Protecting Ideas & Screenplays

Can Ideas Be Protected?

You may be informed that “ideas” cannot be protected by copyright, and that is only true to a limited degree. The unique expression of an idea or format IS protected under copyright law. This dictates the requirement of creating enough detail and original content to make your “idea” or format unique. To say that the simple movie idea of an alien being left behind by his spaceship is an idea that can be protected by copyright is not enough. The protection by copyright and any writers registry would extend to the storyline, plot, and unique characters that are developed and written out of that basic idea, whether that be a synopsis/treatment or completed screenplay.

The Two Measures of Protection You Need

Proof-of-Authorship

Before you take your project to market, pitching it to executives or any third party, you need to register your writing for proof-of-authorship. Online registries such as creatorsvault.com and wga.org provide screenwriters, concept creators, and authors a direct and immediate method of archival to establish creation of the written work at a specific date and time. This is necessary to have as third-party evidence should a conflict in authorship happen at a later date while pitching your project.

Proof-of-Exposure

In any arbitration or infringement case, the writer needs to be able to establish two things: That they created the work prior to exposure to the third party in question, and that the third party in question in fact reviewed the material at will. TVFilmRights.com provides the proof-of-exposure for all written works scouted in its database by preserving and providing its writers with electronic records and instant (as-it-happens) email notification of all activity.

What Security Does TVFilmRights.com Offer In Marketing My Project

Electronic Proof of Review

Every writing member of TVFilmRights.com receives electronic proof-of-review, and instant email notification, for every project reviewed by any of our industry executive members. This provides the proof-of-exposure and immediate notice of activity that is virtually impossible to get in the traditional world of pitching.

Closed Venue

Other online script marketing services send out unsolicited email blasts exposing your Logline (idea) to potential buyers, thinking this generates more “action”, while it only puts your core concept at risk. We have no need to exercise that risk since the Industry comes to us, and operates within our secure closed venue to review projects. We never expose your material to any unsolicited third-party.

Established Executives

The industry executives that have been approved for membership at TVFilmRights.com are all well established executives at leading film and television companies. Most of our executive members come from referral by associates, and their identity and location is cross-checked.

Terms of Service Non-Disclosure Agreement

All industry members of our service have agreed by electronic binding signature to our terms of service non-disclosure agreement, which is another measure that even established writers will find impossible to get in the real world of pitching projects.

Register Here