I am directing the senior play at my high school this year. I'd really like to do something that's never been done on stage before, like take a popular movie and adapt it for the stage. What would it take legally to be allowed to do this?
2006-09-16 16:41:16 · 6 answers · asked by Ayden T 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
I am directing the senior play at my high school this year. I'd really like to do something that's never been done on stage before, like take a popular movie and adapt it for the stage. What would it take legally to be allowed to do this?
I should mention that no money is being charged for the tickets.
2006-09-16 16:47:27 · update #1
You have to obtain the stage rights from the studio that produced the film (or whoever holds the copyright). Be prepared to be turned down or get a response asking for a lot of money, though.
Whether you charge or not is irrelevant. If the copyright holder learns of an unauthorized adaptation, you could be liable for big penalties. And "fair use" or "study of the work" would not apply here. An unauthorized production would violate the production company's intellectual rights, and their lawyers are doubtless better than any you might hire.
See below for the story of a NY high school that wanted to do an unauthorized production of "Chicago."
2006-09-16 16:48:56 · answer #1 · answered by frozengrocer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could send an email to the production company to see what they tell you. But honestly for a high school play most companies wouldn't make an issue out of it especially where no money is being charged.
Now if this were an event where you would be playing the movie as in the actual film in front of an audience there would be issues whether it was free or not. There have been instances of companies issuing cease and desist orders on public movie nights at schools, bars and out door events.
But a play can be interpreted as a "study of the work"
2006-09-16 23:53:53 · answer #2 · answered by micki_g 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Movie and theater are different mediums. People who do what you intend to do can be sued for stealing intellectual properties. There are many plays that can be performed by high school students. Maybe if you contact the Drama Department of a college or university near your school, they can help you. And , what is so original about making a play based on a popular movie anyway?
2006-09-17 20:24:35 · answer #3 · answered by Dulcinea 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to get permission from the writers, producers, directors, attorneys, etc. Don't even attempt it. They will, more than likely say no. If you do it, and they find out, can be sued for tons of money.
Find another project. Movies are intellectual property, you can't take another person's product and adapt it to your vision. Sorry. Copyright laws are taken very seriously.
2006-09-16 23:49:15 · answer #4 · answered by newyorkgal71 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would consider doing something else, for several reasons.
- It's technically not legal.
- Film and theatre are two different media.
- There are many wonderful plays out there to choose.
If you are on a limited budget, you can investigate non-royalty plays at the library. Perhaps you could even write your own original story.
2006-09-17 00:26:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if it a movie that hasn't been done on stage and you are not charging money you should br on safe groundf. go for it
2006-09-17 19:58:03 · answer #6 · answered by Scott L 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