Legal Question in Entertainment Law in California
Use of Celebrities in Screenplays
I have an idea for a screenplay that I'm planning on writing which involves
several celebrity appearances. At what point in the writing process must I obtain
permission from the celebrity to use their name? Clearly, since it is a
screenplay, if it were to be produced they would have to agree to work on the
project, but am I allowed to write the screenplay first and show it to would be
producers and let THEM handle working with the talent? What are my legal
obligations here?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Use of Celebrities in Screenplays
Obviously to publish the screenplay or have it produced you might have clearance or other issues, but merely writing and marketing a screenplay probably isn't going to get you sued (assuming your celebrities aren't portrayed in some scandalous fashion).
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
