The Mistake I Made When Hollywood Stole My Screenplay - Shane Stanley

[@filmcourage]

Here is our full interview with Shane - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHPGgomHZ7-Ug6s

[@ThePianoman63]

If you write the book first then they can’t steal it. If the story is good, it will get noticed from the book. I used to write scripts but now I write the book first. Anyone can steal an idea but they can’t steal your story.

[@bobleclair5665]

That’s very smart,

[@Renzo_Anime]

Amen!

[@joecook5689]

Did davinci code author plagiarize in your opinion?

[@geoffreybassett6741]

Or a play. I know a lot of screenwriters going this route that you mentioned. Write it as a book or short story and release it before trying to shop it as a film.

[@captainobvious90]

@@joecook5689 whose work did Dan Brown plagiarize?

[@DJEvillincoln]

"The key to creativity is hiding your sources well."

[@sabymondal]

Funny 😁

[@MrDawnRise]

You take the Force Awakens approach as well...BE BLATANT ABOUT IT

[@allyourbasearebelongtous2191]

That looks like a direct quote from pretty much every main stream journalist. They make up their dumbass stories and then tell everyone else that their "sources" are private. Wouldn't be such a big deal if they didn't accuse everyone they write about of every crime imaginable.

[@acebrockton1828]

@@allyourbasearebelongtous2191 what in the?

[@christopherwinner4]

That's the key to propaganda as well.

[@JrtheKing91]

This is the dark side that I hate the most about the business.

[@tubemoog]

this happens every day, hour, minute, second.......

[@xianthegaian4060]

Weinstein was proof that the business is changing, let's bring some much needed non blinding light.

[@silenciothequiet3471]

That's the nature of ANY business.

[@mjolninja9358]

Yep, A late friend of mine had this issue too and he wasn’t able to handle it because he’s worked so hard on it he literally bleed out all his thoughts on that screenplay but was stolen in a flash. Unfortunately he’s no longer with us since he took his own life, and I am still furious about what that company did to him. Shame on them.

[@JrtheKing91]

@@mjolninja9358 Sorry to hear about that.

[@jamesscott8962]

I always say "Getting paid is the greatest form of flattery".

[@1019caveman]

Why don't they want to pay the writers? Why don't they invest in the writers? That's why we're watching the same films over and over.

[@kaneradu]

why invest in writers with creative, new ideas, when they can simply make the same movies they've always made and making a promised 1000% profit?

[@larapalma3744]

Exactly and we end up with 15 bloody awful batmans

[@ActuallyDoubleGuitars]

Greed I guess.

[@bsl4762]

@@larapalma3744 more like why You get 15 mcu movies that are the same. Batman movies are never the same

[@AAllen-br8it]

$

[@AnyoneCanSee]

It's happened to me in the UK. Several times. One was heartbreaking as it was a dream project I worked on for years. The one piece of advice I give to everyone is to get everything in writing. This is true of theatre producing just the same. If you have an idea and talk to people about it people often just go ahead and steal the idea. Never trust anyone. I've had people I had known for years steal from me or in one case sabotage a successful tour I did annually in order to take over the tour. If something is successful and other people are not successful in the industry never underestimate how far they will go and what they will do to take it from you.

[@brianmurphy7372]

Thank uou for the advice.It is priceless!

[@BravoRox]

What was the project about that they stole?

[@Nosliw837]

Truth. I had a manager that "built" and "improved" my creative thoughts and ideas and reaped all the rewards. Classic ****.

[@Myth_or_Mystery76]

I don’t talk my ideas. Ever.

[@hydrolito]

The McDonald Brothers made the mistake of trusting Ray Kroc and he took over restaurant business which is still named McDonalds but not owned by the McDonalds.

[@danharmon8763]

I interned at Warner Brothers and this guy ain't lying!!

[@princessmarlena1359]

Warner Brothers sucks. My friend worked in their accounting department and got laid off when they outsourced it to India.

[@jordanwhitehead1251]

What happened when you interned there if you don't mind me asking?

[@frozzytango9927]

Thats why sequels suck coz you know they stole the script.

[@joshuaiowa2190]

You were an intern, so basically you know all about the ins and outs of the business... FOH with that..

[@RoaringMind]

What happened while you were at WB?

[@PhilosopherKing1138]

The biggest takeaway from this is to always cover your bases when you have meetings with people. Always protect yourself or you'll get ripped off, lied to and taken advantage of.

[@PhilosopherKing1138]

@@user-uv6ri Like he said in the video, when you meet with producers or email someone with your ideas, leave a paper trail that provides proof of what you discussed.

[@CC-mr5xq]

@@PhilosopherKing1138 Thank you.

[@JaxRwld]

@@user-uv6ri A few I can think of: Record your Zoom meetings, save your emails, get copyright BEFORE any talk.

[@Retrostar619]

@@PhilosopherKing1138 Leaving an 'so as agreed in our meeting of 14 Jan...' email trail is good advice for any office job.

[@captainobvious90]

Note to self: most people are dicks and will use you for their own self interest Its just sad that the only thing we can do is accept it as a fact of life. Dang im so pessimist these days..

[@dougwhiddon8227]

The oldest story in Hollywood is "The Writer Got Screwed."

[@gcaplan1]

No the oldest story is the starlet was so clueless she screwed the writer

[@darrylmars]

oldest story is "there's a part for you...now blow me"

[@hydrolito]

Some actors and actresses end up broke, Britney Spears other people control her money and even have control of what medicine she takes and basically have made her a slave to work for them.

[@dougwhiddon8227]

@@hydrolito Almost all pro athletes end up bankrupt.

[@michellelekas211]

Watch THE PLAYER 1992

[@AlbowaSinema]

I like this. We made a decision to produce our own projects in Kenya and even Netflix is licensing them now. Perseverance shall win through.

[@MeatCatCheesyBlaster]

What are your movies called

[@AlbowaSinema]

@@MeatCatCheesyBlaster there is 40 sticks, Sincerely Daisy, Disconnect, Poacher...and one calle Veve. For now that is what is on...but they have opened an office in Kenya too.

[@nyikomaswanganyi5983]

@@AlbowaSinema Can't wait. All the best!!!

[@DonKituto]

we meet on this side of the internet @Albert Nyakundi

[@a.t.v3519]

Albert Nyakundi Can I find you in IMDb?

[@mrj3217]

Companies that get caught ripping off scripts should be banned from the business. Make theft like this a virtual death sentence in the industry.

[@jdee8407]

How do you stop that when those at the very top are the ones doing it the most?

[@ceecee4873]

VERY grateful to Shane Stanley for blowing the lid off this wicked malpractice and not giving an F! I cannot count the number of times I've been told not to be paranoid about my scripts because no one steals in Hollywood. Yet, something told me not to trust that advice. Perhaps because after meeting a writer who told me how her script got ripped off early in her career - a script that ended up making multi-millions for both the thieves and the studio. Many years later, she is squatting house, no money, no real career, just cos she dared to challenge the studio in court. She lost. They took everything from her. She feels so bitter with life and unable to forgive. I have come to realize those people who call you paranoid or an amateur for worrying about your script getting stolen are the very people who plan to steal from you if you let them. Be careful of the Vultures in Armani Suits!

