Know Your Rights: A Screenwriter's Guide to Protecting Your Work

Screenwriting is not just about creativity—it’s also about protecting your intellectual property. Understanding your author rights as a screenwriter is crucial, especially when preparing to submit your work to festivals, competitions, or producers. In this article, we’ll cover what rights you hold as the author, how to officially register your screenplay, and why organizations like the Writers Guild of America (WGA) can be your first line of defense.

AUTHOR RIGHTS FOR A SCREENPLAY

As the creator of an original screenplay, you automatically hold certain rights the moment you finish writing. These include:

✅ Copyright Ownership – You are the legal owner of your script the moment it is written in a tangible form. This gives you exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, and adapt your work.

✅ Moral Rights – In many countries, these rights protect the integrity of your work, including the right to be credited as the author and the right to object to derogatory treatments.

✅ Right to License or Sell – You have full control over who uses your script and how. You can sell it outright, license it temporarily, or negotiate royalties.

While these rights exist automatically, registering your script provides added legal protection and makes it easier to enforce your ownership in case of disputes.

REGISTERING WITH THE WGA FOR $25

One of the most accessible and affordable ways to register your script is through the Writers Guild of America (WGA).

✅ Low Cost – As of now, it costs just $25 to register your script with WGA, making it a budget-friendly step for aspiring screenwriters.

✅ Proof of Creation – Registration serves as evidence of the date and content of your script, which is critical in proving authorship if needed.

✅ Duration of Protection – WGA East registration lasts for 10 years, and WGA West for 5 years. You can renew your registration if necessary.

✅ Online Submission – The process is fast and easy through their official websites.

✅ Accepted by Industry Professionals – While not a substitute for U.S. copyright registration, WGA registration is respected in the entertainment industry.

Visit WGA East or WGA West to submit your script.

HOW TO GET A CERTIFICATE BEFORE SUBMITTING TO FESTIVALS

Before sending your screenplay to film festivals, screenwriting contests, or production companies, it’s essential to ensure it's legally protected.

✅ Register with WGA – As mentioned, this gives you affordable and recognized proof of authorship.

✅ Register with the U.S. Copyright Office – For stronger legal standing in court, register at copyright.gov. This costs more but offers federal protection.

✅ Get a Certificate – After registering, you receive a certificate confirming your ownership and registration date. Keep digital and physical copies.

✅ Use NDAs or Submission Agreements – When sending scripts to producers or collaborators, consider including a signed agreement that protects your work.

These steps give you peace of mind and protect your rights in any professional or competitive setting.

CONCLUSION

Author rights are the foundation of your power as a screenwriter. By understanding and protecting these rights, you ensure that your creative work remains under your control. Whether you're registering with WGA for just $25 or seeking a copyright certificate before festival submissions, taking these steps secures your script—and your future—as a writer in the film industry.