Wednesday 24 January 2018

Film And Television Script Clearance And Legal Issues

By Jeffrey Price


When it comes to writing, whether a book, a screenplay or other project, it is important to follow all copyright rules. For, if not careful, an author can be sued for copyright infringement, or in the case of non-fiction, libel. When it comes to writing for movies and tv, there are a number of film and television script clearance houses which can assure this is the case.

Coordinators working in this area are responsible for a lot of areas. These areas include clearance of copyright and legal issues, providing a first draft to writers and producers and assuring a project stays on schedule and within budgetary guidelines. When clearing a script, a coordinator can either do so through proofreading or by using a software program which can identify copyright infringement and legal issues.

One of the major jobs of a coordinator is to proofread to assure there are no copyright or legal issues with a project. In the process, this individual oversees all drafts and revisions related to a script or screenplay. As this is the case, the coordinator also works as a liaison between production and writing teams.

In addition to overseeing legal issues and copyright laws, the coordinator also provides assistance with editing. In most cases, this assistance includes assuring that formatting, spelling, grammar and punctuation are accurate and according to guidelines. Whereas, once the script has been released, the production team offers advice by making notations with regards to improving the project. After which, the complete and final script is provided to producers who then begin production on an episode or scene.

As a project moves from this stage to finalization, there can often be several times a script or screenplay must pass through this process. As such, those looking work as coordinators, producers, writers or actors need to have a great deal of patience. In addition, while most often the producers have the final say with regards to revisions, there are times when the cast or crew may request revisions to dialogue, location, scene or subject matter.

When filming on location, revisions often need to be made as quickly as possible. As such, it is important that when this is the case, cast and crew work in unison with writers and producers on set. Otherwise, the project could experience delays and scheduling issues. Delays can often cause projects to go over budget, which at times can be extremely costly. Whereas, scheduling issues can often force the cancellation of a project.

In any case, it is essential that before finalization each script or screenplay be reviewed for clearance with regards to legal issues. For, sometimes a minor change can become a major problem if this is not the case. As such, to avoid lengthy legal battles, or issues which might put a film or show on hold, it is important that clearance always be the last step after each revision.

While writers often think work is original, there can often be times when similarities to other films or shows is overlooked. Whether intentional, or otherwise, it is imperative to obtain clearance to assure this is not the case. After which, if there are issues, writers and producers can often rectify the situation well in advance of production.




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