Legal Question in Entertainment Law in California

How do I protect my story ideas after parting ways with someone?

Hi, thank you for your help. I

recently took on a project to edit a

documentary film. After less than a

week, it was clear that the ''director''

had no clue what to do with his 70

hours of footage. He had no clear

concept or dramatic arc; he had

spoken with several other editors, all

of whom told him that he had no

movie in his footage because ''there

was no story.'' After he came to me,

I constructed a story for him,

complete with three acts, turning

points, and a conclusion. He agreed

to give me writing, editing, and

producing credit for this contribution,

in addition to a percentage of the

film's profits.

We never put anything in writing;

while in the process of negotiating a

second draft of our agreement, we

had a falling out. He will likely

continue to film footage to develop

the dramatic story that I presented

to him (and partly co-filmed).

If he goes on to use the storyline

that I constructed, what are my

rights? Is there any way that I can

protect my ideas and keep him from

using them? Are there any steps I

can take to protect my rights and my

idea?

2 Answers from Attorneys

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