Copyrighting Your Own Work

In the United States, copyright protection exists automatically as soon as an original work is created and fixed in a tangible form of expression. This means that your screenplay, film, music, artwork, photographs, animation, or other creative work is protected by copyright the moment it is recorded, written, saved, filmed, or otherwise fixed in a form that can be perceived, reproduced, or communicated.

Examples of works that are considered “fixed” include:

• Screenplays and manuscripts
• Motion pictures and video recordings
• Sound recordings and music
• Photographs
• Artwork and illustrations
• Digital files and computer-generated works
• Storyboards and graphic designs

Although copyright is automatic, registering your work with the U.S. Copyright Office provides significant additional legal benefits. Registration establishes a public record of ownership and is generally required before filing a copyright infringement lawsuit in the United States. Timely registration may also allow you to seek statutory damages and attorney’s fees if your work is infringed.

Copyright Notice

While a copyright notice is no longer required for copyright protection, it is still considered a good practice because it identifies the copyright owner and helps deter unauthorized use.

A standard copyright notice includes:

• The copyright symbol © (or the word “Copyright”)
• The year of first publication (or creation if unpublished)
• The name of the copyright owner

Example: © 2026 Jane Doe

If your film is produced by a company rather than an individual, list the company’s legal name instead.

Registering Your Work

Students are encouraged to register completed screenplays, films, music, and other significant creative works with the U.S. Copyright Office, particularly if they intend to distribute the work commercially, submit it to distributors, or license it in the future. Registration can be completed online through the U.S. Copyright Office and is generally inexpensive for individual creators.

For additional information, registration forms, filing fees, and current guidance, visit the U.S. Copyright Office at https://copyright.gov.

Best Practices

• Keep dated copies of your original work and project files.
• Maintain drafts and production records that document the development of your project.
• Register important creative works before widespread distribution whenever practical.
• Clearly identify ownership when multiple writers, composers, or creators contribute to a project.
• Execute written collaboration agreements whenever multiple people share ownership of a creative work.

Copyright exists automatically, but registration provides the strongest legal protection. If you believe your project may have commercial value or a life beyond CalArts, registering your work is one of the best investments you can make as a filmmaker.