[@officialshanestanley]

👊🏻

[@TimucinLeflef]

The best way of knowing if a producer is a thief is if they tell you "plagiarism doesn't happen in Hollywood". 😂😂😂

[@rollygutierrez6655]

Or agents, producers and all down there tell you "we are all professionals, we do not steal here in Hollywood." I knew a cameraman from the studios, a studio driver and 2 big executive producers, and all snicker when you talk about copyrighting and wga registering your work.

[@SerenityyStarr]

As a new writer I really appreciate this video💛

[@theeladyj]

do u have social media?

[@frozzytango9927]

Thats why sequels suck coz you know they stole the script.

[@MadXlownz]

please for the love of god protect your stuff

[@crumblebee6728]

Don’t invest too much in it as a new writer, you need your work to be seen, you need feedback, and most importantly, your first screenplays will bot be good, no matter how much you’re convinced they’re something someone would want to steal

[@joshuaanderson9938]

Make it happen no matter what. Don't let fear stop you from creating

[@chilesauce7248]

A writers best friend is a lawyer! Thank you Shane for the insight; I can't wait to see your 2020 project .

[@officialshanestanley]

Thank you. Appreciate your kindness. Best of luck to you Chile Sauce ❤️🙏

[@ghostdog2041]

I feel like this happens all the time. It can’t be a coincidence that Volcano/ Dante’s Peak, Wyatt Earp/ Tombstone, Armageddon/ Deep Impact all come out so close to each other. I feel like, and I’m basing this on nothing, the studio will hear a pitch for an idea, like it, but decide that they could make it themselves for less money.

[@filmcourage]

Here are some more thoughts on the "coincidences" we see in Hollywood movies - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2amg4eOnKeHrJo

[@nilslindqvist8825]

Hardly examples of “screenplay theft”.

[@alexhasnobudget]

@@sirmadam8183 which studio was that? so that I can avoid it.

[@justanameonyourscreen5954]

I can't believe it's taken people this long to open this conversation up...

[@crosleysparty]

I was wondering about that too

[@bchery4048]

This is soooo important, as writers I think we get caught up with the art but forget the logistics, things like this are IMPORTANT

[@Shade23753]

I worked on the film "Baby Boy" as an actor which John Singleton directed. He and I talked writing and at the end of my filming he asked if I had a script I'd like him to read. I did. Two years later I was in Chicago and saw an entire torture sequence that from that film in Fast and the Furious 2 directed by guess who? Yeah. I was bitter until his untimely death, only then was I able to "let it go".

[@NoJusticeNoPeace]

When I was fresh out of journalism at college, I started freelancing. I nearly starved to death having my stories rejected by editors, then watching them get slightly rewritten and published the next day by a staff writer.

[@stecder2470]

where they copywrited?

[@thisismagacountry1318]

@@stecder2470 WERE they copyRIGHTed is what you meant, but your public school got in the way. Please, never EVER write again.

[@simonem.7385]

@@thisismagacountry1318 What is wrong with you?? You're really putting someone down over a slight grammar mistake, really? You should take your own advice and never write again if this is how you treat people

[@stecder2470]

Bro simone! that was hilarious

[@goldeneddie]

So proud of Film Courage for running with this. So many 'You Can Do It' film schools deny any risk of plagiarism to the point of making new writers feel dumb for even worrying. Thank you for your honest, adult approach to every topic, especially concerning difficult issues like this.

[@af98]

They just want your money.

[@basilbaby7678]

You don’t need film school. It’s just another worthless certificate mill. Just production assistant on real projects, and produce as much of your own content as possible. Learn from your inevitable, but invaluable creative mistakes.

[@TimucinLeflef]

I fully agree. Most of those 'schools' are run by predatory producers who have a vested interest in convincing us that plagiarism hardly ever happens. The industry protects itself this way and feeds itself with fresh new ideas from naive creatives.

[@WordsPictures997]

Such a valuable pep talk. Some main takeaways for me: 1.Sometimes people steal work. It's an unfortunate reality. Don't take it personally just do your part to protect yourself. 2.You can have a successful career as an independent depending on what success looks like to you.

[@TheWalkingDavid]

I’ve mentioned this in a different comment section on this channel, but I too had a movie stolen from me. An indie film that I invest thousands of dollars of my own money into, had co-written, done pre-production, produced the entire production, and even helped edit and produce in post. It was stolen by the other producer/director of the film. I was devastated. I wish it was as simple as that though. Not only did he steal it, he bashed me and accused me of the things he had done, in a Facebook group I created to keep the cast and crew up to date with shoots and reshoots and such things. The actors who came to my aid, and defended me? Only two, and he reshot their scenes because of it. Did any of the so called “friends” of mine come and defend me or inquire if any of it were true? No. They just threw me to the wolves, or under the proverbial bus. That was absolutely soul crushing. I even went to therapy because my paranoia and mistrust for people was off the charts. It only got worse. He took my name off the poster, took it out of the credits and everything I did, he put his name in my place, and tried to rewrite history as if I wasn’t there. I didn’t even realize that he sent an updated version of the script with only his name on it and removed my name from it, so only his would be seen. This guy was pathological and psychotic. He even drunken confessed that he tried selling my “half” of the movie to someone in the film who was an actor. When I said no to the thought, he pointed a gun at me while I wasn’t looking, and I turn around to see him still pointing it at me. I didn’t budge, and didn’t blink. He finally lowered it and went upstairs and passed out, only the two of us knowing what happened that night. I never saw him again. I never went over there. I didn’t get in the way of the film, I just stopped helping get it done. Why would I continue after all of that? He even tried to report behind the scenes videos I had edited together and shot for my KZbin channel (probably because they prove I was there). To have no one come to my aid, was the absolute worse. It made me feel like they believed his nonsense and made me really gun shy when it came to making movies with anyone who knew him. I’ve since bounced back, but it took a lot of hard work on my end. After months of grieving the loss of the film, I did something I never thought I would do, I went on IMDb, and removed all of my credits that remained. I didn’t want my name associated with a psychopath. I figured I would let him have it because without me it would go no where. The film is on Amazon prime now (my idea), and hardly anyone has seen it except the actors and crew involved. He put me through all of that, just to call it his. Sorry for the long post FC.

[@libby9047]

oh my god!!!!! dude i’m so sorry. that must be heartbreaking, are there any newer projects you’ve been working on i could check out? or, mind sharing the title of the movie for anyone who sees this to watch it with you in mind, knowing the story?

[@minombre_xjj3445]

Do you still make movies? Did you consider legal actions? Is it possible?

