They Stole My Idea!
wcmartell
bu William C. Martell
New writers are often paranoid that someone will steal their ideas -
so they do everything possible to keep their screenplay idea top
secret... leaving it out of their query letters and going out of
their way to make sure no one can read their script. The obvious
problem with that is no one will want to read your script if you
don't tell them what it's about... and nobody *can* read your script
if you don't let them. Your logline is all about the high concept, and
that's what gets a producer interested enough to read your
screenplay. You can't keep your idea secret!
But does that mean you just let people steal it?
For the answer, go here:
http://www.scriptsecrets.net/tips/tip352.htm
- Bill
I'm doing a one day class for Screenwriting Expo on May 3rd on Horror
and Thrillers:
http://creativescreenwriting.com/seminars.html
A handful of screenwriting articles using Oscar Nominees as examples:
http://www.scriptsecrets.net/tips/oscar.htm
WeReo_ScoTTy
news:3c3c4b52-4f6d-4627...@v35g2000pro.googlegroups.com...
Hatunen
<wcma...@compuserve.com> wrote:
>THEY STOLE MY IDEA!
>bu William C. Martell
>
>New writers are often paranoid that someone will steal their ideas -
>so they do everything possible to keep their screenplay idea top
>secret... leaving it out of their query letters and going out of
>their way to make sure no one can read their script. The obvious
>problem with that is no one will want to read your script if you
>don't tell them what it's about... and nobody *can* read your script
>if you don't let them. Your logline is all about the high concept, and
>that's what gets a producer interested enough to read your
>screenplay. You can't keep your idea secret!
>
>But does that mean you just let people steal it?
>
>For the answer, go here:
>http://www.scriptsecrets.net/tips/tip352.htm
I did. At one point it says, "But what if someone makes a film
just like your script? Since you can't copyright an idea, only
the execution of the idea, if they lifted your idea, you can't
really do anything about it."
Actually, that's not completely true. Any writer should be aware
of the case of Buchwald v Paramount.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buchwald_v._Paramount
--
************* DAVE HATUNEN (hat...@cox.net) *************
* Tucson Arizona, out where the cacti grow *
* My typos & mispellings are intentional copyright traps *
wcmartell
> Actually, that's not completely true. Any writer should be aware
> of the case of Buchwald v Paramount.
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buchwald_v._Paramount
Nope - Buchwald won over the *execution* of the idea - there were
enough similarities between Buchwald's version and COMING TO AMERICA,
plus, he proved they had access to his script. But - take into
consideration that he is Art Buchwald and has a pile of lawyers and a
bunch of time to deal with this in court.
Another, similar, case was Harlan Ellison & James Cameron over
TERMINATOR - again, Ellison proved a bunch of direct lifts from his
OUTER LIMITS episodes and could also prove that Cameron had seen both
of those episodes. Which won him a credit and some money.
It's not the idea - it is the execution of the idea.
- Bill
danger...@gmail.com
> THEY STOLE MY IDEA!
> bu William C. Martell
Good article. Thanks. (Not that I'm paranoid about my stuff or
anything.)
Dangerous Bill
(like Hatunen, also from Tucson)
DT Lemons
"WeReo_ScoTTy" <Sco...@newsserver.net> wrote:
> I'm the only idea that matters.
DELUSIONAL FAT STUPID LOSER STINKING SLOB
--
Shit Shat FaTTy Ass, give The PIG a Bone, this BIG FAT SLOB goes rolling home
PERVERTąd FAT STUPID GREASY ReTARDąd CrusTy RABID PEDOPHILE WARTHOG says WHAT?
Mark
> THEY STOLE MY IDEA!
> bu William C. Martell
>
> New writers are often paranoid that someone will steal their ideas -
In 1987 one evening I encountered a young man outside
Denny's restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was begging
for spare change. When I told him about some day labor jobs
where he could earn cash daily he replied,
"I refuse to go back to work!" I asked why. He said,
"Bob Dylan stole all my songs! Look at all the money
it made him. Why should I work for peanuts when he's
getting rich off all my music?"
I replied, "Mm, so you can buy dinner?"
---
Mark
wcmartell
> "Bob Dylan stole all my songs! Look at all the money
> it made him. Why should I work for peanuts when he's
> getting rich off all my music?"
That's why I always wear my tin-foil hat... Bob Dylan can not be
trusted! He will read your mind and steal your songs!
