Legal Question in Entertainment Law in California
Creating movies from Books
I read a book that I fell in love with and would like to create a short film based on one scene from the book. I would like to enter that scene in a Festival for Short Films. What are my rights/responsibilities regarding the film rights and/or copyrights of the books copyright holders?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Creating movies from Books
You need to get written permission from the author and the publisher.
Re: Creating movies from Books
A lease of copyrighted material and an authorization to use copyrighted material would be the instruments needed. The exposure the book recieves from the film hopelfully would serve as consideration for its use, a royalties contract sharing any revenues it may generate may also be an option. Please call me directly at (619) 222-3504.
Re: Creating movies from Books
If you are asking whether you can use the story without permission, the answer is no. You should get in touch with the publisher of the book and ask for the person who handles film rights to the particular book you are interested in. Sometimes, the publisher controls film rights, sometimes the author or another person may own the film rights.
If you are using only a small portion of a large book, and if the film is being used only for a limited purpose, you may find that the copyright holder will grant you permission at little or no cost. (But don't steal someone else's work--you wouldn't like it if they stole yours.)
If you need help with this, please feel free to call me at 323-653-6580. My rates are very reasonable.
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