[@filmcourage]

Horrible story. We appreciate you taking the time to post. We are glad to hear that you have found a way forward and that you are back to creating. Hoping you can find more joy in the process and more joy with those you collaborate with moving forward.

[@TheWalkingDavid]

@@filmcourage thank you very much for the support and kind words. It means a lot. 🤘🏼❤️🎬

[@TheWalkingDavid]

@@libby9047 I’d rather not share the name, for fear of it coming back to me in my personal life. But there are newer projects of mine you could check out! There are trailers I have made to them on my KZbin channel. Two of which are called “where is Vinny?” And “going under” ☺️

[@burningflag3679]

Thanks for this. I hear it all the time "there are enough ideas for everyone. Nobody wants to steal your work". Look I'm not freaking out about somebody stealing my story. It's just nice to have professionals acknowledge the "possibility".

[@ej6887]

Wow this enlightened me. I am a writer and have a few screenplays, I was going to enter a screenwriting film festival but I was cautious because of the idea of stealing. I’m glad I saw this video at the right time, I am now working on changing my script into a graphic novel first. My script is copyrighted and soon my book and idea will be protected. Thanks!

[@TimucinLeflef]

That's a good way to go. I unfortunately made the mistake of sending my script out to festivals in 2013. Since then, there have been many movies with very specific similarities. Before 2013, nada. In fact, if it was merely a product of the 'zeitgeist', the similarities would have appeared in 2011 when I wrote the feature script, or 2002 when I wrote the short script. However, no major similarities appeared in Hollywood movies until 2014 and after. And although it won awards, I regret sending it out to this day.

[@nerdock4747]

As my dad always says: "Documentation scares the hell out of people and if you're the only one who took notes, it scares them even more."

[@ThatGuyNorm]

Scary. So many people in the industry say that doesn't happen.

[@filmcourage]

Indeed, we haven't spoken with many people who say their ideas have been stolen.

[@JHallenbeck]

It doesn't happen often. This guy is jaded from a couple of bad experiences. I would not take his advice as gospel.

[@authorcandacephillips-ande1460]

@@JHallenbeck It happens more often than you think. TRUST ME!!

[@JHallenbeck]

@@authorcandacephillips-ande1460 Are you basing that statement purely on anecdotal experience? How many people do you know of this happening to? Give me a ballpark figure.

[@authorcandacephillips-ande1460]

@@JHallenbeck No problem. Thanks for your question. I know of only three people. Nonetheless, 3 is much too much! Actually, a have a 4th person, but it was not with a movie, it was a song. The song incident happened to my mother who was a songwriter. Thanks.

[@Sgyozo]

I've got a movie idea. " A screenwriter is ripped off, laughed at, but he's up for revenge now, using his very particular set of skills, skills he have acquired over a very long career, skills that make him a nightmare for people like them. " :D

[@atis9061]

I had a shady teacher try to steal from me. This is the best of your videos that I’ve seen. Very helpful

[@jcozzamorrisvideos]

I like how he doesnt sugar coat the deception, but also lays out the steps of how to be cautious, but still get your ideas out there

[@DUMBCAT86]

The first "producer" I ever met, back in college, tried to convince me that his film trilogy was bound to scoop up all these awards and he'd have an easier time selling my script if I put his name on it. Despite my naivete, I didn't go for it. But he conned so many people into doing his will

[@Owen-ub3fv]

May he live a miserable life.

[@mansoorsabaag3964]

How can someone do such a thing? Disgusting!!

[@mel3687]

That shouldn't matter unless the check is cut to him. Authorial pseudonyms can copy any name unless it's a trademarked name. So...

[@niriop]

I remember the case of Harlan Ellison having to go out every weekend for two years and lecture at universities for money in order to pay for the lawyers to lead his case against a major network who had totally ripped off a script he had written with Ben Bova-he got lucky, won, and made legal history.

[@budusbusham3324]

Lecture/rant lmao

[@spenser9908]

He had to fight James Cameron over Terminator as well.

[@MurderMostFowl]

Yeah but then the T-101 went back in time and killed Ellison. ;)

[@alefortune]

Shane! I love the last part you talked about - Just go do it yourself, independently, with whatever amount of money you have. I am on that track myself, and it's amazing how it all will and does come together. I worked in the Hollywood machine too for years and because of that (seeing the good , the bad, and the ugly), it is what made me stay on course independently, plus going with my gut instinct, I have realized real creativity at its' finest. "You build it, they will come". Instead of being at the mercy of the "system". Nothing is more suffocating than that.

[@thepl4yer235]

You build it, they will come. I like that

[@StudioArtFX]

I totally love this idea of having an idea you're passionate about and just going out and doing it. Things happen along the way.

[@gilangridhoutama]

Yes, your paranoia about “what if they steal my idea” is very very justified.

[@RicFrugoli]

Unfortunately it's a "modus operandi" for this industry anywhere, even here in Brazil. Years ago, when I was contacting people for one of my projects all they give me almost the same advice: be carefull, don't share your ideas with a great studio or network without a third part ( an agent or producer) involved in or they will modify and use it without any payment.

[@AliensAnonymous]

Now this is a great interview!

[@stevevet3652]

It's amazing how a couple of other Script writing KZbin teachers say, "No, don't bother copy writing your work. No one is going to rip you off. That's a thing of the past." For my money, I'll listen to Shane.

[@mel3687]

The unspoken but implied point being that most writer's work isn't valuable enough to steal in the first place. But if you invested years of your life into a project, and there's a chance you're a decent writer, then registering your work with the copyright office before trying to sell it or find representation (agents) for it is reasonable. Stories and ideas are stolen all the time regardless of copyright. So long as there are enough differences to avoid copyright infringement, there's nothing you can do about it. That's why, as he says, there are trends cropping up in Hollywood and the literary world. Someone will always write derivatives of a successful story. It's inevitable.

[@daniellove162]

About 10 years ago a few friends of mine wrote a screenplay based on Devils night in Detroit in 1986 (the worst Devils night ever in Detroit). It was going to be a comedy. We sent the screenplay to Will Ferrell agent for a small part we could shoot out in 2 days. The agent got back with us within a week to decline. We thought that was nice of him to be prompt. Within 2 years Will Ferrell & John C Riley announce they put a film in development Called Devils night based on many of the same story beats we had in our screenplay. I learnt a BIG lesson. Get representation before shopping a script.

[@lawswon4857]

Just checked that out. Looks like it was first announced as a project back in 2013, but it didn't get made. Your friend must be livid.

[@julianavellaromero3378]

This happens everywhere, all the time, and it will keep happenning if victims dont name names. So, NAME NAMES.

[@Cool-Edit-5000]

He won't because he wants to be in the game, and is just as skanky as the rest of them.

[@mikekillagreen9432]

@@Cool-Edit-5000 Easy for you to say. You're not a working writer

[@Cool-Edit-5000]

@@mikekillagreen9432 All I can say is I can't imagine what it's like being a writer. I've had plenty of writer friends, and I know it's brutal.