- Bill
ReVulse
> THEY STOLE MY IDEA!
> bu William C. Martell
>
> New writers are often paranoid that someone will steal their ideas -
And then turn it into a third rate remake of a classic horror film.
--
#Andy#
WeReo_ScoTTy
news:72ljiuF...@mid.individual.net...
>>>
danger...@gmail.com
> That's why I always wear my tin-foil hat... Bob Dylan can not be
> trusted! He will read your mind and steal your songs!
>
> - Bill
Hey! The tinfoil hat was my invention.
DB
Bonestructure
to them about the movie I was writing at the time. They then announced they
too were going to make a movie about a carnival in the 30s. They didn't,
because the incompetents who had been running Asylum, into the ground, were
replaced by new staff and management. Who then set about really improving
the company's product and behavior. So it does happen. Taught me a lesson.
--
I sacrificed my sanity and all I got was this lousy dead rabbit
Kishin
news:3c3c4b52-4f6d-4627...@v35g2000pro.googlegroups.com...
> bu William C. Martell
>
> New writers are often paranoid that someone will steal their ideas -
> so they do everything possible to keep their screenplay idea top
> secret... leaving it out of their query letters and going out of
> their way to make sure no one can read their script. The obvious
> problem with that is no one will want to read your script if you
> don't tell them what it's about... and nobody *can* read your script
> if you don't let them. Your logline is all about the high concept, and
> that's what gets a producer interested enough to read your
> screenplay. You can't keep your idea secret!
>
> But does that mean you just let people steal it?
>
> For the answer, go here:
> http://www.scriptsecrets.net/tips/tip352.htm
Stephen Spielberg stole my idea to adapt "War of the Worlds," only he got a
fucked up script that set the story in contemporary America instead of
Victorian England. My version would have been much better.
--
Kishin
WeReo_ScoTTy
news:cVqxl.19205$b9.1...@bignews6.bellsouth.net...
SnortSnort
"WeReo_ScoTTy" <Sco...@newsserver.net> wrote:
yea u make the perfect FAT STUPID SMELLY PEDOPHILE
--
Shit Shat FaTTy Ass, give The PIG a Bone, this BIG FAT SLOB goes rolling home
PEDOTARD PIG FACE SHITSHINE the GREASY CIRCUS PIG
& WORTHLESS DELUSIONAL LYING PATHETIC PATHOLOGICAL
PERVERTąd FAT STUPID ReTARDąd PEDOPHILE RABID WARTHOG says WHAT???
whessoe
"wcmartell" <wcma...@compuserve.com> wrote in message
news:3c3c4b52-4f6d-4627...@v35g2000pro.googlegroups.com...
> bu William C. Martell
>
Interesting. On the commentary for one of Bob Clark's films he talks about
being friends with John Carpenter in the Mid-70's. In a discussion about
BLACK CHRISTMAS Carpenter asked Clark if he ever considered making a sequel.
He told him of an idea with "Billy" asylumed now, escaping and returning
home to kill once again. The time of year of course would be near the end of
October and the film Clark imagined would be called HALLOWEEN.
whessoe
The Starmaker
>
> On Mar 22, 1:31 am, Bonestructure <b...@1s.net> wrote:
> > It happens. I was friends, and still am, with the folks at Asylum. I talked
> > to them about the movie I was writing at the time. They then announced they
> > too were going to make a movie about a carnival in the 30s. They didn't,
> > because the incompetents who had been running Asylum, into the ground, were
> > replaced by new staff and management. Who then set about really improving
> > the company's product and behavior. So it does happen. Taught me a lesson.
>
> financial sense for them to steal an idea from you, because they'll
> just hire someone for $500 to script it. They don't seem to worry
> about stealing from 20th Cent Fox (and every other studio) so why
> should they worry about a screenwriter. But for the most part, it
> doesn't make sense to steal someone's idea then hire someone to script
> it... when that script already exists.
>
> - Bill
If it doesn't make sense to you, ...maybe you need to consult an
attorney who can
explain and tell you that "Screenplays are stolen *all* the time..."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/13051757#13051757
---
Alonzo Douglas v. Sony. Writer who submitted script titled “Anaconda” to
Sony says the new film of that name is based o his script.
