So you have worked hard for months and written your script and screenplay. After unending series of drafting, redrafting and incorporating ideas and suggestions of friends, family and well wishers you have finally come to a somewhat final draft of your script. Now the real battle begins. Pitching in your script to the production houses, meeting people and a marathon of endless narrations that follow.
But what if your script gets leaked in the process? Or someone is “inspired†by your idea and comes up with a not-so-different version of your story? Or worse, before you know it, someone uses your very own work and makes a film, which gets a theatrical release and becomes a hit while you are still in the web of narrations and delays. Nightmare?
Well its time you know your rights properly and are well informed and prepared. After all you are a professional and its better to be safe than sorry.
Here are a few things that EVERY SCRIPTWRITER SHOULD KNOW.
Am I the author?
Section 17 of the Copyright Act 1957 statutorily recognizes the author of the work to be the first owner of the copyright therein. However it is subject to some exceptions. As in the case of a literary or dramatic work the author, i.e., the person who creates the work is the author. If the work is created in the course of employment the employer is the owner of the copyright (unless a contract to the contrary exists). As in the case of a cinematograph work (film), the producer is the author.
Whose idea is it anyway?
It is important to understand that “the originator of an idea is not the owner of the copyright†(R.GAnand Vs. Deluxe films). Copyright belongs to the person who gives concrete form to the idea. E.g.: writes a book, makes a film from an idea discussed etc.
Even if the idea is original no copyright subsists or guaranteed. “The originator of the brilliant idea is not the owner of the copyright in the work, unless he is also the creator of the work†(Donogue Vs. Allied Newspaper).
There can be no copyright in
# Idea
# Subject matter
# Themes/plot
# Historical/legendary facts
# News
Copyright exists only in material form to which ideas are translated.
When and where should I register my script?
It is advisable to register your script before you circulate or narrate it to producers/actors etc. You can register your script at the Film Writers Association (FWA[i]) inMumbai[ii]. In case of a book or other artistic work you can register for a Copyright to the work. The Copyright Office is currently located inNew Delhi [iii].
| S.No. | For an application for COMPULSORY LICENSE : | Fee |
| 1. | For a license to republish a Literary, Dramatic, Musical or Artistic work (Sections 31, 31A,31B* and 32A) | Rs. 5,000/- per work |
| 2. | For a license to communicate an any work to the public by Broadcast(Section 31(1)(b)) | Rs. 40,000/- per applicant/per station |
| 3. | For license to republish a Cinematograph Film (Section 31) | Rs. 15,000/- per work |
| 4. | For a license to republish a sound recording (Section 31) | Rs. 10,000/- per work |
| 5. | For a license to perform any work in public (Section 31) | Rs. 5,000/- per work |
| 6. | For a license to publish or communicate to the public the work or translation (Section 31A) | Rs. 5,000/- per work |
| 7. | For a license to publish any work in any format useful for person with disability (Section 31 B) | Rs. 2,000/- per work |
| 8. | For an application for a license to produce and publish a translation of a Literary or Dramatic work in any Language (Section 32 & 32-A ) | Rs. 5,000/- per work |
| 9. | For an application for registration or copyright in a: | |
| (a) Literary, Dramatic, Musical or Artistic work | Rs. 500/- per work | |
| (b) Provided that in respect of a Literary or Artistic work which is used or is capable of being used in relation to any goods (Section 45) | Rs. 2,000/- per work | |
| 10. | For an application for change in particulars of copyright entered in the Register of Copyrights in respect of a: | |
| (a) Literary, Dramatic, Musical or Artistic work | Rs. 200/- per work | |
| (b) Provided that in respect of a literary or Artistic work which is used or is capable of being used in relation to any goods (Section 45) | Rs. 1,000/- per work | |
| 11. | For an application for registration of Copyright in a Cinematograph Film (Section 45) | Rs. 5,000/- per work |
| 12. | For an application for registration of change in particulars of copyright entered in the Register of Copyrights in respect of Cinematograph film (Section 45) | Rs. 2,000/- per work |
| 13. | For an application for registration of copyright in a Sound Recording (Section 45) | Rs. 2,000/- per work |
| 14. | For an application for registration of changes in particulars of copyright entered in the Register of Copyrights in respect of Sound Recording (Section 45) | Rs. 1,000/- per work |
| 15. | For taking extracts from the indexes (Section 47) | Rs. 500/- per work |
| 16. | For taking extracts from the Register of Copyrights (Section 47). | Rs. 500/- per work |
| 17. | For a certified copy of an extract from the Register of Copyrights of the indexes (Section 47) | Rs. 500/- per copy |
| 18. | For a certified copy of any other public document in the custody of the Register of Copyright or Secretary of the Copyright Board | Rs. 500/- per Copy |
| 19. | For an application for prevention of importation of infringing copies (Section 53) per place of entry | Rs. 1,200/- per work |
End-Notes
[i]http://fwa.co.in/Membership.php
[ii]201/202, Richa, Plot no B – 29,Off New Link Road, Andheri (West). Mumbai – 400 053, India
[iii]4th Floor, Jeevan Deep Building, Parliament Street. New Delhi – 110001
[iv]http://www.ssrana.in/Admin%5CUploadDocument%5CIP%20Updates%5C2012-06-18-Notification%20of%20the%20Copyright%20Act.pdf
[v]Source:http://copyright.gov.in/frmFeeDetailsShow.aspx
Trapped inside and going stir-crazy due to quarantine? You aren’t the only one! Here are all kinds of things you can do to stay sane while self-isolating and social distancing!
The novel coronavirus and COVID-19 have turned the entire world upside-down. We’re stuck at home without much to do, and there’s only so much Netflix you can watch before you start feeling cabin fever.
It might be months, or even years, before society goes back to normal—if it ever does—so we have no choice but to get used to how things are now. And that means finding ways to keep ourselves entertained without leaving the house.
Is your well running dry? We’ve compiled a master list of ideas for you! In between staying up-to-date with trustworthy COVID-19 news, check out the following things you can do from the comfort of your home.
The hardest thing about self-isolation and social distancing is… the distance! We miss interacting with our friends and family. But while physical meetings might be off the table, that doesn’t mean we can’t hang out virtually.
Here are several fun activities you can do with others, even while you all stay within the confines of your own respective homes!
Watch movies and TV shows in sync together:
Pass the time by playing lightweight games together:
Or just get together as a virtual group and shoot the breeze:
While it’s certainly possible to do stuff with others remotely during self-isolation, you’ll need to find ways to keep yourself mentally stimulated and engaged during those times when you’re alone. Fortunately, we have a LOT of great ideas for you!
But before you dive into all the different distractions we have for you, it’s important to stay mentally centered. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety during this stressful time, we recommend the following apps that may help relieve some of your nervous energy:
With so much free time on our hands, now’s the opportunity to learn that new skill or hobby that you’ve always wanted to try but couldn’t. There are plenty of things you can learn from home—like programming, photography, digital art, and more—so why not give it a go? You’d be surprised at how quickly time flies when you’re doing something you’ve never done before.
