الاثنين، 29 يناير 2018

The Importance Of Film And Television Script Clearance

By Jeffrey Price


When writing a screenplay, biography, book of other project, it is important to adhere to all laws with regards to copyright infringement. While most often these laws are related to writing, it should be noted that names of businesses, characters, locations, scenes and subject matter need also be unique. In order to assure this is the case, it is important to obtain film and television script clearance.

Whether working on a script or screenplay, the coordinator prepares the first draft, handling any clearance issues. When clearing a script, it needs to pass all copyright issues. As part of the process, the coordinator must work with legal staff to clear all characters, locations and subject matter whether by a physical review or software designed to catch these and other legal issues.

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.

In addition to copyright laws and other legal issues, the coordinator must also assure that grammar, punctuation, spelling and formatting are in order before releasing a draft. Then, once the script has been released, production team members offer notations to producers and writers with regards to any revisions. After which, the final copy is provided to producers and cast in order to finalize each episode or scene.

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 cast and crew are working on location, producers and writers often need also be on set. For, there can be times when revisions are necessary and need to be made as quickly as possible. In addition, it is important that when this is the case that actors follow suit. Otherwise, the change can often result in a delay with regards to a scene or episode.

Whatever the case, whether filming in studio or on location, it is important that a script be reviewed and cleared after each and every change to avoid legal issues. For, changes can often lead to a major issue and legal battles when this is not the case. As such, to avoid these issues, or having a film or show put on hold, it is important that clearance be the last step in the process prior to production.

Writers often have less knowledge in relation to character names, businesses, locations and subject matter of other projects than producers. As such, it is often up to these individuals to assure that a script is in compliance with copyright laws and legal issues. At the same time, it can often be crystal clear when a writer has committed libel with regards to a production based on real people. In either case, by allowing the legal team to have the final say, the responsibility for any of these issues moves into the hands of the legal team or studio rather than that of the writers or production team.




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