tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706282221761427996.post1729488862499699594..comments2024-03-07T20:15:45.996-08:00Comments on The Bitter Script Reader: "Based on a true story."The Bitter Script Readerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575166527272639709noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706282221761427996.post-32469130731841783422013-03-25T12:56:02.800-07:002013-03-25T12:56:02.800-07:00I don't remember anyone trying to sue the Coen...I don't remember anyone trying to sue the Coens for claiming their entirely fictional FARGO was based on a true story.OJ (not that one)https://www.blogger.com/profile/09389451273019141145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706282221761427996.post-17993373382655002012013-03-25T02:23:34.926-07:002013-03-25T02:23:34.926-07:00Well, if you really want to be safe: http://en.wik...Well, if you really want to be safe: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_penis_ruledanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00448923129761859864noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706282221761427996.post-49535788642473474662013-03-25T00:26:48.321-07:002013-03-25T00:26:48.321-07:00http://provideocoalition.com/ckramer/story/how_to_...http://provideocoalition.com/ckramer/story/how_to_buy_a_life_storyNeilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16058601442026855932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706282221761427996.post-70779146839747155212013-03-25T00:25:37.367-07:002013-03-25T00:25:37.367-07:00Put simply, the when the writer of "Lincoln&q...Put simply, the when the writer of "Lincoln" was asked why he changed history and wrote one of the union states as supporting slavery, especially when there were so many other confederate states that could have been easily used/vilified, he responded essentially, "Dude, WTF, bro? I'm making this shit up as I go along; it's ALL MADE UP." <br /><br />So I don't think there's any legal definition of "based on a true story." There's ALWAYS going to be dramatic license taken with any story to bring it to the big screen.<br /><br />However, that said, you'd have to consult a lawyer about using someone's life story. As far as I know, you can use the STORY, no problem. Citizen Kane was based on the most powerful media tycoon of the time, and although WRH didn't sue (or at least win), he f'ing ruined Welles' career. <br /><br />What you have to be concerned isn't the story, especially if you change the names and locales, if it's based on a real story, but people suing the shit out of you. Pretty much if you ever do come across a REALLY good story and want to actually tell the story as it actually happened, with the real people, then you have to buy them off so they WON'T SUE YOU.<br /><br />Keep in mind that Law and Order's entire series run was made from ripping current headlines and using stories based on real life events; albeit with the names changed.<br /><br />Here's a good article on "buying" life story rights.Neilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16058601442026855932noreply@blogger.com