Sequels OK, Can 20th Century Take My Idea W/O Giving Me A Dime?

[Destiny Is Near]

alright some may know(With all the threads i've been making lately) that im trying to write a script for X4(Looking great) but now one of my buddies is saying if you goto there office and pitch the storyline/idea to them,they can say they hate it and still use the idea/script w/o giving me anything since they own the rights to the movies. is that true?


im not all about the $Money$ but is it true that even if i have the great idea ever,i will get nothing?

my buddy also said i cant really copywrite my script since im using the x-men charactors which do not belong to me, true?

 

[the a1ant]

Re: The script, that is true. If you use the character names from X-Men, then technically you can't claim ownership of it (copyright it). Those are property of Marvel and Fox. You'll notice with many fan fics, the authors usually put a disclaimer, etc.

Now, if you change the characters names, and make it an original work, then you should be able to copyright it.

If Fox stole script ideas from a forum like this, technically they could do that. If you go into their studios and pitch an idea, they could steal that too, without giving you a penny...unless you have good protection. I'm not sure how it all works, but you would probably want a written contract stating that your plot ideas can't be stolen w/o pay. I'm not really sure of the legalities there.

One rule in Hollywood is to have a good agent and lawyer to protect you from problems like these. A big studio like 20th Century Fox usually only meets with those who have a good agent, or has good contacts within the studio itself.

Hope this helps

 

[Destiny Is Near]

that helped alot man thanks, any one else want to put in there 2cents

 

[Nell2ThaIzzay]

that helped alot man thanks, any one else want to put in there 2cents

I'm pretty sure that a1ant nailed it.

NEVER share something like that without copywriting, unless you are okay with the possibility of having it jacked like that.

For that reason, I am very hush hush about certain fiction ideas that I have, except for people like close friends who I know I can trust.

But my goal is to one day be writing movies in Hollywood, and I don't want my ideas that I've spent a lifetime on being taken by somebody else with absolutley no credit to me.

Obviously, though, if it's stuff like X-Men, or already copywritten material, then you have absolutley no claim, because the characters and their likeness isn't your's.

 

[Destiny Is Near]

ok, now heres another big question.

Am i wasting my time on this script? should i stop writing it?

 

[flavio_lebeau]

Unfortunately, yes, I think you're wasting your time...

 

[javphonic]

Well, I mean if you feel you want to keep writing your script then it's not a waste of time

Also if they steal your idea(s) you might be pissed, but atleast it's good to know that the pros are interested in your work?

 

[PeRfEcT_StOrM]

Hmmm well i guess its ok..but as long as you feel not guilty about it

my brother is the one who designed a villian from megaman, drillman, and he submitted it and capcom used it but never gave him credit...pretty low down feeling after that...

 

[ToriL90]

Here are my feelings toward my script. Hopefully, they might be helpful to you:

1. I'm writing mine for fun. If I finish it soon, I'll submit it and hope for the best (but not expect it).

2. If they want it, fabulous. I'll be thrilled to pieces. If not, then it's okay 'cause I figure they won't.

3. If they are willing to pay me and/or give me credit for the piece, then I'll be thrilled to pieces. If they don't, oh well. I won't be protecting myself with copyright or anything like that, 'cause if they did screw me over, I don't want to wrap my life up in trying to get money from them. I'd be happy that they used it, a little mad that they stole it, but I'd let it go 'cause writing movies isn't my life's goal (I'm in college studying to be a lawyer) and it would be enough reward to see my movie on the big screen.

 

[the a1ant]

Hmmm well i guess its ok..but as long as you feel not guilty about it

my brother is the one who designed a villian from megaman, drillman, and he submitted it and capcom used it but never gave him credit...pretty low down feeling after that...

Seriously? Wow, that sucks

 

[storm-x-fan]

this is so sad!! no credit to author!! anyone, we fans can still giev good ideas. after all, we want our x-men's success nothing more right??