What popular stories are in the public domain?

Question

What stories am I free to adapt into independent movies without having to pay royalties to their creators?

Answer 1

Well, in the US the current copyright law is live of the owner plus 70 years, or 95 years if owned by an institution. Some things fell into the public domain because the authors didn't renew the copyright (no longer required), but the general rule is anything made from before about 1910 backward should in the public domain. (This would include the classic Greek, Roman, Norse myths, Grimm fairy tales, other legends, Shakespeare, Chaucer, early American litlike Mark Twain, Poe, etc.) To be safe, I would look it up at www.copyright.gov and/or have an attorney check on the status of any work.
Remember, too, that people may have created adaptations or new works based on the story in the public domain, and if you copy that expression, you might be infringing as well. All the more reason to do a search. Since you're creating an independent movie, there might be a law firm or two practicing in IP law that will help you for free (pro bono) or for a reduced rate, if you have specific stories in mind.

Answer 2

The stories that you write. You have to bye, or share royalties from the rights of a book or story to adapt. If you have the talent to adapt a story to a screenplay, you can write your own!

Answer 3

All the Edgar Rice Burroughs Creations -- John Carter of Mars series, Pellucidar Series, Tarzan Series, Moon Maid and Moon Men...all his books are in the public domain. Of these, probably Tarzan is the most popular, although several movies were made about Pellucidar too. I would LOVE to see a version of A Princess of Mars, which is my personal favorite of all his books. John Carter has Tarzan beat, hands down.