[@Cool-Edit-5000]

@@mikekillagreen9432 I'm an out of work editor. So... LOLOL! It's a grind. Best wishes.

[@mikekillagreen9432]

@@Cool-Edit-5000 Im sure the work will come for you, once the pandemic ends there will be tons of work that's backlogged. Good luck!

[@JDWitherspoon]

Hollywood’s trash 🗑

[@AnyoneCanSee]

It's true in any business. If you have a company making good money people will do everything to take what you built from you. Or if you create a market for something they will try to destroy your company and take your business from you. Steve Jobs was tricked by someone he brought in and then forced out of Apple. He only came back when it was nearly bankrupt. If you are successful people will come saying they want to help you grow or whatever but they really want to force you out or find your client list or undermine you and replace you. When there is money involved no one is your friend.

[@orionsghost9511]

@@AnyoneCanSee Don't forget all the people Steve Jobs screwed to get into Apple to begin with, including his friend who coded all those games for Atari.

[@AnyoneCanSee]

@@orionsghost9511- That was Dave Wozniak. He started Apple with Dave Wozniak. Steve Jobs made the financial deal with Atari and Steve Wozniak was the technical brains behind the work and at first behind creating the first Apple computers. They were meant to be partners but Stever took a bigger chunk of the money while telling him they were splitting it. It was only a few hundred dollars but yes that is a perfect example of what I am talking about. You cannot trust anyone. If he had insisted on something i writing from Atari Steve could not have ripped him off.

[@orionsghost9511]

@@AnyoneCanSee Thank you, I could not remember his name. Yea, he mistakenly trusted Jobs because they were "friends". There was a lot of additional theft and manipulation by Jobs, besides the money, but yea. Gates and Zuckerberg did similar things to "friends" of theirs. The least moral tend to rise to the top, and anyone who has a good idea needs to be on guard against these types of persons.

[@princessmarlena1359]

“That’s showbiz!”

[@angeldomingos]

I watched an interview with Emma Thompson and she said it’s happened to her. It’s making me change my mind about sending out scripts 🙁

[@justanameonyourscreen5954]

I've never sent one out...becareful about the hacks tho...

[@TimucinLeflef]

She has also been accused of stealing more than once! (It reminds me of the movie 'Bicycle Thieves'. The man who had his bike stolen eventually steals one himself just so he can pay the bills): www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2052643/Emma-Thompson-accused-plagiarism-Eve-Pomerance.html

[@godfreydaniel6278]

Spec scripts are literally a thing of the past - no one wants them. The studios just throw them away - they're afraid of being sued - there are SO many similar ideas circulating it's almost impossible to submit something that isn't very much like something they've already rejected. If you have a pitch meeting and they like the idea - they'll either hire you to write a treatment - or steal the idea and commission a writer they know to do the script. Only the international arms (or drug) trade is a rougher business environment than Hollywood - especially if you're a writer...

[@justanameonyourscreen5954]

@@godfreydaniel6278 right! My theory of everything wasn't a movie tho...

[@mermaidtingzzz]

Maybe develop on an indie level or just get your copyright together like he said.

[@cxa011500]

The best advice he gave is that if you have an idea, just make it on your own. It doesn't have to be a big budget production. Just make it a short with some friends on a weekend and put it on KZbin or Vimeo. After you make it, THEN you can negotiate with studios to make it into a big budget film.

[@davidjames579]

I've heard this advice as well. And the crucial thing is you have your work in the public eye and dated on You Tube. This is a major turn off to studios looking to rip off. Ripping off a script seen by a few people in the industry is one thing, but viewed by a lot of members of the public, or even just the fact it's publicly viewable is a no no, as it shows them up. As you say if they see it's well viewed/liked online, that could draw them to offer you a deal. The directors of Evil Dead remake and The Maze Runner kicked off their careers by putting shorts on You Tube (albeit for other films, but the Maze Runner guy was offered a deal to do a feature ver of his short).

[@harveymalice]

The reality is, even people you think are on your side can surprise you. I’ve had friends, coworkers, supervisors, and professors steal ideas. You have to remain diligent, learn to say no to people who are trying to take advantage of your trust, and file the right paperwork. I’ve learned most of those lessons the hard way.

[@AllThingsFilm1]

Thanks for this. I have experienced having my script stolen as well. I showed it to a successful novelist for his feedback. He was an acquaintance I met through an organization that we were both members of. I discovered this happened when I was browsing the local Blockbuster and came across a VHS of a movie with the same title as my script. I rented it and watched it. I cringed as I watched scene by scene unfold exactly as I had written it. Even mimicking lighting references that were in my script. The writer's name in the credit had the same initials as the person I showed it to. So, I called the WGA to find out who this person was. They wouldn't tell me. They said the name was a nom de plume and that they couldn't reveal their real name. I told them why I was calling and they said they were "sorry" but they couldn't do anything. Since then, I have taken on the same attitude that Shane Stanley expressed here. I will find ways to finance my own film productions. I wish I didn't have to, but, I feel I don't have much of a choice. Suffice it to say, the person who stole my script and had it made, has since passed away. So, I chalk it up to another lesson learned. Thanks, Film Courage, for always coming out with fascinating and useful videos. Your content gives me the "courage" to push forward and continue to seek my dreams.

[@af98]

But could you not prove that the script was your intellectual property?

[@tomsizemore5162]

My brother wrote something he'd been working on for 6+ years and finally got it to where he was reading it back and wasn't thinking, of a better dialogue or removing a interaction between characters, I admit, I read thru it and found myself forgetting that it was something my brother wrote and thinking, this could be a trilogy not based on anything more than, I'm a fan of movies and this was not a recycled, haven't we seen this or similar to what has already been made. He here's back from a couple studios, both saying, Because of 9-11, now isn't the time for this movie. I'm also pretty sure, I've seen his movie and of course it wasn't his name attached to it. I've heard Hollywood does this. You confirmed it. I also trained a guy who was a writer and he gave this advice you did.

[@1971bdott]

Stealing!! In Hollywood!?!! Why I never....

[@JB-1138]

Unthinkable! 😆

[@TheNefastor]

I think 2020 really separated people into two groups, for me : those who just accepted the situation and all it cost them, and those who decided to make the best of it, like starting a new project. Good on you for choosing the latter group, Mr. Stanley. And thanks for the priceless advice !

[@creekandseminole]

I learned a lot of lessons once I got to college for creative writing. One of the first things I learned was to not share too much of my writings before I finished because people can throw an off hand critique and it can really screw you up. Also don't go and explain in detail the entire story, especially if you are not finished either.

[@joshuacollins3355]

Happened to me. It’s a real thing. Definitely opened my eyes and how I now send out my scripts to folks. I DATE everything and track ALL EMAILS of those who received my script. I’ll tell you my script essentially was used for the reboot for X-Files. I contacted my then agent after receiving several phone calls after the episode aired. My agent asked me how much money I had in my bank- regarding suing Fox and Company for plagiarism. My script went through a few festivals in its growth. Eventually I had a final version which I then registered at the Writers Guild. Subsequently months and months later X-Files went into production. And eventually I saw my script right before my eyes. Both flattering and heartbreaking. I liken it to seeing your wife with another man (or gender flip if you’re a female writer).

