Sue Melanson's Lounge Discussions

http://www.ithenticate.com/plagiarism-detection-blog/bid/52974/Plagiaris... Go for the criminal penalties. Copyrighting can be an expensive discouragement for novice writers. Not to mention, it hasn't stopped producers in the past. Irwin Allen clearly stole Ib Melchior's "Space Family Robinson" for "Lost in Space". "Twenty Million Miles to Earth" is clearly based on a, much better, short story by John W. Campbell ("The Thing").

Copyrighting at the Library of Congress is the only one that counts. Electronic filing is only $35.00. Plus they will walk you through the process, which is simple.

Really? Patenting and trademarking is about $350. Thanks, Robert. I will check that out.

We've been discussing this for years on one of my other sites. WGA registration is not worth the paper it's printed on as it does not protect you in a court of law. Registration with the U.S. Copyright Office (LoC) is the only form of registration that will stand up in a court room.

Alle, if you are referring to me, I "ripped you apart” not for your opinion that WGA registration is of little use– but because of other statements you made which were factually incorrect, e.g. your completely imaginary “new laws” and your claims that the LOC’s own FAQ was incorrect in not reflecting them(!) Anyone who wishes to verify this has only to check the thread.

Welcome to Stage 32 http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4756154/resume?ref_=nm_ov_res

Hi, there!

I am a member in Reel productions .I was excited at first but now a bit disappointed

Hey Tanisha. I'm a Christian screenwriter. God bless!

Hi Kenya, that's awesome.

Welcome Tanisha! Your friend gave you good advice. There are many, many supportive people on this site. Be sure to check out the Happy Writers section - lots of great information for screenwriters!

Thanks Tanisha!

Dawn I will do that. Thanks!

There are pros and cons to Inktip. First, you need to know what type of films are being produced: http://inktip.com/main_films_produced.php?cat=ep&scat=credits They mainly seem to be low budget to very low budget films, aimed at Netflix and other pay per view channels. If you have something, that fits that mold and want to get exposure, great.

Yeah, good point, Eion. I wouldn't post my $100 million blockbuster on InkTip.

Exactly. If you've got a $7M or under project, InkTip can be great and they have gotten a large number of movies made. However, if it's a budget bigger than that, you're probably better off using other avenues.

So it sounds like a good resource for someone starting out.

Hello Sue, I used to have a script or two on Inktip. Kerry and Danny are right: if its a lower budget indie film, then I suggest you give it a shot. Jerrol LeBaron and his staff are very polite and willing to give pointers and tips on how to maximize your listing. They also have great examples and articles on the site to help you out. I'm currently working with a producer on some projects, and he says wonderful things about Jerrol.

Congratulations! I hope you got paid properly!

Tony - a big Hurumph! Funny :)

I was not aware that Leigh had already signed an agreement before she posted her question. Obviously, whatever she signed is binding. Perhaps I'm overly suspicious, which is why I recommended Leigh talk to a manager, but why wouldn't a producer let the original writer make his/her suggested changes, Unless the producer plans to take credit away from the author, it's usually cheaper and more efficient to let the original writer do the changes. Particularly since a newbie writer will probably agree to make the changes free. Personally, I'd be hesitant to sign with a producer who wouldn't grant me first refusal concerning doing changes. If I decline, the producer has the right to have the changes made by anyone he wants. Similarly, if needed, additional rewrites can be done by whoever the producer selects. It's non-burdensome to the producer. Getting the producer to pay for the rewrite is another ball of wax.

Lee- The producer did give us first refusal and we okay'd the changes. The producer is most definitely looking after me and I trust her completely. Fortunately the producer knows how to proceed for a successful team effort. I originally posted the discussion to learn from others that may have been in a similar situation. And it is clear to me that at some point a writer needs to let go of each and every written word and become part of a team to create the best finished product.

Sounds like a good producer and a happy ending. Keep us posted what happens...

Visualized emotion in acting reminds me of Jeremy Iron's role in "Margin Call" (2011) (fyi: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1615147/). In the director's commentary (included in the dvd), Iron's controlled flinking of his chin muscles to show frustration is lauded as an excellent example of self-control in the service of acting.

And a great visual...

Sounds like you are a Jeremy Irons fan :)

Oh, yes... and amongst many other actors, Spencer Tracy. I think it was the movie, Bad Day At Black Rock where in a scene with Robert Ryan, Tracy steals the scene by never looking up at Ryan... such a tiny visual, yet he stole the attention from a younger star... Thanks, Skip for sharing... anytime...

Thanks to you as well. I'll put Bad Day at Black Rock on my to-see list.

Sue, welcome to the Stage 32 community, we are do glad you are here! You are among encouragement and support, so consider this your home :) Your advice from your experience working in the industry will be most helpful in the Lounge, and, in addition, you'll find a great deal of new connections to keep advancing your own development. Welcome :)