Actually, most screenwriters register their screenplays with the Writers Guild of America. I've done two or three of them myself. So if a movie company does steal your idea, or even bits and pieces, it's relatively easy to prove. And many legitimate screenwriting contests require that your screenplay be registered before they will accept it.

I'm not disagreeing with your point, just showing off my knowledge of screenwriting. ;)

Easy to prove, but then whatcha gonna do? Well, you can't sue. However, I'm guessing -- based on what you wrote -- that if you have the backing of the Guild, you can shame and embarrass a studio if you can prove it stole your idea, and that might well be enough to deter a reputable company from using an idea. ) Edit: And judging from the number of remakes and sequels being made by studios, they are in desperate need of skilled script writers. Last thing they want is for the Guild to sort of "blacklist" them. :)

My hubby wrote a novel last year, and even though he doesn't think it will sell because it serves a rather small niche audience, I still insisted that register the work with the US Copyright Office. There are lots of unscrupulous people in every industry who will try to take advantage of gullible and/or trusting individuals. It's just so much easier to deal with them if you've registered beforehand. Plus, if you ever find work that you've released on the web appearing on another server. if your takedown letter includes the registration number of your work, it generally disappears pretty quickly because you've shown that you're serious, can get a lawyer to defend you, and it will cost them if they don't take it down -- whereas if you don't have a registration number, it's showing them the exact opposite.

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