[@user-jd9wm3nj3w]

How would you seek professional edit services these days?

[@michaelsix9684]

thanks for sharing, so sorry you were ripped off, makes me want to quit writing, did they ever pay you anything?

[@stecder2470]

did you copyright it before you send those emails?

[@joshuacollins3355]

@@michaelsix9684 no absolutely not :(

[@joshuacollins3355]

@@stecder2470 I had it registered with the writers guild. I even contacted my agent and they basically just said “that sucks”- and that was it.

[@titiwa5768]

Thanks for your interview great as always. IMHO, as a creator my biggest dilemma to deal with those sharks out there. Lots of my designs/ideas got simply taken and reproduced with light changes to avoid being sued. Also waiting to complete my old story/book, until I publish then produce it almost myself /limited chosen individuals.

[@anitahamlin2411]

I lived with a screen writer for years. His first script won first place at the Huston and Berlin film festivals and played on HBO and Showtime 27 times and even went to blue ray. He never got the lousy $15,000 his deal was for as the director claimed the movie made no money. He sent another script to Warner brothers unsolicited and needless to say they made that movie changing a couple names and a few things, but the same basic script. It was a blockbuster and they even made a book telling how the concept had been created. He made the mistake of telling someone else his idea for another, and a little over a year and a half later it was a block buster. He left California many years ago broken over this. There are no morals when it comes to Hollywood profits. If you do sue someone you probably won't work in "Hollywood" again.

[@filmcourage]

Thank you for sharing this story, Anita. :)

[@anitahamlin2411]

@@filmcourage People have to know what they are getting into.

[@filmcourage]

Thank you again. Very sad to hear this story but important to know about.

[@TimucinLeflef]

That's generally what I've been told. If you sue plagiarists and even win the case, you will still lose because you're then deemed a "trouble-maker" and will essentially get blacklisted by Hollywood. Best solution is to produce your own movies, but that's not easy.

[@tomasnoi108]

Im not at his level... but I’m in school and this is the reason why I like to work alone

[@JRPMEDIA1]

The reason you work alone is because you’re not really doing much. You have to work with people to make film.

[@neurohack9038]

You’ll never make it or follow your dreams. Remember this comment in a few years.

[@OnMePro2000]

Amen bro

[@stealthstar4]

@@JRPMEDIA1 Not true. He can be fully independent (solo) and make a living from it without EVER entering the industry.

[@yabe1496]

Develope social skills, even Einstein had to. You have to work with people even if you are indie. The mere act to register in a copy right system requires basic social skills.

[@bobfg3130]

0:30 The copyrights don't last for ever, they last the lifetime of the author and 50 years after that.

[@sentientmlem727]

I just came up with the best movie idea I have ever had and I am talking with a buddy of mine to get started story-boarding this thing out. I am a young writer and this video is going to save my bacon! thank you!

[@janedoll3237]

Allegedly, Stranger Things and The Matrix we’re both stolen. Which makes some sense because their follow ups were not anywhere near as strong.

[@r3g4rds]

The matrix definitely was not stolen. The writer who claims this is clearly deranged.

[@DestinyAlready]

Exactly. It wasn't as strong because they didn't write the first Matrix so in the 2nd and 3rd installments, they don't know what they're doing.

[@commandercaptain4664]

The Matrix was stolen from a used toilet.

[@infinityryvus]

Nearly everything in the Matrix was stolen from something else. It goes beyond homage when a third of your film is a shot you ripped off of another film. The scene that always sticks in my mind is originally from Jumping Jack Flash. You'll remember it as the scene where Neo is asleep at his computer, and is woken by (presumably) Trinity telling him to "Follow the White Rabbit/Knock knock." That was lifted from the end of Jumping Jack Flash. If you're paying attention and you've seen tons of films, you can make a list, and it will be extensive. The worst is probably from Dark City though. They actually used left-over set pieces in the production of The Matrix. But when you watch Dark City, you realize something is wrong. They've copied the plot from a movie that got made before their own. A movie they had access to while it was being produced. All of these things, by themselves, can be shrugged off as influence or idea fodder. It's when you look at the other two films they made that you realize, all they contributed was style. Which, granted, is a ton of the film's draw. Just don't sit there and tell me they're geniuses. I love The Matrix too, but I can see exactly what happened. They sucked the marrow from actual geniuses and frankensteined something entertaining from them. In Hollywood, there's nothing wrong with that.

[@spenser9908]

@@r3g4rds Look at literally any other film the Wachowski’s have made. Each one is dogshit.

[@TheDreamMasters]

It is always good to hear that I'm not the only one who got some GREAT ideas ripped off. Very frustrating. Always wise to have a very detailed papertrail for everything. Sometimes it is worth fighting and other times you just have to let it go and know that you had an idea that was a great story worth telling. Take that confidence in knowing your storytelling is worthy of pursuing and sharing.

[@internziko]

This information is gold for anyone creative (not just writers)

[@Spectrumpicture]

In a previous video another guy said "don't worry about that, just send your script to as many people as possible"

[@Jaddaprog]

Different goals i suspect.

[@johnmonk66]

The safest thing to do is write it in the form of a novel, even if it isn't good, and get it on Amazon. That is automatic copyright because it is published and in print.

[@z-beeblebrox]

right and then deal with the absurd world of literature lawsuits instead. There's a reason it's good to have a publisher behind you..

[@johnmonk66]

@J H You know nothing about copyright law.

[@johnmonk66]

@@z-beeblebrox Yes, go pay your publisher 80% of every penny you make in case you get sued, instead of a single lawyer if you ever need him. Do you pay a mechanic a full time salary in case your car breaks down? Or do you think it cheaper to pay a mechanic ONLY if your car breaks down? Learn copyright law before throwing your money away. Read about Hugh Howey, who became a millionaire on Amazon and made the publishers BEG HIM to publish his books

[@z-beeblebrox]

@@johnmonk66 So in other words, Hugh's success story was that he finally got signed with a publisher :p

[@z-beeblebrox]

@@johnmonk66 Okay Hugh thanks for the autobiography lol

[@lorieromano]

It's disheartening as I begin my first journey into writing. Even if my fabulous story finds its way from my wee brain onto a script, I'll have to live in fear of sharing it with anyone....I guess that's hollywood

[@DUMBCAT86]

IP theft happens everywhere, even by people you trust. I was in a sketch comedy writing class and I became friends with a few people there. One of them was this very talented writer and performer, I'll call him Andrew. We seemed to have a very similar perspective on life and comedy, and I felt a kinship with him. I imagined the two of us writing together someday, we had such chemistry and shared sensibility. Until I see he posts a sketch online that was way too eerily similar to one I wrote, in that class. Several lines remained verbatim, even. I check Andrew's KZbin and realize he had stolen more sketches from me and others from that class. What made matters worse is that people in the comedy community defended Andrew, because he was gaining social clout as his star was rising and people wanted to grab onto his coat tails. This guy ripped off at least 20 independent scripts from at least 6 different people, just from that class. And now he's writing for TV.

