What is script registration?
Script registration is the process of archiving and logging your screenplay with a third party like Script Register in order to add more documentation to your script’s “paper trail.” This registration, as additional documentation, may serve as additional evidence and/or proof that you are the original author of your screenplay.
How does the script registration process work?
You use our Script Registration form here to upload your script and provide your contact info and info about the work. The entire process takes around minutes or so. Our system then immediately generates and emails you your registration email, complete with your unique script registration code, which you can then print out or archive however you like for your records. On our end, we then encrypt your script and archive it on our secure, non-cloud storage system where it’s never looked at again, unless you request it.
How does registering my screenplay protect me?
Registering your screenplay here at Script Register establishes a timestamped, dated record of authorship with Script Register, which acts as a neutral third party, should you ever need to help prove legally that you’re the true author and originator of your material.
The actual work you submit is stamped with date and time from the moment you register. Then a copy of that work, with your name and contact information on it, is filed away in our secure, offline, air-gapped (not connected to the internet) archive, never to be looked at again, unless you need us to pull it out of the file and provide it as proof in a dispute.
What kind of documents can I protect?
Screenplays, treatments, sitcoms, shorts, beat sheets, character descriptions, script outlines, pitches, television shows, and stage plays.
How secure is my script once I’ve registered it?
Our site is secure with 256-bit AES encryption over SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). Once received, your documents are encrypted with the same level of security and archived on our archive, which we keep completely disconnected from the internet. In addition, nobody at Script Register ever opens your documents unless you ask us to in writing.
Is your screenplay registration service the same service that the WGA offers?
Many entertainment attorneys stress that Copyright Registration is the best thing you can have on your side, more than script registration with our service or even script registration at the WGA. Without copyright registration, if your material is stolen or misappropriated, you likely won’t be able to find an attorney to take on the 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 with the WGA. That said, registering your script with Script Register as well as the WGA only strengthens your paper trail, in the event you need to sue an infringing party.
Does the WGA have the sole right to offer script registration services?
They do not. We love the WGA and respect what they do for writers but they are not the only tool writers can use to prove authorship of their material.
If I register my script with Script Register, should I still file a copyright?
Absolutely yes. Filing a US Copyright is important for many reasons, not the least of which is the reason above.
After I register my script(s), will I have access to them?
After you upload your script, you may download your script or files at any time by (a) emailing support and (b) providing proof of your identity. Photo ID, driver’s license, etc. We take our archiving very seriously. No documents will ever be released to anyone, unless us not releasing them runs the risk of violating a court order or similar.
Can anyone other than me access my registered screenplay at Script Register?
No.
Do you sell or give away access to the scripts you register, or personal information about the registrant/author?
No. No information of any kind will ever be transmitted, sold, or given away from Script Register to any third party for any reason.
If I have a legal dispute, will you back me up?
Yes. We stand ready to deliver your proof of authorship and all requested files to whatever representation you authorize, and testify in person in an arbitration or court if necessary.
Do you accept printed, hard-copy paper scripts and documents?
No. We only accept digital files. (Paper scripts cannot be encrypted.)
Can I add the Script Register registration code to my title page?
Yes, but we also recommend placing your Copyright on your title page as well.
Can’t I just mail myself a copy of my script to protect myself?
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’s registration valid for?
If you ordered the Unlimited Script Registration Plan, your script’s registration is good for life. If you ordered just a single Script Registration, your script’s registration from Script Register is valid for five (5) years from the date of registration, which is the date you uploaded the script.
How do I upload my script file?
You’ll be asked to attach your file once you start using our script registration form. If you have any difficulty, please contact support@scriptregister.com
If I purchased the Lifetime Unlimited Registrations plan, how can I upload my script files?
When you purchase our Lifetime Unlimited Registrations plan, you’re provided with credentials. Simply return any time and click the “Unlimited Members” at the top of any page on our site. From there, you can register new scripts free of charge using the credentials we sent you when you purchased the plan.
I only paid to register one script. Can I de-register it and register a new one instead?
If you purchased the Unlimited plan, yes, you can upload and re-register as many scripts as you like. But if you only purchased a single Script Registration, you’ll need to order a new Script Registration each time you wish to re-register a new draft of the script, or register a new script.
What document file formats do you accept?
We vault documents from the following types of files: PDF, Highland, Final Draft, text, RTF, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Works, Movie Magic Screenwriter, FadeIn, and CeltX. If you don’t see a filetype you need on that list, just let us know and we’ll consider adding it for you.