Re-writing the past

Hi, I have a question... If there is a comedy programme/skit that is no longer in syndication and hasn't been for over 10 years can someone come along and write more of that same thing keeping everything the same? Like all the traits of the person, the same text, used the dress, the name, etc... So what I'm saying is if you wrote a new version of this certain thing could you go to a producer and give them that without getting done for copyright? Would they produce it if they liked it?

I'm not going to say what my idea is just yet because I think it may change the answer you give (it's not Blackadder, Open All Hours, One Foot In The Grave, nothing like that).

Sorry what I've said is so vague, but it's hard to say it without saying what it is, if you know what I mean.

I'll tell you what it is after I've got a few answers though and I think some of you may appreciate my idea.

Thanks.

Edited by Aaron.

Thread moved to the Writers' Discussion forum.

Off the top of my head, I can't think of any remakes that have happened in the UK. Shows have been remade for overseas markets - for example, Steptoe and Son was remade as Sanford and Son for the US market.

You could try going to the original writer of the series with a script, but I don't think they'd be that interested. If they were, they would just write it themselves.

Copyright-wise, I'm not sure of the rules. I believe that Spaced was going to be remade in the US - without Edgar Wright or Simon Pegg's permission. I'm no copyright expert though. You need some sort of legal guru to answer that part of your question.

hmm ok thanks im not gonna tell you the idea just yet but the original was filmed in america and it wasnt a whole show it was a skit i just think that a whole show could happen from it i have some really good ideas. I was jsut wondering because there are remakes happening of shows taht are in the past i carent think of any just yet lol but there is.

Quote: Winterlight @ August 30 2008, 6:21 PM BST

Off the top of my head, I can't think of any remakes that have happened in the UK.

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Likely Lads?

Quote: Nbrambles @ August 30 2008, 6:05 PM BST

Hi, I have a question... If there is a comedy programme/skit that is no longer in syndication and hasn't been for over 10 years can someone come along and write more of that same thing keeping everything the same? Like all the traits of the person, the same text, used the dress, the name, etc... So what I'm saying is if you wrote a new version of this certain thing could you go to a producer and give them that without getting done for copyright? Would they produce it if they liked it?

I'm not going to say what my idea is just yet because I think it may change the answer you give (it's not Blackadder, Open All Hours, One Foot In The Grave, nothing like that).

Sorry what I've said is so vague, but it's hard to say it without saying what it is, if you know what I mean.

I'll tell you what it is after I've got a few answers though and I think some of you may appreciate my idea.

Thanks.

Edited by Aaron.

View original

Sounds a bit of a weird idea to me, but then some weird ideas do get made. So basically what you're saying is you once saw a sketch on an old comedy show, that you think could be made into a series? Why not keep the theme of the sketch and just write in new characters with new names? There's absolutely nothing wrong with creative plagiarism, in fact I've found it's positively encouraged!

Do you mean from The Likely Lads to Whatever Happened...?

I see that as more a sequel than a remake, but perhaps that's what Nbrambles was aiming for.

Quote: Winterlight @ August 30 2008, 7:58 PM BST

Do you mean from The Likely Lads to Whatever Happened...?

I see that as more a sequel than a remake, but perhaps that's what Nbrambles was aiming for.

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No, the shocking Ant n Dec thing.

Quote: Nbrambles @ August 30 2008, 6:05 PM BST

Hi, I have a question... If there is a comedy programme/skit that is no longer in syndication and hasn't been for over 10 years can someone come along and write more of that same thing keeping everything the same? Like all the traits of the person, the same text, used the dress, the name, etc... So what I'm saying is if you wrote a new version of this certain thing could you go to a producer and give them that without getting done for copyright? Would they produce it if they liked it?

I'm not going to say what my idea is just yet because I think it may change the answer you give (it's not Blackadder, Open All Hours, One Foot In The Grave, nothing like that).

Sorry what I've said is so vague, but it's hard to say it without saying what it is, if you know what I mean.

I'll tell you what it is after I've got a few answers though and I think some of you may appreciate my idea.

View original

Why not try coming up with something new?

Right ill tell you my idea now because it seems to be confusing.

Jim Carrey is a MASSIVE idol of mine!

Some of you may know of the old show in which he starred in ''In living color'' also if you know about this then you will know it is a show with lost of different comedy skits.

My idea is this (you may not have a clue if you havent seen it)one of the characters jim played was firemarshall bill burns this certain skit appeared on all 5 series consisting of about 10 5 minute skits fire marshall bill has so much simplicity that it is great! i have some great ideas which i could incorporate into that character the text used, the events that happen etc.. i think that a really succesful show could come of this the only problem is, is that are you allowed to write this character into your own situations?

hopefully that has made it seem clearer also if you havent seen in living color go watch some!

Quote: Nbrambles @ August 30 2008, 8:21 PM BST

Right ill tell you my idea now because it seems to be confusing.

Jim Carrey is a MASSIVE idol of mine!

Some of you may know of the old show in which he starred in ''In living color'' also if you know about this then you will know it is a show with lost of different comedy skits.

My idea is this (you may not have a clue if you havent seen it)one of the characters jim played was firemarshall bill burns this certain skit appeared on all 5 series consisting of about 10 5 minute skits fire marshall bill has so much simplicity that it is great! i have some great ideas which i could incorporate into that character the text used, the events that happen etc.. i think that a really succesful show could come of this the only problem is, is that are you allowed to write this character into your own situations?

hopefully that has made it seem clearer also if you havent seen in living color go watch some!

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Right.

No, is the answer.

Also i just want to point out im not asking for anyones opinion im asking wether it is legally possible.

Here's the imdb (if you haven't already checked), it gives you all info.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098830/

I would say the safest thing to do would be to contact the executive producer with your idea, or one of the producers, as they probably hold (or knows who does hold) the copyright to the show. Put your idea to them - although I'm sure someone has done it before - especially 'in house'.

If you've a British version in mind, The Real McCoy was not unlike Living Color.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Real_McCoy_(TV_series)

I saw Living Color when it first came out, albeit on tape. Jim Carrey stood out a mile! One of (if not the) funniest men on the planet. Also, the whole show was deliciously politically incorrect - so on that score, forget a British version!

Thanks Morrace do you have any idea how i could contact Keenon Wayans though? i would love to do so lol.

Quote: Nbrambles @ August 30 2008, 10:08 PM BST

Thanks Morrace do you have any idea how i could contact Keenon Wayans though? i would love to do so lol.

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Can't guarantee anything but will have a go tomorrow & PM you as I'm off out now - ok?

Ok thank you very much i can have a look tonight but where would i start at doing that? lol

Quote: Nbrambles @ August 30 2008, 8:25 PM BST

Also i just want to point out im not asking for anyones opinion im asking wether it is legally possible.

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Sorry, still trying to work that out.