happy to send this to anyone who helped me out, to see what all the fuss is about, maybe even give some input on it. Just send me a PM or something with an email.

Thanks once again for everyone who showed me the correct path to take.
 
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500lb Productions said:
Constructive can take many forms, but I can say I've never seen it defined as preemptively condemning someone as a thief and morally bankrupt because they are faced with a dilemma.

Just becuase your own prejudices caused your knee to jerk like a barnyard animal that rhymes with glass, doesn't make your response constructive in the least.

He was obviously asking for guidance, both ethical and practical. It would be one thing for you to say "I think you should either find the writer or pass because the writer still has rights and you may be sorry later." It's another thing entirely to accuse him of thievery outright, while taking a sanctimonious tone on top of it.

Then you presume to define constructive for everyone else?

Indeed.
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Hey namecalling is not supposed to be tolerated here. And it looks like the guy who started this thread is taking the morally correct path afterall, that I've been harping on in my own humble way--so nah nah nah nah...

btw, overall not a bad flame job on your part but I thought the attempt to mix rhyme and metaphor was a little strained.
 
EP2005 said:
I recieved my answers from others who were willing to help a NON SCRIPTWRITER with a problem, so I really dont want to keep this going, but so far every single one of your posts in this were rude and unhelpful. I'm sorry im not a seasoned writer like yourself and that I dont know the first thing about what is legal and what would get me in trouble. You ever hear of constructive critisism? Next time someone asks for help, dont forget the constructive part. Thanks.


For those who actually did help, I found the original screenwriter through, of all places, Myspace! With some friend of a friend of a friend searching, we got in contact and the script is now mine. He didn't even charge me, just wants credit and to help out on set. Now all i need is to find a good producer! :furious3:
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Im glad you resolved this in an ethical manner.
 
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