I am planning to make a film/video/television program based on a copyrighted work such as a book, magazine article, etc. What rights do I need and from whom should I obtain them?
If the underlying work is copyrighted, you must obtain an assignment from the copyright owner of exclusive or non-exclusive rights to make a movie, video or program based on the work. It is not always easy to determine the proper copyright owner. If the underlying work is a book, a good place to start would be to contact the publisher to obtain information. A copyright search of the Copyright Office database, by the Internet or through an outside copyright service could also be helpful in providing this information. You then need to determine who held the movie rights under the publishing agreement. When you acquire an assignment from a copyright owner, it is a good idea to obtain a short form assignment and record it in the Copyright Office to put others on notice of your rights.
Related Questions
- What is the relationship of Hall of Music Productions and the Film/Video Studies program? Why is Hall of Music Productions teaching Film/Video Studies production courses?
- Do students in the Graduate Screenwriting Program get to work on short films and in film or television production?
- Is the Toolbox program for film/tv/video artists?