“Clockstoppers”
Santa Fe Entertainment v. Paramount Pictures. The owners of a motion
picture screenplay “It’s About Time” claim that Paramount Pictures
copied without authorization all aspects of their script in its creation
of the film “Clockstoppers.”
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the basis of hit film, "The Nutty Professor."
Tony Anthony, Howard Worth v. Universal, MCA. Two writers say “Daylight”
was based on their script, “The Tunnel.”
Lite Stone Entertainment v. DEJ Productions, Roses and Guns Productions,
et al. The owner of the motion picture screenplay “Jessie’s Girl” claims
the producers of the movie “Gang of Roses” copied the plot and
characters of the screenplay to create their movie
Donald Tavey v. Pierce Brosnan, Irish Dream Time. Writer says the
upcoming Brosnan film "The Nephew" bears "shocking similarities" to his
own "Wild Nights in Castleberry."
Chase-Riboud v. Dreamworks. Author alleges that film "Amistad" is based
on her book about the same historical incident.
Diane Johnson v. Mathieu Kassovitz. Writer alleges "Café Au Lait" is
based on her script.
Waid v. Disney. Former USN sub captain says his script was the basis for
Crimson Tide.
Hines, Jones v. Universal. Two writers say the script for “Dante’s Peak
“ was copied from a script they submitted in 1995
Laskay v. New Line, American Zoetrope. Writer who bought English
language rights to "Man Facing Southeast" says studios stole concept and
script.
Butler v. Wimmer. Writer sues collaborator who allegedly took
unfinished, co-written script, reworked it and sold it for own benefit.
Michael Fry v. Estate of Sagan. Writer says he pitched script to son of
Carl Sagan, who sold similar script to 20th Century Fox.
Bernstein and Petersen v. Universal. Screenwriters allege the film
"Half-Baked" was based on their script.
Chapin v. Kushner-Locke. Writer says KL fraudulently induced him to sign
away his rights to a script called "Cutthroat."
Bloom v. Ferguson. Screenwriter accuses writer of “Maximum Risk” of
plagiarising from his script, “Chain Reaction.”
Margaret McKenzie v. Paramount et al. The film “Lucky Numbers” infringes
on the plaintiff’s screenplay “Money Trouble,” suit alleges
Glenn Willis v. Disney. Among other similarities, three-year gestation
period for giant cockroaches is evidence Disney copied script submitted
with internship application in making "Mimic," writer alleges
Masters v. Sony. A writer says the movie "Money Train" is based on the
screenplay Sony optioned from him in 1988.
Dennis Manuel v. New Line Cinema. New York writer, representing himself,
alleges that both "The Long Kiss Goodbye" and "Seven" infringe on the
same script, which he wrote in 1978-1980
Nick Villiers v. Eric Fellner et al. Writer says long-time friend and
producer used his ideas for a movie to be called "Cheeks" as part of the
hit "Notting Hill."
Gary Compton v. Disney, Bruckheimer, Bay et al. Author says “Pearl
Harbor” infringes on his romantic screenplay “Pearl Harbor Love.”
Linda Lukens v. Paramount Pictures et al. Series "Queen of Swords" is
based on scripts by plaintiff, but were made with neither permission nor
credit.
Grosso v. Miramax. Writers alleges the film "Rounders" was made from his
script, but he was never paid.
Faye Kellerman v. Miramax, Universal. Bestselling author alleges
"Shakespeare in Love" is based on her 1989 novel "The Quality of Mercy."
Elena Mareno v. Miramax et al. New York woman alleges "White Man's
Burden" is based on her treatment and screenplay
Newsom v. Columbia Pictures. Author of 1985 “Spider-Man” script says his
material was used
in hit 2002 “Spider-Man” movie without credit or payment.
N. Barry Carver v. Paramount. Writer says the similarities of "Star
Trek: First Contact" to the script
"A Stitch in Time," which he submitted to Paramount in 1991, are
"bizarrely striking."
Mattson v. Protosevich, New Line. Writer says his idea and screenplay
for a movie about a female therapist entering the mind of a comatose
patient were used to make "The Cell."
Michael Alan Eddy v. Radar Pictures, Interscope, Warner Bros., WGA.
Writer who says he was first of six to work on “The Last Samurai” claims
the film’s producers
and the WGA prevented him from receiving the proper credit due to him
the other early writers
for their work on the project.
Mowry v. Scott Rudin, Viacom. Writer alleges that the movie “The Truman
Show”
is so similar to the screenplay he submitted to the defendants that it
must have been copied.
