Screenwriting : Using Real Persons Names by Bonnie Campbell Marquette

there's no reason whatsoever to do this

Ask an entertainment attorney. I'm afraid our feelings on the matter might lack legal teeth. Facts must be impeccable.

thanks for the comments guys. I think I know my answer. :)

The pictures your have on your profile of the plantation are fabulously haunting. I've been down a few legal rights roads in my writing and at this point, I proceed only after contacting counsel in tricky wickets. That pound of prevention thing. The good news is, if you can find a production company with similar "leanings," political, ethical or whatever, they have their own legal teams. A controversial project will scare some companies. And depending on the story, there may be some need for caution in pitching. But there's always the "Primary Colors" approach. In that movie we know who the main characters are supposed to be.

Hey Phillip! Thanks for the input. Actually, I'm married to an attorney, but he practices family law, not entertainment law (maybe I can get him to change that, LOL). At this point, I'm listing the script as "based on" a true story, to cover thy butt. I can always change things if necessary (including more names). The plantation pics are from a friend of mine's plantation where we've shot quite a few features. The last one to shoot there was "The Host", I was an asst. location manager. It's quite beautiful in the early mornings. :)

Hi Bonnie... sure get him to flip specialties. It'll save you a lot of money and he can reach out to the Louisiana folks on here. "Based on" might work. I don't honestly know the legalities. But it's a step in the right direction. I have two politically themed scripts where two or three characters should be recognizable by behavior, but not name. Thus far, no problems with that. That plantation is gorgeous!

Will do! Thanks Phillip!

Thanks for the info Dan! I'll take a look at the legal website. I'll take a look at your story, as well!