A question about rights

[Emma Lindahl]

Hi there

I'm studying direction in the Polish film school, and last year as my examination film, I made a loose adaption of "Carrie" (it's about an actress playing Carrie in the theatre, and about how the theatre director maltreats her to a state similar to Carrie's). I'd just like to check in if anybody knows where to turn if you have questions regarding rights - for noncommercial festivals, exclusively.

Thanks a lot in advance )

Emma

 

[GNTLGNT]

...I'd say this basketball bounces into Ms. Mod's court......

 

[Rrty]

That's actually a cool idea. The rights aspect sounds like a big gray area. You'll have to get official word from Ms. Mod, but just thinking aloud for the fun of it, I would say it might be okay if you don't get too close to specific aspects and change some things around. But don't take my advice. (If your character starts to develop powers to push back, that could be a close call on rights, unless it is a parody; if it is simply done as a drama whose main theme is bullying, I wonder if that would be okay). I think the other thing to consider is if the main marketing angle will be its connection to the book...if that is the case, then you might be on shakier legal ground, to my way of thinking...still, if it was tested in court, it would be interesting to see the result (not suggesting a test case, though)...

Can't wait for the answer on this one...(that might make a good spec screenplay)...best of luck...

 

[mal]

I'd watch that!

 

[Moderator]

Hi there

I'm studying direction in the Polish film school, and last year as my examination film, I made a loose adaption of "Carrie" (it's about an actress playing Carrie in the theatre, and about how the theatre director maltreats her to a state similar to Carrie's). I'd just like to check in if anybody knows where to turn if you have questions regarding rights - for noncommercial festivals, exclusively.

Thanks a lot in advance )

Emma

Doing it as a class project is one thing but I'm sorry to have to tell you that it would not be given permission to show even at non-commercial/not-for-profit festivals if it is so similar to Stephen's original work that it would be recognizable without further explanation.

 

[Emma Lindahl]

Doing it as a class project is one thing but I'm sorry to have to tell you that it would not be given permission to show even at non-commercial/not-for-profit festivals if it is so similar to Stephen's original work that it would be recognizable without further explanation.

Hi!

Thanks for your answers! With whom could I consult as to whether it is, in fact, recognizable without further explanation? And is there any possibility whatsoever to pay for the rights, in this case? I understand that if such a possibility exists it might be out of my economic range, but I really want to make sure that I know on which grounds I stand.

Thank you for your understanding,

Emma

 

[Dana Jean]

Hi!

Thanks for your answers! With whom could I consult as to whether it is, in fact, recognizable without further explanation? And is there any possibility whatsoever to pay for the rights, in this case? I understand that if such a possibility exists it might be out of my economic range, but I really want to make sure that I know on which grounds I stand.

Thank you for your understanding,

Emma

Moderator?

 

[Moderator]

Hi!

Thanks for your answers! With whom could I consult as to whether it is, in fact, recognizable without further explanation? And is there any possibility whatsoever to pay for the rights, in this case? I understand that if such a possibility exists it might be out of my economic range, but I really want to make sure that I know on which grounds I stand.

Thank you for your understanding,

Emma

Stephen no longer owns the film rights for Carrie so he would not be the one who could grant permission or set a fee. To be honest, I don't know who the current owner is since there have been so many remakes.

 

[Emma Lindahl]

Hi ! Thank you. Okay, so the rights are transferred to the production company that latest made a remake, yes?

 

[Moderator]

Hi ! Thank you. Okay, so the rights are transferred to the production company that latest made a remake, yes?

That's my understanding.

 

[Emma Lindahl]

That's my understanding.

Okay, thanks, I will do my research then.

 

[Edward John]

Okay, thanks, I will do my research then.

Belated response but the most recent film was released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in association with Screen Gems, so they likely have the film rights.