Just curious about this, because if I don't win (I probably changed the story way too much for that), then I want to continue writing my script and eventually sell it. So I assume that this is possible...does anyone know for sure??
As long as it doesn't have the title, character names or share any of the elements with the first two drafts then you theoretically should still be able to retain the rights to your story. I won't say that this is fact, just my guess.
Okay, thanks. That's what I thought but I wanted to hear a second opinion, at least. And I'm glad someone finally answered the post...I was starting to feel like the kid in the back of gym class who no one picks for their kick-ball team.
You are most welcome but to be fair, I don't know for sure because I have only skimmed through the FAQ section and didn't read each and every single word written. This was just my best guest.
No one owns an idea. Copyright only secures a particular expression of an idea. Also the Grimm's Fairytales are public domain. So as long as you have an original take on the free source material (as opposed to just slightly changing Rob's versions) you own it (unless Amazon chooses your proposal, in which case you are signing over your right to your intepretation)
I did see this question on FAQ. A S claim that you can't use the same concept, but if you create a completely new character, or a completely new aspect, you CAN use that.
It's not possible to copyright a concept, as Shane says, so if you've gone a different way with your story, it's your story.
@ Shane said, the "concept" of 12 dancing princesses is from the Grimm story, which is in the public domain.
If you used the same setup (farmboy, etc.) or story or character names as Rob's version, you could run into copyright issues.
The only thing mine kept from the original is the name "Yannick," but that's easy enough to change.
The problem is, if lots of people develop the 12 P idea and these scripts flood the market, it's unlikely anyone's going to want to read them, let alone buy them. Something similar happened with that contest where they give you the logline and you write 10 pages at a time. Lots of people fell in love with their own ideas.
Even though the CONCEPT might be public domain, the actual PROPOSALS might have been assigned to AS. But I just checked the assignment details and didn't see anything to that effect.
Doubt I would have trouble with copyright issues. The only thing I kept was the months as names for the princesses, and that would be no problem to change. Everything else would be my created world and yes, I will still write it, but reduce the number of characters.
