Swapping Copies of Produced Screenplays

[BrackettWilderDiamond]

Like most everyone here, I try to read as many screenplays as possible in order to improve my understanding of the craft. Having read all the scripts freely available online that I care about, I'm planning to turn to the retailers for paper copies of the harder-to-find screenplays. Unfortunately, the costs can be fairly prohibitive for what's probably a third- or fifth-generation photocopy. I would especially like to read "Lawrence of Arabia", but $25.00 is a bit much.

I was wondering if anyone on this board feels the same way and would be interested in starting up a script sharing group in order to split the costs and perhaps stimulate some discussion? As my screen name implies, I favor the classics. These also tend to be the ones that aren't freely available online or haven't been published in book form.

All those who are open to the idea, please leave a message here or in my mailbox.

Thanks.

[Joe Calabrese]

Logistically this would pose some legal and moral questions as who handles the money, is there a profit and would the scripts get photocopied which is illegal. I'm not sure this posting should be here based on that.

[BrackettWilderDiamond]

With all due respect and appreciation for your concerns, I don't see why there should be any problem.

No money would be exchanged; no one would be making any profit off of this. Everyone joining the group would simply contribute one or more scripts he/she has in his/her possession.

Most dealers are trading in photocopies to begin with, not vintage originals.

Furthermore, there is the presence on the Internet of all those "free" screenplays. Obviously somebody took the time to copy all of those scripts into html or pdf format. If it were a matter of the studios enforcing their copyrights, I would think that they would have already cracked down on these sites by now.

Really, the only scripts that the studios protect are those for the UNRELEASED films, especially the potential blockbusters like the next Star Wars. (Come to think of it, I have seen early drafts for Peter Jackson's "King Kong" remake on some "free" sites.) The only other scripts that the studios are likely to care about are those currently in print as trade books. (Again, I have seen "free" screenplay web sites posting "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," among others.) My proposed group would be concerned only with classic screenplays from already well-known films.

All trading and other networking - beyond, obviously, this initial notice - would be done off of this bulletin board to avoid the remotest chance of legal liability (which, in truth, is extremely remote to begin with).

Lastly and most importantly, there is the principle, recognized in copyright law, of FAIR USE. As long as a potential script swapping group uses the screenplays FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and FOR PRIVATE USE ONLY, then such a group is within the law. In regard to making copies of the screenplays, one can avoid even the remotest possibility of legal difficulty by having the members loan their original copies by mail (via book rate). Each recipient would then be free to decide whether to just read and return the script to its owner or to make a copy of the script for his/her personal use.

[Joe Calabrese]

The only reason I asked was because you said: "in order to split the costs." It sounded like you meant that a group of people would pitch in to buy these screenplays and whenever money is asked for in this forum, I should technically shut down the thread. No offense, just forum rules. If there are no costs to members, then it's a good idea if you can get people interested. I personally have a library of 1400 screenplays and those I really want, I bu to keep. Good luck.

[BrackettWilderDiamond]

<<The only reason I asked was because you said: "in order to split the costs." It sounded like you meant that a group of people would pitch in to buy these screenplays and whenever money is asked for in this forum, I should technically shut down the thread.>>

No, I'm just cheap.

[BrackettWilderDiamond]

Joe Calabrese or anyone else here,

Would you happen to have a copy in your script library of "Nicholas and Alexandra" (1971) by James Goldman, brother of William? I'd trade a paperback copy of "The Aviator" (read once) just for a look-see.

I've checked all the online suppliers and can't seem to find anyone who has it. Maybe you can suggest a source (on or offline), if nothing else?

Thanks very much.