Film And Television Script Clearance And Legal Issues

By Jeffrey Price


Whether writing a biography, book, screenplay or play, writers can often break copyright laws, many times without knowing. For, if there are businesses, characters, locations, scenes or subject matter which has been used in other productions, there can often be an issue. As a result, there are film and television script clearance companies which can help prevent these issues.

A coordinator is responsible for preparing the first and following drafts. In addition, this individual is also in charge of clearance in relation to copyrights and legal issues. As such, whether by proofreading or software programs designed to catch copyright infringement and other issues, it is important that clearance takes place.

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.

Beyond legal issues, coordinators also proof scripts for grammar, spelling, punctuating and formatting before releasing a draft. The production team then reviews the draft and offers notations to writers and producers in relation to revisions. After which, the final copy is provided to producers, writers, cast and crew members in order to finalize a scene or episode.

As a script moves from the first draft into finalization, there can be several revisions. It is important that a clearance be completed after each and every revision. For, there can often be revisions which not only change but add content. As such, there is a possibility that a change or addition could pose legal issues to the script.

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.

When it comes to finalization, it is important that a final clearance be successful before moving on to production. For, a minor change can sometimes have major consequences. As such, it is imperative that this process be the last step before a project moves into production. After which, it can often be more costly and time consuming to rectify the situation if legal issues were overlooked until after the start of production.

Most writers are not as knowledgeable in relation to businesses, characters, location, scene and subject matter as cast, crew, producers and writers. As such, it is often up to these individuals and legal staff to assure a script or screenplay passes clearance. While this is the case, it is also important that writers never intentionally plagiarize the work of others.




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