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getting rights

Wed, 31 May 2006, 10:02 pm
Zoe Norton Lodge13 posts in thread
Hi there, I am currently trying to find out some information about getting the rights to put on a show. The show is a musical theatrical adaptation of a film. It contains an original music score; however large amounts of dialogue and possibly the title are lifted from the original film. The director (and producer) is dead; and the film is American (if that makes any difference). The film would be put on with an extremely low budget - and would seek only performance rights. I am wondering if anyone can advise me as to whether or not gaining rights would be necessary - and if so how I might go about getting them. Any correspondance on this matter would be much appreciated. Best regards, Zoe.

Thread (13 posts)

Zoe Norton LodgeWed, 31 May 2006, 10:02 pm
Hi there, I am currently trying to find out some information about getting the rights to put on a show. The show is a musical theatrical adaptation of a film. It contains an original music score; however large amounts of dialogue and possibly the title are lifted from the original film. The director (and producer) is dead; and the film is American (if that makes any difference). The film would be put on with an extremely low budget - and would seek only performance rights. I am wondering if anyone can advise me as to whether or not gaining rights would be necessary - and if so how I might go about getting them. Any correspondance on this matter would be much appreciated. Best regards, Zoe.
Walter PlingeWed, 31 May 2006, 11:42 pm

You would need to contact

You would need to contact the company who produced the film to find out more - i.e. Twentieth Century Fox, Paramount etc
crgwllmsThu, 1 June 2006, 08:29 am

> whether or not gaining

> whether or not gaining rights would be necessary DEFINATELY necessary. They would have no hesitation to lay there muscle down. There was for instance a cafe in WA i think that was called Thelma and Louises and the company that owned the movie sued them. AS for rights, check with film distribution companies. Best way is to get all the bio details of the film (from imdb.com) and start ringing. Rights to films arent the same as stage plays. There is usually a couple of companies that manage stage play rights. I am not sure whether thats the case with films. Also be prepared to get a NO. Its hollywood, theyll steal stories from others (eg DISNEY from everyone in the world) but wont themselves be so giving. Paul.
LabrugThu, 1 June 2006, 08:42 am

He's back

Welcome Back Craig! Long time no read from you. Does this mean we can see more of your little Caricature?

Dixi

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
Fight/Sword Choreographer

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

LogosThu, 1 June 2006, 09:43 am

Rights

Actually I reckon it's going to be harder than that. You'll need to find out not only who owns the film rights but also it is possible there is an original story or the writer of the original script may have a personal interest. Craig is right start with the original studio and see where that leads.
NormaThu, 1 June 2006, 10:56 am

He's Back

Welcome back Craig, we've missed you!
Walter PlingeThu, 1 June 2006, 09:12 pm

if you change 2/3 of over

if you change 2/3 of over all production it is considered original so if the songs are yours it shouldn't be a problem
LogosThu, 1 June 2006, 10:05 pm

So where did you get that idea

Interesting concept. Not true. Story ideas and dialogue threads can be copyright.
NaFri, 2 June 2006, 09:15 am

I would check with APRA on

I would check with APRA on that. The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com
Paul MclaughlinFri, 2 June 2006, 12:38 pm

Craig Wiliams is not back in the house!!

> Welcome Back Craig! Long time no read from you. Does this mean we can see more of your little Caricature? Sorry to burst your joy, but that was me that made that post and for some reason, im still trying to work it out iw as logged in as craig. Even though i have automatically accessed this site as before with my sign in. I realised there was something amiss when i opened what i thought was my inbox to find that it was craigs. So i promptly logged out. SOOOO that post was from me and not craig REPEAT: dont expect him to come back again, unless HE chooses to do so, and its not me pretending to be him... Paul M (aka Actor)
NaFri, 2 June 2006, 12:46 pm

Log ins

How weird. I had the same problem yesterday - I clicked on a post, and suddenly, logged in as Craig. Luckily, I logged out and never had that trouble again; but I did get logged out every time I clicked on the home page. Nothing wrong today though. The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com
LabrugFri, 2 June 2006, 01:07 pm

Make that three

Actually, late yesterday afternoon the very same thing happened to me. I came back to the site after a little break and notice far too many options in my left window. Then I noticed I was Craig. Making sure that all my bits were still there (particularly my hair) and that I didn't have any piercings in my ears, I quickly logged out and soon felt like my old self again.

I think the site is suffering from Craig Withdrawals. It was desperately seeking a replacement.

Dixi

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
Fight/Sword Choreographer

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

Walter PlingeFri, 21 July 2006, 01:37 pm

Pillow Talk

Does anybody know who holds the performance rights for Pillow Talk - not the two guys in a bed version. The one I require was a movie with Hudson and Day. Performances are in Australia. Any suggestions welcome. Many thanks
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