Screenplay Registration for screenwriters
Protect your script before sending it out
Script registration helps protect you and your screenplay from unscrupulous agents, producers, script contests, and A.I.
Script Register has protected scripts submitted to major studios
What is screenplay registration?
Screenplay registration is the process of submitting a screenplay to an organization that archives it and issues a document verifying the date and time of submission. The screenplay is then tied together with that time-stamped registration, which provides the screenwriter with helpful proof of authorship of the screenplay in the event of a dispute. The main goal is to make it more difficult for plagiarists and A.I. entities creating derivative works, and/or claiming the screenwriter’s screenplay as their own and commercially and/or artistically exploit it against the screenwriter’s wishes.
Is script registration necessary?
No, but the more documentation screenwriters have to help prove authorship of their work, the higher the screenwriter’s chances of prevailing in any arbitration or lawsuit. However, script registration is not the only documentation that can help prove authorship or screenwriter credit. Other documentation includes copyright registration, drafts of the screenplay, and correspondence such as email.
Do I need to copyright my screenplay?
You should. The good news is, screenplays, outlines, and treatments, as well as teleplays, are generally protectable by copyright. And there’s no requirement to have to actually legally register those materials for any official copyright, because US federal law states that as soon as you type anything and save it to disk, it’s copyrighted. Whether it’s finished or not, that work is copyrighted. That said, you can formally register your work with the US copyright office by filling out a form and sending in your script and paying a fee.
The bad news is, while documents and other things can be copyrighted, under the law, ideas or concepts cannot be copyrighted. So any documentation that proves you originated the ideas in your screenplay could help in the event of a dispute.
How does the screenplay registration process work at Script Register?
You fill out our form here to upload your script and provide your contact info. The entire process takes around three minutes. Once you check out, our system then immediately generates and emails you your screenplay registration email, complete with a unique registration code, which you can then print out or archive however you like for your records. We then encrypt your script and make an archive of it on our secure, non-cloud storage system where it’s never looked at again, unless you request it in writing.
What kind of documents can I protect?
You can register screenplays, treatments, sitcoms, shorts, beat sheets, character descriptions, script outlines, pitches, television shows, and stage plays.
How secure is my registered screenplay?
The Script Register backend is secure with 256-bit AES encryption over SSL (Secure Sockets Layer).
What is WGA Registration?
WGA Registration is the process by which the WGA Registry archives screenplays and written works submitted by screenwriters, whether those writers are members of the WGA or not. The WGA Registry exists as a service to raise the profile and awareness of the WGA while bringing in revenue for the WGA itself — revenue which is typically funded towards pro-WGA services, community events, resources, and pro-writer groups such as the Writers Guild Foundation
Does WGA screenplay registration make me a member of the Writers Guild?
No. WGA screenplay registration is not a free ticket into the Writers Guild. Nor is registering your script with the WGA a requirement for you to join the Writers Guild.
Should I register my screenplay with the WGA?
Many entertainment attorneys stress that formal copyright registration is the best documentation you can have. Without copyright registration, if your material is stolen or misappropriated, you likely won’t be able to find an attorney to take on your case, even on a contingency fee basis. This is because even if you win a settlement, you most likely won’t be able to collect statutory damages (which are usually what make it worthwhile for litigators to take on a case to begin with.) Our registration service is similar to WGA registration, but we are not affiliated. That said, registering your script with Script Register and WGA strengthens your paper trail, in the event you need to sue an infringing party.
Does WGA screenplay registration guarantee my writing credit?
The WGA Registry states very clearly that WGA registration doesn’t not generally help writers when determining writing credits when there’s a dispute of authorship, but it could help sort out a writer’s contribution to a project.
Your script, encrypted, vaulted, and secure
Our security is the highest possible, because we know your screenplay represents years of hard work.
Protection against A.I. scraping
256-bit secure encryption
Air-gapped vault server
Daily secure backups
Total data privacy
After I register my screenplay, will I have access to it?
After you upload your script, you may download your script or files at any time by (a) emailing us and (b) providing proof of your identity. We take our security very seriously. No documents will ever be released to anyone, unless us not releasing them runs the risk of violating a court order.
If I enter into a dispute over my screenplay, will Script Register back me up?
Yes. We stand ready to deliver your proof of authorship and all requested screenplay files to you or your representatives, and testify remotely in an arbitration or court if necessary.
Should I mail myself a copy of my script?
This is referred to as “Poor Man’s Copyright,” and it’s not recommended, as it affords little or no protection or remedy in the event of a dispute.
How long is my script registration valid for?
Your screenplay registration is valid for 10 years from the date of registration.
A few happy screenwriters…
Pop-Rox – Poppy H. and Susan R. (writing team)
“Thank you Script Register!”
Amanda Jones
Between The Light and SkaterGurlz
“Script Register is a no-brainer. The most secure place to register my scripts.”
Ving Smith
Welcome Matt, Angst, Cowboys and Tequila
“Perfect. Easy. Great job, kids.”
