Production companies?

Just to find out....

Has a production company ever produced a programme similar to one you submitted to them?

I'm just curious to find out...

Most (if not all) production companies seem to have a disclaimer saying that there is a possibility that they might be producing something similar or even the same as what they receive.... Fair enough.

I'm about to sign this pretty damn formal contract saying exactly this to send a script to DLT Entertainment.....

And these disclaimers/contracts give them freedom to basically produce your idea without crediting you... has anyone ever been in a position where they were suspicious of a production company doing just that?

e.g.
In the DLT contract .. 1 line says..

"I recognise that you have access to and/or may create or have created literary, film, tape and/or other materials and ideas which may be similar or identical to the material in theme, idea, plot, format, characters or other aspects. I agree that I will not be entitled to any compensation or other consideration...." bla bla bla

It's the part where it says... "IDENTICAL.... that I personally find a bit dodgy... "similar or to within a reasonable degree of accuracy" would sound better to me.

Still........ any thoughts?

(Mind you, doesn't mean I'm not going to send it )

z---, this isn't the right forum for this kind of question. Please remember that the British Comedy Guide is NOT a site for writers. I'm moving this thread over to the correct forum now; Writers' Discussion.

Thanks.

Thanks.... sorry

It's pretty standard.
Truth is , it's more about protecting them from nutters rather than trying to rip you off.
If you have a good idea, they 'll want you to see it through.
That's because they can't write, and you can.
It really isn't in their interest to rip you off at this stage.
They'll do that later when it comes to your percentage!

I figured as much. It was just the extreme formality of the one from DLT that took me by surprise... and was wondering whether anyone had had any such negative experiences.

Thanks for your opinion.

Personally I would just cross out the "or Identical" words before signing.

I've cossed out similar things in the copyright clause of employment contacts in the past.

It won't make two-hoots difference, but shows their manager that you are on your toes in respect of plagiarism.

It won't as I said make any difference because anything they produce will not be identical anyway.