'Sold' a TV show idea - copyright?

Edrof

Edrof

Edrof

Soldato
Joined
16 Nov 2009
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Hellooo!

For a while now I've been writing fiction around two central characters that are entirely of my own creation. Recently, the idea of creating short 'segue'-type films based upon these two characters was pitched successfully to a TV channel.

I'll be coming up with further 'sketches' and then their production team will film them.

The problem now is that I have no clue about whether I should copyright my creations - or even how to do it? I've had a quick Google, but thought I'd share here, to get some human opinions.
 
Grats, umm well to my mind they now own the rights to the intellectual property that are your creations ??

Depends how loosely that term sold is being used here?
 
The deal isn't signed, sealed and delivered as yet (sorry, I should have been clearer). The idea is 'sold' as in they love it, it's perfect for them, they are desperate for this type of content and some of the guys that have worked with me on this are already 'in' with the big guys at the channel.
 
man the cannons...


erm they are going to expect significant % of income for producing it, depends what you've got.

Try to speak to a lawyer or someone already in that situation if you can.
 
Have you spoke to the TV company they probably have a procedure to follow and have done it 10s of times before.
 
You've sold a TV idea but don't know anything about copyright?

I don't know how TV programmes work exactly but from my understanding of UK copyright law, as soon as you have created it you own the copyright to it, whether it be a photo, written word, music etc.

The TV company will want to buy the rights/license the idea from you I would think.
 
TheBigCheese said:
I don't know how TV programmes work exactly but from my understanding of UK copyright law, as soon as you have created it you own the copyright to it, whether it be a photo, written word, music etc.

The TV company will want to buy the rights/license the idea from you I would think.
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This is what I have been taught at Uni also. The creations are yours until you sell them and subsequently your rights to royalties.

your dilemma now is to decide whther selling the copyright is more or less profitable to you than agreeing royaly income and getting a steady return.
 
Ahh interesting, thanks for the replies. And yep, I know painfully little about this!

So if they are legally mine as soon as I create them, how do I prove that I created them in the first place? E-mail the documents to myself?
 
Forde said:
Ahh interesting, thanks for the replies. And yep, I know painfully little about this!

So if they are legally mine as soon as I create them, how do I prove that I created them in the first place? E-mail the documents to myself?
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anything that puts a date on them - preferably from an external third party of reputable character. when you go to see your own lawyer he may offer to stamp some original sketches for example.
 
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