Since i am not making money could they really sue me? Since I really don't have much money anyway what could they possibly do? J.D Salinger is the author and NO it is not a Catcher In The Rye movie.
2006-11-19 01:07:40 · 6 answers · asked by Bill 1 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Movies
avoid the non-for-profit sector
2006-11-19 01:12:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
First, it's very possible that the 'story' is no longer copyrighted. Like with certain movies (night of the living dead, reefer madness) after so many years (or IF the copyright holder forgets to renew) then the material becomes 'public domain' which means anyone can do whatever with it. That's why you see so many different companies releasing NOTLD on dvd. Same goes for scripts, songs, poems, etc... However, the only way to find out in to see who the publisher is (if any) and contact them with your intentions. Chances are, if it's non-profit, they'll give you strict permission, at no cost. Chances also are, depending on how obsolete and well-known the story you want to use is, you could just go ahead and use it and if they do find out and dislike your use, about all they can do as a first step is 'make you stop showing the film of their copyrighted material'. Then, if you continue showing it, they would then sue you for a dollar amount. good luck :-)
2006-11-19 09:33:26 · answer #2 · answered by Army Of Machines (Wi-Semper-Fi)! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, you would get sued (and if they are tough, they'll take anything and everything they can), and a host of other things can happen too, i.e., an injunction to stop the movie being shown ever again, and all copies of the movies and anything to do with it will be taken away from you.
One thing you should also think about is this: your career (if this is your aim). Who knows, it may get you noticed, but if the film is done poorly, you might just ice yourself from any future potential.
http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap5.html
2006-11-19 09:15:10 · answer #3 · answered by chaka 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you advise them that it is an adaptation, they will take that into consideration. As long as they do not make the film, you are free to write whatever you wish.
Do check the rules; most want an origianl script, however, or something where you own full rights to every aspect of it
2006-11-19 09:14:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the story is under copyright, then not only can they sue you, they can claim the winnings 30 years down the road.
2006-11-19 09:09:36 · answer #5 · answered by Chief BaggageSmasher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you'd still get sued over breach of copyright
2006-11-19 09:10:05 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