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CBS/Paramount sues to stop Axanar

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If I recall properly, Ellison's script refers to the Guardians, and as a humanoid race, at that. TheGuardian as depicted in the show,only comes up in Roddenberry's extensive rewrite. So, I wonder if Ellison would be entitled to any compensation for that.
 
I'm not sure how compensation works when story elements are added by other writers. It would seem reasonable that if Roddenberry came up with the Guardian being a giant ring that it would belong to him more than Ellison.
Getting back to the original point, when NV/P2 adapted the unused Phase II scripts they brought in the original writers for Blood & Fire and The Child, and got permission from John Meredith Lucas' estate for Kitumba. Now obviously Axanar wasn't a lost script, but I bet there was no attempt whatsoever to get an OK from Lee Erwin or anyone at FASA. Ultimately it wouldn't have made a difference, but it would have shown some professional courtesy. But I guess that explains why no such attempt was made.
 
I remember reading in another topic here on Trek-BBS last year that in England, the character creator does indeed "own" the character. That discussion went on to say it doesn't work that way here in USA.
 
The characters are usually owned by the person who created them (unless they ceede such rights in their contract agreement.)
In episodic television, under the agreement between the WGA and signatory studios, writers who create a character must be paid whenever those characters are used. However, to the best of my knowledge in a work for hire the studio doesn't require the writer's repeated permission for each reuse.
 
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In episodic television, under the agreement between the WGA and signatory studios, writers who create a character must be paid whenever those characters are used. However, to the best of my knowledge in a work for hire the studio doesn't require the writer's repeated permission for each reuse.
If they're creating a character like for example Gowron or the Grand Nagus who are set up from the start to be important recurring characters, do they ever make a deal where they pay the original writer a larger sum to essentially buy the character so as not to have to pay them for every appearance?
 
If they're creating a character like for example Gowron or the Grand Nagus who are set up from the start to be important recurring characters, do they ever make a deal where they pay the original writer a larger sum to essentially buy the character so as not to have to pay them for every appearance?
I don't see any reason why that, in theory, couldn't happen. However, I don't know if it ever actually does. This would depend upon the contract signed between the writer and the IP holder(s).
 
Interesting question. As I understand it, under SAG/AFTRA rules In the world of voice over work, talents can agree to a buy out of any length or a lifetime buyout in return for a negotiated amount. (I could be wrong so anyone who knows better please voice your opinions over mine) Don't know if that could happen with scriptwriters, but unless it's expressly forbidden by WGA I guess it could.
 
Well, AP and his crew just can't quit. AP has now created a facebook group for Orville and Slow Lane has already suggested "Prelude to Orville" be done.

Somebody better warn FOX.
 
Well, AP and his crew just can't quit. AP has now created a facebook group for Orville and Slow Lane has already suggested "Prelude to Orville" be done.

Somebody better warn FOX.
picard-riker-tag-team-not-this-shit-again.jpg
 
I wish I had a good reason to travel to Atlanta, so I could ask to visit the new "studio." I'd take pics and ask questions, pretending to be a supporter. Then I'd report back here with all kinds of great stories.

But I'm not traveling any time soon. :/
 
I wish I had a good reason to travel to Atlanta, so I could ask to visit the new "studio." I'd take pics and ask questions, pretending to be a supporter. Then I'd report back here with all kinds of great stories.

But I'm not traveling any time soon. :/
A Suicide Mission for sure but why bother, we all know the LFIM thrives on haters.
 
I'm sure Seth M would be inclined to sue the pants off Alec if a Prelude is done. Sounds like a joke to me.
 
I don't see any reason why that, in theory, couldn't happen. However, I don't know if it ever actually does. This would depend upon the contract signed between the writer and the IP holder(s).
What if the character is created by the showrunner/producer?
 
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