Securing the idea to a TV programme

[scall11]

I had an Alan Partridge style 'Idea for a new programme...' moment recently, and I think it's such a top idea that I'm writing to a production company with the idea. I'd say it's got about a 60% of success.

Now. I don't want any money from it, I just want to be able to claim it was my idea, and then tag along for the good bits of it, filming etc. So I want to secure my claim as saying it was my idea.

Anyone know how I can do this? I've heard of things like posting it to myself, so the postmark is proof of when I thought of the idea. Does this work?

 

[Bluemoon_Fletch]

Copyright the idea m8 im sure tht wud work

 

[Lark Lane Blue]

If you write the idea on your pc and then save it to a cd, the pc will burn date info into the cd.

 

[TFC]

Not sure how mate, but do whatever you can. My Granddad (God rest his soul) reckoned he wrote to the Beeb with the idea for a snooker themed game show about 18 months before Big Break came out....

(he could have been lying of course ;-)

 

[BimboBob]

Seeing as i invented the BB formula and then channel 4 stole it from me,i'm pretty qualified to answer this question.

Write it all down.Include sketches and think of loads of names to call the idea(if they nick it and use one of your names you're quids in).

Sign it and get a repectable figure(teacher,lawyer etc) to sign it as well.

If you know the name of the production company get it sent recorded delivery.

Name the parcel/envelope.Something along the lines of "Idea for new game show".

Make sure ALL your contact details are on there.Don't be shy.

Copy EVERYTHING.

Keep everything together and wait.

 

[Stato]

out of intreset what is your idea? ;)

 

[stony]

Mail a copy to yourself, the postmark is irrefutable proof of the date. Cheapest way to copywrite it.

 

[masterwig]

You don't need to apply for copyright.

Copyright automatically applies to something if it is your idea. You might need a bit of proof as evidence so posting it to yourself is a good idea but other than a bit of evidence there is nothing else you have to do.

 

[Televators]

Mail a copy to yourself, the postmark is irrefutable proof of the date. Cheapest way to copywrite it.

For the envelope maybe. Not much proof of what was in said envelope though.

Have a look at this scall1, it might help.

http://www.copyrightservice.co.uk/protect/p21_protecting_ideas

 

[stony]

Mail a copy to yourself, the postmark is irrefutable proof of the date. Cheapest way to copywrite it.

For the envelope maybe. Not much proof of what was in said envelope though.

Have a look at this scall1, it might help.

http://www.copyrightservice.co.uk/protect/p21_protecting_ideas

tamper proof envelope and keep it sealed