Hello Everyone,
I have written 2 drafts of my feature film screenplay. I think i would like to register it for copyright. What's the most comprehensive way to register it? WGA or Electronic copyright office? Or some other way?
Thank you in advance.
Screenwriting : Script Registration by Teeshay Sh
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What is LOC?
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Both are a good idea.
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Copyright it.
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I don’t think it matters. I usually do WGA because it’s convenient and quick. The only reason I do anything is because some contests and/or execs want a LOC or WGA number. Like it’s been said on here a zillion times, your work is automatically protected. You can email it to yourself and have the same level of protection registering it gives. It’s not worth any execs time to steal a script (they can offer you a free or minimal option, no skin off their nose) and ideas can’t be copyrighted. They can read your script, pass on it, and then have their writers recreate a whole new script based on the same idea. Nothing you can do about it!
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Teeshay, you already have copyright of your two screenplays. Copyright exists with or without registration. If you wish to register a claim, register with the LOC, https://www.copyright.gov. :) I wouldn't bother with WGA, certainly, if you are not a member—they purge their databank every 5 years.
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Copyright [registration]. That constitutes legal ownership. That is what you sell when you sell your screenplay (all fingers crossed!) Nothing else is a substitute. WGA registration is a handy way to record major rewrites. If you change it enough, you may want to register a new copyright. Good luck!
Thank you everyone. Really kind of you to pitch in.
Registering with the Library of Congress is best. You can always register it with the WGA when you're on the verge of a sale to a WGA signatory company or after. The only thing it will do is help you fight for proper credit on the project if they dump you as the writer and try to assign the writing credits to other people. A friend of mine was able to retain the written by credit on a big feature when his big time director tried to steal credit for the script. The WGA arbitrated and the director lost and the company abided by the decision.
I spoke to WGA and they said we recommend everyone to do "both".