Screenplay Registration
Screenplay registration is not only advised, it is almost universally required by production companies and contests in today's world.
Registration of your screenplay, treatment, outline, or idea is one of the few ways you can protect yourself from theft. Does theft exist in Hollywood. Yes, but it is a much rarer occurence than you might think.
Script registration is cheap (The WGA fee is $20 for non-menbers and $10 for members) and you will find that almost all contests and production companies will require you to list the registration number when submitting to them. Production companies and contests use waivers or release forms to protect themselves from lawsuits. A writer's protection against theft is copyright and/or WGA registration.
Remember to also keep your rejection letters! What better way to document that you submitted your script than a letter from them rejectiing it. In fact, we strongly advise that you keep a log of who, what, where, and when you submit or pitch your work. This is the kind of evidence you need to support your case if someone steals your script. Just keep a log in Microsoft Word or use a program like Power Tracker.
Should I register a treatment or an outline?
In most cases, yes. If you plan on pitching your unfinished screenplay verbally or in a query letter to an agent or production company, than you should register your treatment, outline, pitch, or whatever you have written up to this point. The WGA also allows you to register outlines, treatments, pitches - even notes.
If you don't plan on exposing your script idea to anyone who is in a position to steal your idea, then don't bother registering anything until the script is completed. Just remember, an idea is not protectable. Only the execution of the idea. Notes, outlines, etc. represent execution - characters, plot specifics, dialogue, etc.
Protecting Your Script and Industry Information
For the most protection, register your script at the U.S. Copyright Office. You can also register it through the WGA and find information on agents, industry payment standards, and other useful information at their site. Joining the WGA requires the necessary production credits (i.e. script sales) but you do not need to be a WGA member to use their registration services.
US Copyright Office
Get copyright forms and information on filing your copyright here. Copyright registration fee is $45.
Writers Guild of America
This site includes a list of current WGA agents, plus information on WGA membership. Some agents, production companies, and producers will want you to have a WGA registration, too (even if you have a copyright). Check here for details on how to register your script.
ProtectRite Registration Service
An online registration service. They have several service tiers for varying registration needs. They also offer a permanent registration option which never expires for $39.95.
Writers Guild of Canada
If you're in Canada, here's details on the WGC.
Writers Guild of UK
If you're in the UK, contact the WGUK.
Registration of your screenplay, treatment, outline, or idea is one of the few ways you can protect yourself from theft. Does theft exist in Hollywood. Yes, but it is a much rarer occurence than you might think.
Script registration is cheap (The WGA fee is $20 for non-menbers and $10 for members) and you will find that almost all contests and production companies will require you to list the registration number when submitting to them. Production companies and contests use waivers or release forms to protect themselves from lawsuits. A writer's protection against theft is copyright and/or WGA registration.
Remember to also keep your rejection letters! What better way to document that you submitted your script than a letter from them rejectiing it. In fact, we strongly advise that you keep a log of who, what, where, and when you submit or pitch your work. This is the kind of evidence you need to support your case if someone steals your script. Just keep a log in Microsoft Word or use a program like Power Tracker.
Should I register a treatment or an outline?
In most cases, yes. If you plan on pitching your unfinished screenplay verbally or in a query letter to an agent or production company, than you should register your treatment, outline, pitch, or whatever you have written up to this point. The WGA also allows you to register outlines, treatments, pitches - even notes.
If you don't plan on exposing your script idea to anyone who is in a position to steal your idea, then don't bother registering anything until the script is completed. Just remember, an idea is not protectable. Only the execution of the idea. Notes, outlines, etc. represent execution - characters, plot specifics, dialogue, etc.
Protecting Your Script and Industry Information
For the most protection, register your script at the U.S. Copyright Office. You can also register it through the WGA and find information on agents, industry payment standards, and other useful information at their site. Joining the WGA requires the necessary production credits (i.e. script sales) but you do not need to be a WGA member to use their registration services.
US Copyright Office
Get copyright forms and information on filing your copyright here. Copyright registration fee is $45.
Writers Guild of America
This site includes a list of current WGA agents, plus information on WGA membership. Some agents, production companies, and producers will want you to have a WGA registration, too (even if you have a copyright). Check here for details on how to register your script.
ProtectRite Registration Service
An online registration service. They have several service tiers for varying registration needs. They also offer a permanent registration option which never expires for $39.95.
Writers Guild of Canada
If you're in Canada, here's details on the WGC.
Writers Guild of UK
If you're in the UK, contact the WGUK.
Do I really need to register my screenplay?
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