James Bass v. Lions Gate, Mandalay, Snoop Dogg.
Music video and commercial producer says rapper and film companies based
film “The Wash” on his script.
Howard, Beutler, Schlossberg-Cohen v. Danjaq et al. Baltimore
scriptwriters claim
latest Bond flick copied their script "Currency of Fear." We print
description of similarities in full.
Vicky Rocco v. Tamasy, Bell. Writer says her script was ripped off for
the new movie, "Walking Across Egypt."
there is no end to script stealing if the attorneys tell you
"Screenplays are stolen *all* the time..."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/13051757#13051757
The Starmaker
The Starmaker
New Filing -- Eddie Murphy
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the basis of hit film, "The Nutty Professor." New Filing CD California.
Full Story -- New Filing November 1996
Backdraft Ruling
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who say significant parts of their screenplays wound up in "Backdraft"
appear to have won a default judgment on liability based on defendants'
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York. Full Story Art New Filing August 1996
Golan Says Wrongly Fired From Film Co.
Producer says he was wrongly fired, manhandled from office, defamed and
bilked of credit and fee; says deft.'s lawyer then refused to draft
settlement unless hired to produce Golan's next film Full Story
Film
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Filing July 2000
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Santa Fe Entertainment v. Paramount Pictures. The owners of a motion
picture screenplay “It’s About Time” claim that Paramount Pictures
copied without authorization all aspects of their script in its creation
of the film “Clockstoppers.” New Filing CD California. Full Story Film
New Filing June 2003
New Filing – “Freakshow”
Nick Griffin, Mike Ferrucci v. Miramax Film Corp. The authors of a
horror film screenplay entitled “Freakshow” claim that Miramax’s 2002
film, “Halloween Resurrection” copied without authorization creative
elements from the screenplay. New Filing CD California. Full Story
Film New Filing May 2003
New Filing – “Gang of Roses”
Lite Stone Entertainment v. DEJ Productions, Roses and Guns Productions,
et al. The owner of the motion picture screenplay “Jessie’s Girl” claims
the producers of the movie “Gang of Roses” copied the plot and
characters of the screenplay to create their movie. New Filing CD
California. Full Story Film New Filing January 2004
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Roland Films v. Schwab. Indie film company seeks to enforce option on
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option expired or was extended. New Filing SD New York. Full Story
Film New Filing January 2002
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Dux v. Van Damme. Martial arts expert says action star didn’t pay agreed
fee for consulting, creating the story for “The Quest.” New Filing LA
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Saffron v. Praxis. Producer says he has not been paid his fee or given
his credit for film based on the screenplay “The Red Door.” New Filing
CD California. Full Story Film New Filing February 2002
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claims Twentieth Century Fox and Newmarket Press failed to ensure that
he received credit for his contributions to the motion picture “X-Men 2”
in a book published about the film. New Filing CD California. Full
Story Film New Filing June 2003
New Filing – Agent 008
Carlos Jackson v. Various Universal execs. Man claims he dropped earlier
lawsuit against Universal based on promises by execs to help his career,
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LA Superior. Full Story Film New Filing August 2000
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of “Air Bud” and its sequel allege they have not received the “net
profits” they were promised and have been cut out of third “Air Bud”
film. New Filing LA Superior. Full Story Film New Filing
April 2001
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Barry Perelman Enterprises v. Keystone. Producer says film company dealt
him out of deal to make "Air Bud." New Filing LA Superior. Full Story
Film New Filing January 1998
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Initial Entertainment v. Nicholas Cassavetes. Film company says writer
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the screenplay. New Filing LA Superior. Full Story Film New
Filing
December 2004
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rights to inspiring true story of integrated 1955 Alabama Little League
team after learning that the story was not true. New Filing LA Superior.
