Legal Question. I am writing a screenplay based on real, but not famous, people. Some of them would certainly not give me a legal release if asked. Am I safe if I simply change the names or is more needed? Thanks in advance.
Screenwriting : Real People Legal question by Michael A. Levine
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If they can be identified by the description of events, conduct, appearance, etc... you really need that release. If you fictionalize them beyond recognition, then you don't need the release.
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If they can be identified they can sue you and the court will probably hear the case. If I wrote your life and just called the character Mick Vine, would you be pissed off? Perhaps.
At a minimum you have caused them a financial loss because you have made selling their life story less valuable. They could ask to be made whole. So they could just take your work, or ask for payment for what the rights may be worth.
At a minimum you are going to pay legal fees.
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If they won't give you legal release they'd probably sue you.