[@tyrannapusandfriends6254]

Fucking hell, that sucks. And it probably happens all the time.

[@TheGoodContent37]

I always get mad when people denouncing someone don't share their name. Like why? Just say his name! What's wrong with you sharing your perspective of a story? Is that illegal?

[@basilbaby7678]

@@TheGoodContent37, there are slander and defamation laws.

[@TheGoodContent37]

@@basilbaby7678 Sure, but does that mean you can't say whatever you think happened? Are those laws superior than free speech? I think it is more that he doesn't want innecesario trouble like burning bridges and such. And that's helping the criminals.

[@basilbaby7678]

@@TheGoodContent37, honestly…it’s become apparent that free speech is out the widow, and litigious might…makes right.

[@avidadolares]

Best way to avoid getting ripped off is to not ever write anything. Thats worked well for me so far.

[@rocketscience4516]

I'm going to steal that comment.

[@j_shelby_damnwird]

lol

[@michellelekas211]

(:

[@leodf1]

Words of wisdom

[@Neil-Aspinall]

Well it's the truth as all creatives steal from other creatives bar none.

[@johnimsdahl9670]

Thanks for the honest assessment of Hollywood. I will no longer waste time with WGAw, but I will stick with the Copyright Office. As you said, it is very easy. Just was ripped off on a 3 year project. Laying low, assembling my notes and mailings, and waiting for the right moment. Right now I do not have an attorney selected, but if you can recommend one I would be very grateful.

[@cnlicnli]

John Imsdah wrote, “I will no longer waste time with WGAw, but I will stick with the Copyright Office. I agree: “Timely” registering your scripts and other creative works with the US Copyright Office really, really count! John Imsdah wrote, “Right now I do not have an attorney selected, but if you can recommend one I would be very grateful.” If you’re having trouble locating counsel, and if you qualify (income or otherwise), the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts group in your city/state may be able to provide pro bono or legal services at reduced fees: vlaa.org/get-help/other-vlas/ You can also visit the Copyright Alliance attorney links: copyrightalliance.org/resources/find-a-copyright-attorney/ AND copyrightalliance.org/ca_post/volunteer-lawyers-for-the-arts-continue-to-support-creative-community/

[@tylerskiss]

Original writer gets ripped off and complains and they never work again. Two writers completely lift an existing film, sell it to a big studio, cost the studio millions and get rewarded with more projects and, eventually, producing big franchises like Star Trek!! Hollywood and Washington DC are similar in so many ways.

[@gabbar51ngh]

Are you referring to JJ Abrams?

[@tylerskiss]

@@gabbar51ngh no, I was referring to Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, who "wrote" the Michael Bay film the Island which was a direct lift of 1979 film the Clonus Horror. The two should have been blacklisted, but since they were Bad Robot alumni, they get a pass and actually get rewarded with huge franchises like Star Trek and the Mummy- repeatedly creating critical bombs, but still never short of work.

[@ArtemisScribe]

@@tylerskiss Bob Orci is a stain on the industry. The fact that man still gets work is just proof of how much of a corrupt Frat club Hollywood is.

[@sambula1027]

Hi Shane it's Sorina from LAVCC. Good to see you! Thanks for your interviews!

[@vsproductionteam8093]

Great Info. Due to circumstances, I feel this needs to be discussed in our next meeting. Thank you.

[@almanages]

Loved the "let's get busy in 2020" line at the end. In my area, Hollywood North they call it, well in Vancouver area, if you dont have a budget nobody is interested in participating, it, mostly solo work that really never gets anywhere, wish i lived closer to Shane and his bunch lol

[@HazeyCazeyTv]

My friend had his book turned into a movie in the UK... Without his permission. He tried suing, but was told he couldn't because it was in another country.

[@jordantrouttOG]

I bet if the roles were reversed and it was your friend who had made a movie he stole from a book in the UK then they would for sure be suing him.

[@af98]

He shouldve given the production company negative publicity, it would've gained some media attention and the production company would've scrapped the idea.

[@grantp33]

all these statues they rippled down last summer yet they pass right by the limitations one. wonder how many ideas/scripts have been stolen from private messages or google searches. look up " The Facebook emotional contagion experiment" and you dont need acct for them to know all about you either. i still think freedom of speech should overrule private company that has info on everyone and admits to reading private messages, when its used in a country where thats basis of whole nation.

[@eriksmith2514]

I'm not the expert, but I doubt that a writer lacks standing to sue for copyright infringement in the U.K. based on where the writer's book was published. International compacts can also apply to those situations, such as the Berne Convention.

[@ronreidjr]

This guy and his comments is a real reality check. I was here because he is offering some class on shot listing for directors but watching his take on Hollywood will give everyone a nice reality check.

[@IAteFire]

The biggest problem with the fear that your work will be stolen is the assumption that it's good enough to steal

[@theoriginaltommysteward]

If you think you are better than you really are -- I would argue that is the problem and not fearing that it will be stolen. It all falls under "self-delusion" at that point. Let's not pretend people don't steal though.

[@kbmariontv1736]

Hollywood puts shitty scripts out everyday lol. They will steal anything.

[@TimucinLeflef]

@@kbmariontv1736 - I agree. Producers are always cutting corners and are often too stingey to buy a good script in the first place. They will steal good ideas from good scripts, put them in bad scripts and make terrible movies out of them. Happens all over the world.

[@tovarussell1581]

Wow, good to have someone tell the truth! So many bad people ! I have had such similar experiences in life. Been so long since I have seen such a good person keep up the great work and thanks for sharing your valuable service

[@ReelThingFilms99]

When he was talking about his dads script, he started singing the opening lines (notes) to the TV show SWAT!

[@cuttersboi08]

Yeah he does a great job of talking without actually saying a lot.

[@butcher568]

I know a guy who submitted his script for the film foundtaion (it was for young screenwriters only) well he didnt win. His gig meanwhile was being a focus puller and they called him for a film 2 years later and he realised on set that it was his script.

[@Biring1]

Holy shit. What did he do?

[@butcher568]

@@Biring1 Nothing. Because there is nothing he can do really in my country.

[@Biring1]

@@butcher568 Where are you from?

[@butcher568]

@@Biring1 Hungary

[@joshuaanderson9938]

This is why I never give away work to contests like that. They're all scams to get free ideas instead of paying writers or artists for their work

[@MM-dv9hp]

Sometimes all the little person has is their intellectual property...I know this happens a lot. Thank you Shane Stanley for the advice.

