ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXQuoting Movies In Your Script?
11 years, 6 months ago - Clementine Marlowe-hunt
Hello there All!
I've a' writing and I've been a' wondering about quotation and referencing in screenplays. Now, I've seen the video of all of Tarantino's pop culture refs but that doesn't answer my quandary. Are there/is there/were there any rules/faux pas/litigious factors in quoting and referring to other peoples' screen work when writing?
Mucho appreciation for any input!
Yours Ever,
C
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11 years, 6 months ago - Clementine Marlowe-hunt
Thanks guys!
What about the over use of referencing? There are instances in life where we have lengthy discussion about films, literature, celebrities, pop culture etc so purposely invading those conversations is kinda unrealistic in a way, no?
But on the other hand, you know there's that ol' rule about not writing a film about the film industry isn't that comparable to talking about movies in a movie? And doesn't it tend to bring the viewer/reader out of the world of the story?
Response from 11 years, 6 months ago - Clementine Marlowe-hunt SHOW
11 years, 6 months ago - Dan Selakovich
Paddy's right. That's a tough one. But since it's a script, and I'll assume a feature, go ahead and do it. If a producer buys it, they'll get the necessary permission. I wouldn't worry about it at this stage.
Response from 11 years, 6 months ago - Dan Selakovich SHOW
11 years, 6 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
>>But does Tarantino's legal team go through and clear every reference and ripped line from every studio, TV production company and even 70s cereal ads?! I doubt it, but... you never know.<<
Probably, yes. If nothing else there will be lawyers giving a legal opinion, and that will be part of the E&O insurance policy.
Response from 11 years, 6 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW
11 years, 6 months ago - Dan Selakovich
You mean like in any Woody Allen movie ever made?
Response from 11 years, 6 months ago - Dan Selakovich SHOW
11 years, 6 months ago - Mark Towers
Are you talking about quoting material like Tarantino does? So lines taken directly from other movies (and therefore other scripts)? Or do you intend to have your characters discuss movies as in "I saw The Maltese Falcon the other day..."?
The latter is much safer ground than the former but like previous responders have mentioned it's always a case-by-case, very dependable scenario.
But does Tarantino's legal team go through and clear every reference and ripped line from every studio, TV production company and even 70s cereal ads?! I doubt it, but... you never know.
Response from 11 years, 6 months ago - Mark Towers SHOW
11 years, 6 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
You probably won't get a straight black and white answer because the answer will always be 'it depends'. The safest option is to quote/reference nobody without written permission, as even the threat of litigation can be expensive to challenge/defend. This makes people jumpy.
In the US you have some freedom to use excerpts for parody, educational or review purposes, however even these are sometimes challenged.
Response from 11 years, 6 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW