Protect your screenplays, treatments, and creative concepts before pitching. Idea submission protocols, WGA considerations, and proof of prior creation strategies.
Protect your creative work before sharing it
Many studios and production companies refuse to sign NDAs for unsolicited pitches. They may already be developing similar concepts and want to avoid liability. Instead, they often require you to sign a Submission Release that limits their liability.
Create a customized NDA for sharing screenplays, treatments, or concepts with producers, studios, or potential collaborators.
Create NDAReceived a Submission Release to sign? Understand what rights you're giving up and the risks of signing.
Analyze DocumentNDAs for different stages of creative development
Complete or partial scripts ready for production consideration.
Story summaries and structural documents shared during development.
Original ideas presented verbally or in pitch decks.
Key provisions for protecting your creative work
Establishes that the recipient is receiving original material in confidence and agrees not to use it without authorization. Critical for proving confidential relationship existed.
Essential ClauseReferences WGA registration, copyright filing, or other documentation proving the material existed before the pitch meeting. Crucial for later disputes.
Document EverythingDuring option negotiations, prevents the producer from shopping your script to others while appearing to negotiate in good faith.
Negotiate TermsPreserves your right to credit if the project proceeds, even if significantly rewritten. Works alongside WGA arbitration procedures.
WGA ConsiderationsExplicitly prohibits the recipient from using your concept, characters, or story elements in their own projects without a formal agreement.
Core ProtectionRequires the recipient to disclose if they are already developing substantially similar material, preventing "idea theft" accusations against innocent parallel development.
Mutual ProtectionBest practices before sharing your creative work
File for copyright registration with the US Copyright Office. This provides the strongest legal protection and is required before filing a lawsuit. Costs $45-65 and provides statutory damages and attorney fees in litigation.
WGA registration creates a dated record of your work. While not a substitute for copyright, it's recognized in the industry and useful in arbitration. Costs $20-35 and lasts 5-10 years.
Keep records of every pitch meeting, submission email, and script delivery. Note dates, attendees, what was shared, and any follow-up communications. This paper trail is crucial in disputes.
When possible, request that recipients sign an NDA before receiving your material. If they refuse, document that refusal and proceed with caution. Consider whether the opportunity is worth the risk.
If asked to sign a Submission Release, understand what rights you're waiving. Consider whether modifications are possible or if you should walk away from that particular opportunity.
How guild protections work alongside NDAs
WGA registration creates a dated, third-party record that you possessed specific material at a specific time. While not as strong as copyright, it's widely respected in the entertainment industry.
Note: WGA membership also provides access to credit arbitration, minimum compensation protections, and collective bargaining benefits that affect how your work is treated once optioned or purchased.