[@officialshanestanley]

You are welcome 😊

[@DangerousParent]

After thirty-years of writing I'm about to finish my first screenplay, it's an incredible story I'm "certain" hasn't been told before, thank goodness I happened upon this video: "Library of Congress" here I come!

[@RayFromLUCKYSHADOW]

Thank you for these videos. This one is fascinating (and scary). Do the producers care at ALL about artistic passion or what the life of a writer is like? Are the directors aware it's a stolen idea?? Who DOES this?? I've had short stories published in a handful of literary journals, and as a writer it would never even OCCUR to me to steal an idea...because that would be such an insult to my own "talent," such as it is. Why would I want to tell THEIR story? You know what I mean? Is there no "vision" to it in Hollywood? Just filmmakers needing ideas the way a cattle rancher needs cows? How gross is that? I've been working on a script, and I honestly think it's shaping up to be the best thing I've written, but my daydreams ignore the fact that I have ZERO Hollywood contacts and no way to get it made. And then this, the idea of some producer just taking it or taking a part of it and leaving my name off it! Now I'm thinking I'm going to just use the script as an outline and turn it into a novel. Not that I've had any luck getting my first novel published yet, but I at least understand the PROCESS. If some literary agent DOES like it and wants to help me get it out there, most likely it will still basically be the book I wrote when it comes out. It seems like in Hollywood, it's all these people grubbing around for ideas, ideas, ideas, like rooting swine. And even IF you don't get ripped off, even IF they purchase from you this personal, heartfelt story you put your soul into, and even IF it gets the greenlight...the thing they end up making could be so watered down and removed from the story you were dying to tell! I'd love feedback if anyone has thoughts on this. But at this point, yeah, I'm thinking I'm just going to turn it into a novel. It's a shame, because I really SAW this story, really wanted to tell it visually, you know? It's funny and sexy and sad, and I don't care what anyone says, I KNOW it portrays working-class Philadelphia men and women more accurately than I've seen before. It's set in a neighborhood like the one I grew up in, and I have really been wading through some not very pleasant feelings to write it. The idea of someone just lifting sections of it, or taking it wholesale, that's a NIGHTMARE. What kind of scumbag does that?? How do they even kid themselves they are artists? They're lower than kidnappers or some "Nigerian prince" who talks an old lady out of their life savings. And apparently this is fairly common?? What is going on with these people?!

[@jasonrogers8140]

I wrote a rough draft sometime ago, copyrighted it and then submitted it for a professional review just to get a gauge as to where it was at. I set it down for a minute to take a breather. Just a few weeks ago a movie came out with an actor in a role that was exactly the actor I named/suggested for exactly the role which was a very specific role along with other subtle nuances throughout that happened to be in my script. Is there anything I can do here or just eat it and learn?

[@decorouspowersweeping4231]

Listening to this KZbin program pains my heart, because my movie script was stolen from me while I was in prison: Ladies' Night. In which, they named it "Magic Mike". So, yes, I truly understand what this guy is talking about. Hollywood would definitely purchase stolen materials from people and turn around and defend it. It's sad. Truly is...

[@JohnnyStroud]

WOW! I know the feeling. I had a project taken back in 2000, by a huge Hollywood actor who pried the script from my partner as he was working on a film with this huge actor. It took the actor one YEAR to produce the work for TV. My partner and his Father FLEW to HOLLYWOOD to try to fight it to no avail. Its a sad business, and I only use the USPTO to file my works ever since.

[@erik-sr9bj]

Which movie was that, if I may ask.

[@JohnnyStroud]

@@erik-sr9bj The Patriot!

[@erik-sr9bj]

@@JohnnyStroud I will check that one out

[@oldplanetmedia1629]

@@JohnnyStroud The Mel Gibson movie or a TV show?

[@ericmcquisten]

A lot of it boils down to ego, and wanting to assert power over another, or to dig a pit for you to fall in. It is as true in Hollywood, as it is in corporate-America... the executives would rather spend $20 million fighting you in court, versus pay you $2 million for your intellectual property. And this has been going on for decades.

[@col.strayga1389]

“good artists borrow, great artists steal.” -Pablo Picasso

[@ЖудаМ]

I was waiting this video!

[@ЖудаМ]

I almost got my script stolen some days ago, my luck is that I am paranoid and already had copyright and my script was too complicated to be stolen. I am still afraid that they might do something, but if they do. I have proofs to protect me and copyright.

[@filmcourage]

Great to see you revisit Ismael. Hope this video is helpful to you.

[@ЖудаМ]

@@filmcourage It was, as always! Film Courage is being a big help to me for more than a year!

[@filmcourage]

@@ЖудаМ Love to hear it. Keep creating!

[@olga_b344]

Has anyone experienced this in UK? And is there any point registering with the US library of congress/copyright if you’re a UK based writer?

[@MrRezRising]

I wrote a few sketches for an SNL cast member I knew. She couldn't even look at them for fear of even accidently ripping me off.

[@jamestaylor3805]

That was drilled into SNL members, and rightfully so.

[@MrRezRising]

@Cutter Yup, that's what you guys say every decade. Still on the air, though.

[@MrRezRising]

@Cutter Yep, decade after decade, you guys sound exactly the same. See you at the 50th. 🔥

[@creolelady182]

So glad he is bringing this subject up

[@filmcourage]

Which part of this video is most helpful? How will this impact you moving forward?

[@Theomite]

Well, 1) I'm gonna have a Burn Binder. A binder dedicated to storing every correspondence printed out for future legal action. It'll be the same color as the project binder so they match. 2) I'll never offer to sell any of my best stuff. And the shit I try to sell will be off-kilter so that it can't work out by mainstreaming it, so the end result will be shit. 3) I won't sign a deal of any kind without concession that I get the right to publish the original script that I was selling. That way if they fuck me, there's a document available so people can see how the studio fucked things up. 4) All the good shit I'll try to make myself or find financiers who put their own money in it so they can't rip it off without burning themselves.

[@gabrielwettenstein8659]

To do everything yourself and keep it in house if you're that passionate about your project. It's better than to risk being ripped off as a struggling writer just starting out with no skin in the game other than just a bunch of ideas and no representation.

[@MenTalThePoet]

After all the work and thoughts I'm putting into my writing I'm definitely not just submitting my work to a bunch of folks and I have no protection. I'd rather produce my own project than have someone else take my work, never respond to me or work with me but take my idea and have one of their friends remix my work and claim itas theirs. To hell with that

[@YOUROLDFRIEND666]

Always protect your a$$.

[@JHallenbeck]

This guy gives bad advice imo. Young and new writers should not be afraid of sending out their work, or sharing their writing. They should be encouraged to knock on doors, be proactive and stay unafraid of the very unlikely chance that they will get screwed over. Just because this guy had a bad experience doesn't mean that is the standard. He is jaded and cynical. If you start off like him you will never get anything read or made. The whole business is about taking risks.

