Foreigners registering scripts with WGA

Question

In the UK you don't need to register one's script (copyright is automatic) but since I'm sending one of my scripts to the US, I thought I'd register it with the WGA.
They charge $22 for non-WGA members to register scripts (as opposed to $10 for WGA members) and that is for 10 years.
It says
http://www.wgaeast.org/script registration/how to register by mail.html#Foreign that "If you are a foreigner and do not have a Social Security number, you will be issued a writer number. If there are more than one registrant, all registrants must supply their social security numbers and signatures."
Cool. But now I'm trying to register my script, but because I put nothing in the Social Security box I get an error saying:

"Social Security number is required and must consist of numbers only (dashes are optional). Foreign writers who do not have a SSN should enter the number assigned to them by the WGAE (starting with "R")."

Well there is nowhere that I can find where the WGAE assigns writers numbers starting with R to people. I have looked. But I just go into this loop..
.

Usenet · Accepted Answer

In the end I phoned them and got given a number... it was easier in the long run!!
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Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]In the UK you don't need to register one's script (copyright is automatic) but since I'm sending one of my ... the WGAE assigns writers numbers starting with R to people. I have looked. But I just go into this loop..[/nq]
Tristan, if you're going to shop a script in this country, don't bother registering it with WGA. Register it with the U.S. Copyright Office. You do NOT have to be a U.S. citizen to register, nor do you have to be a U.S. resident.
WGA registration is only good for five years, then is renewable for a second five years for a second fee, but it does NOT offer the protecction that copyright does, so in MY opinion it's a big waste of money.

The purpose of both is to protect yourself from plagiarism. About all WGA registration will do for you is if you do go to court in a plagiarism suit, they will send someone to court with the sealed copy of your script to swear it has been in guild posession since you resgistered it. Oh, but your case has to be heard in LA to get that.
U.S. Copyright, on the other hand, gives you benefits you cannot get if your work is not registred, such as possible punitive damages, and that's where the big bucks are. Otherwise, you get back the cost of your materials and time, but that's about it.
You need to register Form PA (performing arts) for a script, and here's the URL with directions on how to file, as well as links to the application form in .pdf format:
http://www.copyright.gov/register/performing.html
Goo luck!
Caroline

Usenet · Answer

Drat!
TRISTÁN
PS. Have just paid them $22 (for ten years though).

Wish I'd checked for replies first!
AND I've now sent it to MWSM....
Oh well, I'll take my risk. I've got copyright of it here in the UK, so if push comes to shove, I'm sure no one is likely to nick it anyway! Far easier to come up with your own ideas....

But thanks for the tip, which I will keep in mind for "the next time" -)
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Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]In the UK you don't need to register one's script (copyright is automatic) but since I'm sending one of my scripts to the US, I thought I'd register it with the WGA.[/nq]
For the record, copyright is automatic in the USA as well, the instant you commit your work in fix form. Registration of your script with the Library of Congress www.copyright.gov is just one way to record your copyright (and the one that carries with it the most benefits and protections) in the US.
I think the consensus here, after many times discussing this, is that LOC protection is all that's really necessary to protect yourself from infringement, and that WGA registration is only useful (and necessary) when it comes to credit arbitration.
The advice that made the most sense to me, is that your should register a copy of your script, in some way, in the location you're most likely to bring suit should an infringement occur. So, if you're aiming your script at Hollywood, you're best registering it in some way in the states, most importantly with the LOC and then with the WGA.
Alan Brooks

A with an Underwood
StroppyRight
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Usenet · Answer

@reader2.panix.com:
[nq:1]Oh well, I'll take my risk. I've got copyright of it here in the UK,[/nq]
...if you can prove date of fixation. I think only published works can be formally cataloged with the British Library?
Bizarre as it sounds, I believe filling with the US LOC is the best way of establishing your copyright here in the UK. Due to the Berne Convention, the integrity of the LOC system will not be contested in UK courts and while US registration might not amount to prima facie evidence of copyright ownership in this country (as it does in the US), you will nonetheless have absolute proof that you deposited the material with LOC at the recorded date.Timely registration (ie before you are ripped off) also gives you the option to seek statutory damages instead of actual damages, plus attorney's fees (only in the US, of course, which is where you will be marketing the script).
I don't think WGA Registration has any role in credit arbitration, as only delivered drafts are considered signatories are trusted to keep proper records and turn in all the various drafts to the Guild.

One thing it is maybe handy for is keeping records of pitches and such like, if you don't have an agent or attorney.
WGA Registry will become irrelevant if LOC ever allows online filing.

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]@reader2.panix.com:[/nq]
[nq:2]Oh well, I'll take my risk. I've got copyright of it here in the UK,[/nq]
[nq:1]...if you can prove date of fixation. I think only published works can be formally cataloged with the British Library? ... here in the UK. Due to the Berne Convention, the integrity of the LOC system will not be contested in[/nq]
What I meant was, because copyright in the UK is automatic as soon as you write something and because a number of people have seen it (and in the case of my family, have seen me write it!) then I have copyright in the UK.

I was considering spending another tenner and sending it to The Script Vault, which is another one of those script registration places (they physically place your script in a signed sealed envelope for 10 years) but people keep saying that too is a waste of money. But I'll probably go down that route just to be sure.
This whole copyright issue really has writers over the barrel with their pants down!

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]What I meant was, because copyright in the UK is automatic as soon as you write something and because a number of people have seen it (and in the case of my family, have seen me write it!) then I have copyright in the UK.[/nq]
It's exactly the same in the US.
What's different is registering the copyright via the Library of Congress.
What that does is establish beyond any doubt formally and legally document that you are the holder of the copyright.

The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another
James M. Barrie

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2]What I meant was, because copyright in the UK is ... me write it!) then I have copyright in the UK.[/nq]
[nq:1]It's exactly the same in the US. What's different is registering the copyright via the Library of Congress. What that does is establish beyond any doubt formally and legally document that you are the holder of the copyright.[/nq]
And furthermore, seeing as it's what you need and basically all you need, why bother with Script Vault registration? How do these services which are not WGA or LOC stay in business?
Alan Brooks

A with an Underwood
There's a screenwriter
born every minute.
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Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]And furthermore, seeing as it's what you need and basically all you need, why bother with Script Vault registration? How do these services which are not WGA or LOC stay in business?[/nq]
Send me $29.95 for my exclusive guide to trade secrets, which explains it all.
jaybee

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]And furthermore, seeing as it's what you need and basically all you need, why bother with Script Vault registration? How do these services which are not WGA or LOC stay in business?[/nq]
Same way the WGA Registry stays in the money, I suppose. WGA makes it clear in their FAQ that writers should send scripts to LOC for formal copyright registration, but 10,000 people a year (?) either ignore this advice or are persuaded to opt for both (even though that serves no purpose). Credit arbitration has nothing to do with it, as far as I know. I appreciate there are one or two articles out there that suggest it does, but that's now how arbitration works.
Jeff's comments about avoiding clouds on the title are probably the most relevant of all.
Script Vault is a waste of money. T, even if you option a script the short form agreement will be sent to LOC. You are more likely to sell than sue (I hope). You should have a complete chain of title for the reasons Jeff gives. LOC is like the Land Registry of intellectual property.

Foreigners registering scripts with WGA

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