Dilemma

I've got a dilemma. We had a few posts about where you can set a sitcom (PC wise) and quite a few people asked questions and offered ideas. One person queried a location, nothing more, and I suddenly had loads of ideas of how it could work.

Now I'm interested in developing the idea but don't know if its right to as the location was someone else's idea. The characters, tone, angle and storylines are all my creation as the poster didn't go into this. There are also many ways to tackle the topic too, but I don't want to be accused of nicking someone else's idea even if it was only a location. Help...

Quote: Griff @ August 6 2008, 4:36 PM BST

Why not PM that poster to see whether they plan to use that idea ?

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I think I will, but if they say 'yes' does that mean I shouldn't use it? As I said its a location not a full-developed premise.

The law states that an idea can't be copyright, only a script (or some other finished product). Good manners though (the opposite of the law) suggests that you should, as Griff rightly says, ask them first and take it from there..

Fred's right, although I am curious. Is it a very unique location?

If it's only a location, then use it.

I wouldn't get too ethically worried. Whoever posted was, I imagine, doing so in a spirit of generousity and if were relevant to their own idea probably wouldn't have. It's nice that you feel concerned about it, but an idea is only an idea and the original writing is what makes something yours.

I see a pilot doing the rounds that's set in a lost property department it's all kicking off.

What was the location?

Don't worry, we won't use it!

There was a kids sitcom about that a few years ago.

called lost or found or something.

It was quite funny set in different lost property offices around the world.

And there was an ace epsiode of Eerie Indianna about that.

Any one else remember Eerie Indiana, it was better than the Xfiles.

I remember Eerie Indiana. It was good. But it ain't the X Files.

Quote: ContainsNuts @ August 6 2008, 4:28 PM BST

I've got a dilemma. We had a few posts about where you can set a sitcom (PC wise) and quite a few people asked questions and offered ideas. One person queried a location, nothing more, and I suddenly had loads of ideas of how it could work.

Now I'm interested in developing the idea but don't know if its right to as the location was someone else's idea. The characters, tone, angle and storylines are all my creation as the poster didn't go into this. There are also many ways to tackle the topic too, but I don't want to be accused of nicking someone else's idea even if it was only a location. Help...

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I'd give up on that noble attitude if you want to work in telly!

Quote: Seefacts @ August 6 2008, 8:48 PM BST

I'd give up on that noble attitude if you want to work in telly!

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LOL!

Quote: sootyj @ August 6 2008, 8:17 PM BST

Any one else remember Eerie Indiana, it was better than the Xfiles.

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One of my friends often wears an Eerie Indiana t-shirt.

Quote: Griff @ August 6 2008, 9:43 PM BST

Does anybody else have any friends who wear T-shirts based on television programmes ? Don't hold back, people.

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At an antiques centre near where I live they've got a mid-90s 'Antiques Roadshow' t-shirt on sale, that NEVER gets sold and is there every time I visit.

Quote: Griff @ August 6 2008, 9:43 PM BST

Does anybody else have any friends who wear T-shirts based on television programmes ? Don't hold back, people.

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I have a Doctor Who t-shirt. I'm cool.