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JenniferShay
10-07-2005, 11:40 PM
Hi all,

Maybe someone can help me out? How would I find out if a book that was written in the 1800's or anytime that far back has been copyrighted? I found a book that I would maybe like to adapt to a screenplay written in today's time.

Thanks in advance! Hope everyone is ready for a great weekend!
Mac H.
10-08-2005, 11:19 AM
If it was written back in the 1800s, then it doesn't matter if it was copyrighted or not - the copyright has well and truly expired.

I am not a lawyer, but this summary was written by a lawyer:
* http://www.authorslawyer.com/c-term.shtml

(He uses the username 'Jaws' here, so you may come across him)

According to it:
* If it was published before 01-Jan-1923, then it it is now in the public domain
* If it was never published, but was written by a known individual, then it is public domain 70 years after the author's death.
* If it was never published, and the author is unknown, then it is becomes public domain 120 years after it was written.

See Jaw's summary for more information.

On the subject of adapting an old work, it sounds like an excellent idea. It automatically lends a sense of 'style' to the movie.

I'm trying to do something similar with a modern version of 'Don Quixote'...

Mac.
JenniferShay
10-08-2005, 08:40 PM
Mac,

Thanks for the help. It is greatly appreciated! Good luck on Don Q.
Rainy Night
10-08-2005, 09:15 PM
I'm trying to do something similar with a modern version of 'Don Quixote'...

That's one of my favorites. I'd love to read it when you have it ready.
JERETHAL
10-12-2005, 11:56 AM
Write it and change a few little things and deny deny deny. No problemo.

Whoever wrote the original ain't gonna get mad at ya. Why would you even mention such a thing? Change the title, names, a few details, and wella.
Jamesaritchie
10-12-2005, 09:52 PM
Write it and change a few little things and deny deny deny. No problemo.

Whoever wrote the original ain't gonna get mad at ya. Why would you even mention such a thing? Change the title, names, a few details, and wella.

You'd better change more than a few things. The original writer may not get mad, but he, and his lawyers, will get even.

And writing by just changing a few things isn't writing at all. I don't even thing "hack" is a low enough term for people who do this.
Joe Calabrese
10-12-2005, 10:03 PM
Pay no mind to Jerethal. He just likes to pick fights.