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HOW YOU ARE PROTECTED -
Visit CreatorsVault.com
for time stamped proof-of-creation...
Executives
and Companies using The Television Writers Vault to scout projects are
all well established, respected within the television producing community, and
place a high value on reputation and relations within their community of network
executives, producers and writers. Every company and executive that uses
TVWritersVault.com has agreed to our "Confidentiality/Terms
of Service" policy. Member writers may enter the Television Writers
Vault using a unique username and password where they are then taken to a
PERSONAL PROJECT STATUS PAGE linked to our
database that will post LIVE activity of companies reviewing material.
Executives viewing material posted with the TV Writers Vault may select statuses
"Under Consideration", "Pass", "Requesting Contact with
Writer", or "Send Script for Review" as applicable for any projects reviewed. That status is then posted in real
time to the specific writers status page under their title listings with date
and time of status. We make every attempt to keep the writer "in the know" of
all activity regarding their projects.
Additionally, you, the writer, must be very clear on what
you are presenting
and know the difference between a generic idea and a clearly developed concept
for a show. Vague or generic "Ideas" are not protected by copyright law or even
by the Writers Guild of America. It is the specific and unique expression of an
original concept that is protected as an "Intellectual Property".
Therefore, the more specific and original you are, the more protection you have.
Anyone who intends on making
progress and building relationships in the entertainment industry must
understand that success is built on collaboration, and you cannot move forward
unless you are willing to expose your creations. People who
are legitimate have no need to steal ideas, as it puts their relationships at
risk with everyone related to producing the show if they subject themselves to a
potential lawsuit. It's too easy for an executive to keep a relationship
open with a writer who can consistently bring them good ideas, rather than
risking reputation and relationships for one idea that may or may not come to
fruition in the market. With that said, you should only
deal with companies and executives that have reputable track records. Also
important to know is that we DO NOT allow any writers to search or view our
database of titles and concepts. Only industry executives that have been
screened.
With the
previous detailing how WE protect you as a member of our service, how
do you legally protect the show you have created? Time-stamped "Proof of
Creation" is necessary to establish third-party validation of your project
having been created at a specific time previous to marketing your project.
CreatorsVault.com is a
web-based archival system where you can upload your original written material to
a protected database and in return receive a time-stamped electronic certificate
and "CV Number". Your material is then archived in original form and only
released as third-party evidence in the event of any legal proceeding or
arbitration.
Have a detailed outline of your show that is anywhere from a
half-page to 2 pages in
length to ensure your originality. Upon registration with
CreatorsVault.com
keep the registration certificate in
your personal files, and simply type your "CV Number" on your show treatment
whenever submitting the project to potential buyers and industry executives. Return to submit your show to the
Television Writers Vault and we will return formal
confirmation of your materials received.
Save all correspondences with any company
that engages you via our services, and include a dated cover letter with any
materials submitted via mail or fax. When a company or
executive makes an offer to "option" (buy) your show, that's the time
to seek the aide of an entertainment attorney. Refer to our
"Industry Standard Deals"
page for details on what terms to expect with any offer to purchase a project
for televised production.
Protective Resources - It is not mandatory for projects
submitted to The TV Writers Vault to be registered at the Writers Guild
of America or Library of Congress, but it is highly recommended when
beginning broad marketing of an original project.
The most commonly used by professionals is
the Writers Guild of America time-stamped registration for proof of
creation. You will receive an instant WGA Registration number when
registering online, and a certificate by mail to follow.
Register your original first draft of any
project, and keep drafts of each revision thereafter.
Straight submission of your project to The
TV Writers Vault also provides electronic-mailed proof of authorship, as
our communications and confirmation of receipt establishes date/time/and
draft. To begin your membership and project submission with us,
CLICK HERE
For a more formal, and more expensive
form of protection for your intellectual property, you can also apply
for a copyright at the Library of Congress. Click the link below for
more information.
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TvWritersVault.com
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