Based on my own experiences, which the video/trailer summarises, I'd say it's almost impossible for a new writer to protect their original work and ideas in the form of a spec script, when pitching to the industry. It's why this case is so very important to me and why I've made the videos and started the petition - not just for myself, but for any writer dedicated to the craft and trying to make it . I've already got academic support on the merits of this case, alongside a growing number of screenwriters, but wanted to share it here, to my peers, and ask for your support. Thanks, Ben.
Screenwriting : Please take a look at my new trailer and help me in the fight against IP infringement of screenplays by Ben Krushkoff
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How did they get access to your work?
Why not pursue a legal avenue?
Is your work based on Historic events or is it completely fictional?
What are the differences? (which will be far more important if you decide to take legal action rather than shame them).
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If you have it copyrighted, start legal pursuit...what else can be said...
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I`d ask the same like Craig D Griffiths . You certainly need to prove, that they had access to your work.
Thanks for the response Craig and others. All the questions are answered in the series of documentaries I've made, but, in a nutshell: the only person who was helping me pitch my work had access to it on several occasions; she was the only person to have been given a copy of the script and had told me she was planning to show it to the man who went on to take credits as 'creating' that show; it was 99% fictional (nobody really knows what happened before, during and just after the invasion) and whilst there are plenty of differences, as one would expect in rewrite, I am 100% sure they used my script as the template for the show. It is an adaptation based on my original work.
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Furthermore (answering yours and Kiril’s points) my work is covered by copyright and I am pursuing this matter legally (I have already served a cease and desist letter). But you can imagine that the costs are astronomical for a case of this size and it’s taking a long time to raise the money needed (I’m not asking for any, btw!). But given that I have already received academic support from well-respected writers and experts, I believe it is the right thing to do to expose those responsible for what they’ve done. I actually feel it’s my responsibility to other writers. Hence the petition and letting those responsible know, it’s not acceptable to have done this.
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The woman, the middleman is very crucial. Hopefully you have her fully on your side. And then go and get them.
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Ben I suggest going viral on Twitter and similar nets (pretty large writing community there) I'll be happy to re-post you to my peers and followers. Good luck!
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Thanks Kiril. I have been trying to get exposure for this case and the petition on change, but it's never quite taken off in quite the way I thought it would. Any help would be appreciated. Please feel free to add me on Twitter or any other social media platform and I'll send you some links (as I don't want to be seen as a spammer on here). Pretty sure I'm the only Ben Krushkoff out there! Totally appreciated.
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Thanks for the feedback and your thoughts, J.B. I have plenty of written communication about her role and witness testimony to what was discussed at the time (including, specifically, who she wanted to show the script to). Likewise, I raised my concerns, officially, with a number of people (including the university) prior to the show being launched, and then again afterwards when I finally saw the first episode in 2018 (it first aired in January). I was initially working a law firm who told me NOT to say anything (I think they wanted to settle out of court, which me going public wouldn't have enabled me to do). However, since we parted ways I have been making as much noise as possible, which is pretty hard given everything that's been going on in the world. Either way, copyright law, which protects my work in the UK, lasts for seventy years after my death, and I'm still within the stature of limitations of the relevant fraud act (which governs the misappropriation of ideas/trade secrets). I have initiated the legal proceedings via the cease and desist notice served on Sky, last year. I am doing everything I can to expose them and what happened (not just for me, but so that other writers can learn from the experience) and will continue my attempts to get the case to the courts in the meantime. Thanks again for your response. Naturally, I'm not going to give up on this!!!
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Thanks Barry. It really is the most repulsive thing I've had to live through (and I've not exactly had an easy life). Apparently it happens more than I was led to believe when spending five years of my life studying the craft (but in most cases, people are either to worried to speak out or keep silent in the hope of a pay off). For me, it's not just about the money; there's a whole lot more at stake than that. Really appreciate your words!