Screenwriting : Screenplay by Amir Alawi

I don't believe that theft is a major issue when it comes to screenplays. Look at it this way, if you post it and then someone blatantly steals it, it's very easy to prove they took it. No one wants a lawsuit.

Have you registered it just to be safe? The WGA can help you with that.

Hi, Amir Alawi. I wouldn't worry about someone stealing your script. That hasn't been an issue on Stage 32. I would suggest registering your script with the Copyright Office in your country before posting it on your profile or anywhere online, but I don't know the copyright laws in your country. You might not need to register a script in your country. And you might be able to register your script with the U.S. Copyright Office. You can contact the Copyright Office to ask if you like (www.copyright.gov).

Hello, thank you very much for your response. I think that if I publish my screenplay on Stage 32, I don't need to register it in my country, since Stage 32 is not based in Germany. But could you please give me the email address of the U.S. Copyright Office? I couldn’t find it.

I'm not too worried, and I don’t think anyone will steal my script, but of course, there are no guarantees. I might just post the loglines for now, and if I share the script, maybe only the first ten pages.

Amir Alawi One thing you might consider is rather than posting the screenplay, post just the logline. That gives people the idea of what your project is about without providing all the details.

Don't waste money with the WGA.

There is no copyright office in Germany. However, the Berne Convention protects copyright in nearly all but a few rogue nations: Iran, North Korea. Register copyright in the US and it covers the world.

BTW, no one wants to steal your script. Anxiety about this paints the writer as an amateur. Protect your material and get it out there.

Thank you again for your response. Actually, I’m not afraid at all. I’m an author and have already published books. I will definitely follow your advice – and thank you for your honest words. It means a lot to me that you were so direct and clear.

Hmmmm. Okay.

You're welcome, Amir Alawi. I don't know the U.S. Copyright Office's email, but their phone number is in the bottom right-hand corner of their website.