I need some advice

I've been reading some American bloke's blog for the last few weeks, and it's given me an idea for a sitcom. The problem is, I'd love to tell him about it and try and get him involved, but I'm worried that he'll just ignore me and write it himself. He used to be a musician, and appeared in a few videos, so if the show was ever made, he wouldn't have a problem acting in it. What do you think, should I tell him, or just keep it all to myself?

Oh, and if this should be in the Writer's section, I'm sorry. Feel free to move it.

I'd move this, but I can't!

But that would be a judgement call really, if you were planning to make a sitcom about his life in great detail, legally he has to know.

Otherwise you can do what you like, personally I would contact him, he'll probably be very flattered and more than willing to help.

I'd say just write it. I'm assuming this American lives in America and I can't see a transatlantic writing partnership working practically, even if he was interested in the project. Would it be made over here or over there? I would suggest you are far more likely, assuming you manage to jump through all the other hoops, to get something made that doesn't come with a leading actor already attached as co writer/creator. If it's a good enough idea, it should work regardless of who is in it.

Quote: steve by any other name @ October 28 2009, 8:53 AM BST

I'd say just write it. I'm assuming this American lives in America and I can't see a transatlantic writing partnership working practically, even if he was interested in the project. Would it be made over here or over there?

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That's the funny thing, I think it would only work if it was made in America. The story is comparable to the HBO series 'Weeds', or that new thing that's staring here next week, 'Breaking Bad', i.e. the lead character is held back by his lack of wealth, and forced to take risks.

Oh, and the lead character is black, which I think would actually increase the chance of the show being made, as there's a distinct lack black lead characters on TV at the moment, even in America.

Yeah tricky one this...why not write the first draft and send it off to a few producers or American networks - if you get a favourable response then you can bring up the bloke's name and they can decide whether to include him in either the project or the credits. If you get no offers then you haven't lost anything but if you contact the bloke with your idea you do risk losing it all if it turns out to be a successful project/show.

Quote: catskillz @ October 28 2009, 6:33 AM BST

Oh, and if this should be in the Writer's section, I'm sorry. Feel free to move it.

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Done.

Frankly, if it's that good idea then either a) contact the guy and be completely upfront about your intentions, trying to get some sort of written permission for you to write a pilot based on his story, or b) delete your original post here and don't ever mention your inspiration again. Either way would reduce the chances of you being sued at a later date, should a show ever arise as a result, which would be devastating.

I'm not sure people actually can have a copyright on their life story. As far as I know the biggest concern would be privacy law/libel law.

I shall ask a friend of mine who's an expert on intellectual property rights.

Quote: Finck @ October 28 2009, 1:44 PM BST

I'm not sure people actually can have a copyright on their life story. As far as I know the biggest concern would be privacy law/libel law.

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Exactly, Finckle, they can sue on libel/slander firstly, then plagiarism, emotional trauma, loss of earnings, in fact anything else you care to think of. Frankly, whatever this blog has suggested to catskillz, it's been put in the public domain, and as long as you're not plagiarising you can lift the premise with impunity. So long as the names, the places and the circumstances are sufficiently changed there's no comeback (other than reading this thread - see previous comment).

Though how honest you feel you need to be really depends on how integral this person's blog/life is to your idea and how much you feel you'd be ripping them off not to tell them. It's an ethical question, I suppose.

absolutely do not tell him.

it is almost impossible to successfully sue someone in a case such as this, so you don't need to worry.

but let's just say he did sue you and won...big deal. take the hit of a one off payment. if the show is a success, this will be pennies.

When posing for police mug shots always wear a big smile. That way when they dig it out for broadcast/publication you come across as a nice guy. Don't give them any rope to hang you with.

Sorry, I only read the thread title.

Quote: David Bussell @ October 28 2009, 2:52 PM BST

When posing for police mug shots always wear a big smile. That way when they dig it out for broadcast/publication you come across as a nice guy. Don't give them any rope to hang you with.

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Quote: Tim Walker @ October 28 2009, 2:56 PM BST

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I'll say in my defence, the officer who took that had just told me a Michael McIntyre joke.

I'm in a similar dilemma to catskillz, I've been taking a great interest into the life of this person on the internet ("JC") who I think would make the basis for a good sitcom/textbook on psychology.

Just realised, it's all there in the initals, isn't it?

Jesus Christ =
John Cleese =
Jimmy Carr =
James Corden =
James Cotter.

I almost made that same post earlier, Tim. Something weird going on around here *looks at Cotter*