Do I need to credit people in a book under these circumstances?

Question

I've just started to work on a comic book that I plan for to be published in the future, but I got a problem:

Some of the character's personality and looks are based off my friends and I'm using their first names. (ex. Julie, Stephanie, Jane, Michelle, etc.)

Is it ok to publish without their consent, or do I really need a written and signed permission? Can I just change the names of the characters and use without any legal problems or issues? It's just a comic book about random everyday life :0

Best answer will be rewarded properly!
Thanks for reading!

I read a few comments and they're all helpful :D But I just wanted to add that its based on nothing bad xD; Nothing that bashes any of my friends at all :0 It's pretty passive ^^

Answer 1

well, are your friends copyrighted? if not, make sure you don't use any real photo's or anything. either than that , it's cool, because first names are pretty common. also, you have the 1st, and the 5th amendment on your side.

you can publish the book, under free speech, and if you do go under court, ask for a lawyer.

anyways, if you do, it's still good to get permission from them, depending on what's it about. if anything too emmbarasing or underhanded is in there (like a past troub le like a Rape or somthing), have them read it first.

well, basically, show them the comic first then ask them, "is this okay," and when/if they say "sure." just have a tape recorder ready.

Answer 2

Absolutely, you can change the names and be done with the situation. However, I'd be very careful about writing a comic book with characters based on people you know. What you write will be written with your point-of-view in that case, or at least your friends will probably assume it will be.

And if an "event" occurs in your comic book that does not portray one or more of your friends in the best light (i.e. you make them look bad), it could come back on you as they get angry with you about how you see them.

Its okay to base it on friends. In fact, it is always recommended that you write what you know. But try to keep it loose enough to where your friends may not recognize themselves; or at the very least make sure they understand that sometimes you will have things happen to the characters that you don't always mean in real life.

Answer 3

The Dramatists Guild has a handout, which cost $2 or so, about this very issue, that is, basing your fictional characters on real people. Here's their website, and maybe you can write to them and buy that handout:

http://www.dramaguild.com/

I say go ahead and create your first draft with the original names, especially if your idea is "hot and burning". Just be aware that you may have to change those names before your final draft.

About 12 years ago I wrote a story for my friends, and kept their first names, and gave them copies. However, if I ever want to publish that story, I'd certainly ask them if they want the names changed, and I might have to get their permissions in writing. Or, I just might change the names.

Answer 4

I'm not extremely sure since I'm wondering about this too. A story I'm planning on writing has characters that my friends created. I would think that if you had your friends all sign a piece of paper, stating that once they sign it, they give you permission to do what you want with their ideas, that would be enough to get your comic book published without creating trouble. Otherwise I'm not sure. But if you find out, let me know. I would love to hear it.

Answer 5

I think the only way you could do that without a written consent would be to put a disclaimer in the comic book.......you know something like all characters are fictitious and any resemblance to persons living or deceased is purely accidental etc.

Answer 6

my answer would not be from legal point of view or commercial point. but as for the values matter with regard your friendship, it always a good effort to put a credit to those people. its good if you get them noticed on front.

Answer 7

I don't know, but you could look it up in a citeing resource. (I.E. Book: "Write for College" or website: noodletools.com)

Answer 8

It would be nice and considerate.You could at least dedicate one page to them,