I have been inspired by a few different true stories that I have read recently in the news. I want to take characters from 3 different real stories and make up a fictional story about how they connect. (which they don't in reality) Do I need permission to use their stories, if I am only taking a little part of what I read? It is more of their character and situation they are in that is true, the story line is fictional. I have only gotten as far as an outline of events right now, and I am not using their real names of course. I just feel a little like I am exposing their lives in a way. Maybe I am just being overly concerned. Any comments, thoughts or experience with this type of thing would be great. Thanks guys!
Screenwriting : Question by Ami Brown
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Though I am not a lawyer (so my parents think I've screwed up my life), I think you are okay. You are not using real names and are combining events to create something new. Lots of stories are inspired by reality, but then take on a life of their own and become something different.
Thanks. I was wondering about the "inspired by true events" tag you see sometimes. But then that may confuse or be worse with the fictional aspects. I wouldn't want someone believing the fiction or suing because I told the "true events" wrong, when most of it is fiction. I think there is a fine line and balance to it all. Just trying to bounce ideas around with others like this really helps. Thanks.
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Don't use the "inspired by" thing on your script! You don't want those people to recognize themselves and send lawyers after you!
I have a film just shot and in post prod and I have placed inspired by on the front. My take was inspired was just that ....."an inspiration" not a representation of facts, especially if you change names. At the end of the film I will place the catch-all "The motion picture is purely a work of fiction. And representations to people dead or living is purely coincidental"...or something to that effect. You see this on most films of the 70s, 80's etc.. especially TV shows. I think you will fall foul if you try to state a story or events you depict is a representation of true facts. The reality is every film, TV show or book is inspired by something or another, and if someone wanted to get anal, they can if you think about. From the assignation of a president. Or someone getting hit by car... or any spy or war film you can think of. The person taking out the liable would have to prove your story had enough pointers to highlight them, and if your story is fictitious , I cannot see how things would tally. And that damage was been done to their reputation. Of course if you say this is inspired by events which occurred to a specific living person ( naming them). Then that changes things, as you are implying that it was factually related to that person. But not sure you'd do that anyway I could be wrong so check it out legally sure
If you want to use a story about someone, you will need permission, ie. The Legendary Babe Ruth. But if you've created encounters and dialog based on actual events that we already know, you may need to create characters, (your own characters,) that we do NOT know, ie. The Legend of Bagger Vance. Writing a story about a true EVENT doesn't require permission. Writing a true story about a PERSON does.
Make the experience your own.