Permission to paraphrase TV shows?

maurirada · Dec 27, 2007

I am writing a novel about 30 somethings. They sit around and discuss their childhood. I would like them to discuss specific TV episodes that they remember, but I am wondering if that would be any violation of copyright laws.

For example, "Remember the episode of Diff'rent Strokes where the creepy guy shows him the naughty cartoons and Gary Coleman almost got molested?" "What, that didn't happen."

I wouldn't be quoting any dialog, but I would be paraphrasing specific plots. Will I have copyright issues?

Thanks!

Maureen

johnzakour · Dec 27, 2007

I'd think you'd probably be okay. If not the publisher's lawyers will tell you to take it out.

IceCreamEmpress · Dec 27, 2007

maurirada said:
I wouldn't be quoting any dialog, but I would be paraphrasing specific plots. Will I have copyright issues?

Nope. As long as you're talking about actual shows and paraphrasing them briefly, you're fine.

Where you'd be in trouble would be if you were using characters in ways that damaged the intellectual property. Like, "Remember that episode of 'Punky Brewster' where she became a prostitute?" You'd be likely to get a letter from the copyright holders on that one.

johnzakour · Dec 27, 2007

Plus you can't lyrics from TV shows. I had the theme from the Brady Bunch in my first novel and I had to rewrite the words....

Permission to paraphrase TV shows?

maurirada

johnzakour

Dangerous with a Keyboard

IceCreamEmpress

Hapless Virago

johnzakour

Dangerous with a Keyboard