[@phil5569]

This is valuable information. I'd love to right a script... and if I ever actually do, I'll be guarding it fiercely.

[@sinanuluc5143]

No need to be paranoid though. All types of business and work is like this. You work at Starbucks and a colleague steals your idea and presents it to the supervisor. You teach in an institution and a fellow teacher pretends to hate your idea but the next thing you know is they went and presented your idea to the school manager as if it's theirs. You write a song and a band steals it. It happens everywhere.

[@sabymondal]

Your advice may help many to avoid disaster. Thanks!

[@timtrek]

It's the same in music. I was so naive and trusted a more famous person and showed them my little tricks on the keyboard along with all my demos only to have them completely ape my style and and have quite a few hits.. plus then a label released my record saying no need for a contract, we'll split everything 50/50 with the artist, it made money but they didn't share.. why am I such a carebear

[@michaelsix9684]

music industry is the worst place for criminal behavior and theft, really sad so many ppl. there do it

[@theseoulgoode]

You better get good with business or else you'll continue making others rich while you wonder what could've been.

[@NoYoutubeName1]

@@theseoulgoode This is what is difficult though. How do you get good at business? It seems it’s mostly just fakes that make it because of their sneakiness and constant narcissistic need for attention opposed to just wanting success so you can do your thing and survive comfortably and to have your talents being appreciated as a bonus, without letting any of that corrupt your good moral compass.

[@SaltyRoast]

Same for reality TV. I pitched a show and the production company went around me to the talent. Plot is copyrighted but I expect a fight. I also agree with the "make your own film", I made one this year, zero budget and a lot of will power.

[@neurohack9038]

You’re a daydreaming liar.

[@kokoleka808]

The U.S. Copyright Office grants copyright registration in around 6 months. So what if someone steals your script before it gets registered?

[@kokoleka808]

@Carl's Brother Thanks for the reply. The reason I made the comment was because I'm nearly finished writing a screenplay about very current topics. If I wait 6 months to show anyone this script and the amount of time it will take to produce a film based on the screenplay--this would take well over a year at the minimum and my screenplay will be yesteryear's news.

[@southpark645]

@@kokoleka808 so touch up on your screen play, make it timeless. Movies that are a product of their time and include too many things from/about that time often get forgotten about

[@kokoleka808]

@@southpark645 Thanks for the tip. My screenplay actually starts off with the words, "In the not so distant future..." instead of going with an actual date. I'm also trying not to include any actual locations, such as names of states or cities, in order to appeal to a wider range of moviegoers. The primary reason why I want to rush this project is because many of the scenarios are occurring as we speak in the U.S. (i.e., nationwide civil unrest, mass protests, widespread homelessness, dangers of social media, pandemic, extremist groups seeking to overthrow the government, ever widening gap between the rich and the poor, A.I. takeover of jobs, etc.). I've actually started writing the script nearly two years ago and am putting the finishing touches on it.

[@southpark645]

@@kokoleka808 I’m sure it’ll be amazing if you started it two years ago! I’m honestly, not a professional and I’ve never worked in the movie industry. But I watch so many films, that I’ve learned so much about directing and writing just from watching these. And although, I do like movies that are relevant to the modern time, those do tend to get left behind. The less names you use, and locations and all that, the better chance your movie has at being remembered down the road. I hope that I’ll get to see it someday!

[@southpark645]

@@kokoleka808 also, I’m in my mid 20’s and most of those scenarios you mentioned will still be relevant in the future, because those things have been relevant all my life. Obviously there’s exceptions, but the widening gap between the rich and the poor, civil unrest (not to the point we’re at now though), extremist groups, have all been relevant for years now and it’s not likely to change anytime soon.

[@jasonlorphotofilms]

I always try and resist telling my whole story before it is written to everyone. It's moments like this where I focus on finishing and copyrighting my script before I tell it to anyone. I even make it clear to everyone that I tell my stories to; that it has been copyrighted and ready to be marketed.

[@ericwilliams626]

The best way to tell if someone really wants to do business with you is by saying, "Okay, well talk to my lawyer and he'll get back to me." They don't even try if you have a lawyer. If you are ripped off you have to consider what you didn't do to ensure they don't even try. But get a lawyer. The other way is to simply write it as a treatment, publish it as a novella on Amazon for free, then send them the script, reminding them its in public domain, they can't steal it.

[@ThePublimark]

Have you done thins?....is it actually safe? Can you give more info about this?

[@ericwilliams626]

@@ThePublimark Yes, I have done this, but the industry as a whole is not responsive, not because my content is secure, but they don't deal with those they don't already know. Its an industry that is so afraid of lawsuits is a big reason for a lack of relationship between the inside and outside world of studios. The other being, they don't know who you are. The best thing is to produce something on your own and get some screen credit. It's so bad I couldn't even get Emilio Estevez to review one of my novels I adapted into a script. His manager said he wasn't even interested in looking. So a lot of it is legal fears and the other is attitude issues towards people they don't know.

[@joegilberto2513]

Really insightful interview! And I loved what he said about working on projects during/despite 2020

[@golfinglibrarian]

I've got a friend who pitched her book to Disney and was turned down, and now a movie with the same premise is playing on Disney Plus.

[@masterofallgoons]

What was it?

[@golfinglibrarian]

@@masterofallgoons Godmothered.'

[@BoxerBeBop]

@@golfinglibrarian if I was her I'd go back to the office and throw a fucking table through the window

[@creolelady182]

This is why writers should produce their own work

[@alanrosenthal3978]

thanx FC, this was one of your best yet

[@filmcourage]

Thanks Alan! What about this one made it one of the best for you?

[@alanrosenthal3978]

@@filmcourage no one likes to admit this happens, even you guys stated as much just a few replies below this one! That’s exactly what the thieves/industry expect you to believe, yet when you know otherwise you’re made to feel like a nut. Shane makes it reputable and real with no apology. The only thing I wish is he would have named some names, but then you would have to deal with that list… what a town! If you guys were looking for your next story, try cracking that one open.

[@filmcourage]

@@alanrosenthal3978 Thanks Alan, we appreciate the feedback. Going after names could be a big story, not sure it is the right one for us. We really appreciate how candid Shane was in this interview. He took a lot of time out of his schedule to pass as much knowledge onto our viewers as he could. Not sure how long it will be but when it's all said and done this is our current champ for longest interview. Lots more to come.

[@modshiftmotion]

I feel you, I've been there too. Thanks for sharing.

[@DS-nh2yf]

Exactly what he said about keeping a data log both hand written and digital, applies to pretty much everything in life. Especially when it's legal dealings. Even if you're moving to rent a house or apartment. For creative purposes, it's a good idea to type everything up so there is a save log in the metadata of the file. If you were to send something potentially sensitive out. Right click the document, click more info and it should tell you the exact date and time it was created, as well as the last it was modified. Keep screen shots of this info.

[@TheGoodContent37]

As a computer engineer it is so sad to inform you that the meta data can be modified without no one knowing about it.