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Schwartz v. Sealskin. Scriptwriter says his former partner took a
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treatment was the basis of “The American President” and who sought
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Film New Filing November 2001
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Waid v. Disney. Former USN sub captain says his script was the basis for
Crimson Tide. New Filing LA Superior. Full Story Film New
Filing
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David Dadon v. Avi Lerner, et al. Producers says he helped get "The
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credit. New Filing LA Superior. Full Story Film New Filing
July 2000
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Hines, Jones v. Universal. Two writers say the script for “Dante’s Peak
“ was copied from a script they submitted in 1995. New Filing CD
California. Full Story Film New Filing March 1997
New Filing – Don Juan Demarco
Laskay v. New Line, American Zoetrope. Writer who bought English
language rights to "Man Facing Southeast" says studios stole concept and
script. New Filing LA Superior. Removal CD California. Full Story
Film
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Darryl Lassiter v. Fox. Writer says “Drumline” was copied from his
movie, “Pay the Price,” about Black college marching bands. New Filing
SD New York. Full Story
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Fox Films, Fox Entertainment Group. Screenwriter claims that studios
copied several elements from his screenplay and movie “Pay the Price” to
create the motion picture “Drumline.” New Filing SD New York. Full
Story Film New Filing September 2004
New Filing – End Game
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company promised him $17 million to be in film “End Game” and kept
stringing him along even when they could not finance the film in order
to maintain the appearance of viability. New Filing LA Superior. Full
Story Film New Filing October 2002
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unfinished, co-written script, reworked it and sold it for own benefit.
New Filing LA Superior. Full Story Film New Filing November
1996
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Carl Sagan, who sold similar script to 20th Century Fox. New Filing CD
California. Full Story Film New Filing April 1997
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substantially similar to his screenplay "Doubletime." New Filing CD
California. Full Story Film New Filing April 2000
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case saying firm botched negotiations and then arbitration with Harry
Shearer over comedy script. New Filing LA Superior. Full Story Film
New Filing July 1998
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Paladin V. Time Warner. Producers allege Warner reneged on deal to do
"Have Gun Will Travel" movie. New Filing LA Superior. Full Story
Film
New Filing April 1999
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Hearsay v. World International. Defendant may have had right to take
over production of film “Hearsay,” but has so changed the content as to
have infringed on the copyright, suit alleges. New Filing CD California.
Full Story Film New Filing August 2001
New Filing – Howard Hughes
Charles Evans v. New Line Cinema. Producer says he worked years on movie
about billionaire Howard Hughes, only to get cut out of the deal. New
Filing LA ...
danger...@gmail.com
>
> If it doesn't make sense to you, ...maybe you need to consult an
> attorney who can
> explain and tell you that "Screenplays are stolen *all* the time..."
Serious question here:
Is it possible these are folks who are just fishing for a quickie
'make me go away' settlement out of the hundreds of millions of
dollars involved in making and marketing a movie? Big money attracts
lawyers like shit attracts flies, and it would probably be impossible
to write a script that doesn't resemble *something* somebody wrote
sometime.
Phony and groundless lawsuits make just as big headlines as legitimate
ones.
DB
The Starmaker
iL_WeReo
>
> read more »- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
AND...the entire music industry's on his way OUT >>>
wcmartell
> Is it possible these are folks who are just fishing for a quickie
> 'make me go away' settlement out of the hundreds of millions of
> dollars involved in making and marketing a movie? Big money attracts
> lawyers like shit attracts flies, and it would probably be impossible
> to write a script that doesn't resemble *something* somebody wrote
> sometime.
Yes. That's usually why the lawyers get involved.
There's a great deal of synchonicity - people come up with the same
ideas at the same time, without any theft involved. But crazy people
and naive people often believe it is theft... that someone has stolen
their idea, beacuse it is precious to them.
For instance:
New Filing -- Eddie Murphy
Patrick brothers v. Murphy. Pair of scriptwriters say their script
was the basis of hit film, "The Nutty Professor." New Filing CD
California. Full Story -- New Filing November 1996
Doesn't seem to take into account that is a remake of a 1963 film.
Hey, if these guys were ripped off, why not sue the 1963 original
film
instead of the remake?
- Bill
The Starmaker
For each case that is "filed", there are *hundreds* that don't get
filed. Either
there is not enough to go on, or the writer is either to afraid to sue,
or cannot afford to.
So, either you don't have the proof required by law...
or You cannot afford the expense of taking it to court, or
you're just afraid to sue because the industry will retaliate against
you by blackballing you.
The Starmaker
KillMaster
ALL Ya NEED TO KNOW: GOOGLE - LIFSHINE PEDOPHILE
Bonestructure
news:49C9D4...@ix.netcom.com:
> or
> you're just afraid to sue because the industry will retaliate against
> you by blackballing you.
>
>
I'd be double damned afraid of that. Seriously.