Monday 29 January 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 overseeing legal issues and copyright laws, the coordinator also provides assistance with editing. In most cases, this assistance includes assuring that formatting, spelling, grammar and punctuation are accurate and according to guidelines. Whereas, once the script has been released, the production team offers advice by making notations with regards to improving the project. After which, the complete and final script is provided to producers who then begin production on an 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 working on location, it can often be necessary to expedite the revisions on a daily basis. As such, it is important that when revisions are made, actors follow suit. Otherwise, it can result in a delay with regards to production of an episode or film release.

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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