A question for pros about Disney

[grapeape]

One of the best stories for a real blockbuster fell into my lap last week. This guy’s story is so intense and dark. It is absolutely amazing! There is one catch, however, the original story is owned by Disney. This is no kids film.

What would you do in this situation?

[invaderujin]

...the original story is owned by Disney...

What would you do in this situation?I would contact my agent or manager, see if it's an Open Writing Assignment, and see if I can get in and pitch my take on it.

Maybe I don't understand your question, but I don't understand how specifically this has anything to do with Disney? And Disney has lots of companies that release non-kids movies.

[grapeape]

It's a very old and well known animated feature. It's considered part of their classic line-up. This version takes their story and turns it on its head. It is obvious that it's their property. The only reason I could see them having trouble with it is that it is so dark. How would they react to one of their old-school franchises’ hero revealed as the personification of evil?

[Archive]

Most of Disney's "classics" are adapted from fairy tales and such that have outlived copyright law and are public domain. If you adapt your material from a source like that, instead of adapting the Disney remake, you're in the clear.

[Archive]

To put it another way, Disney doesn't own Snow White or the Lion King. They own the specific words and images with which they told those stories.

If you're talking about Mary Poppins, you'd be better off just writing a story about a magic British nanny of evil violation, because calling her Mary Poppins would be both tacky and illegal.

By tying your film too directly to someone else's work, you come off looking like you're more concerned with soiling the image of other filmmakers than telling your own story. Nobody would want to make that movie. Besides, even if her name is Miss McGregor or whatever, people will get the joke.

[deadeye]

The only reason I could see them having trouble with it is that it is so dark. How would they react to one of their old-school franchises’ hero revealed as the personification of evil?

Snow White as a slut? They wouldn't be too happy. And very grumpy. I recommend entertainment lawyers Sneezy, Bashful and Doc ......you see where I'm going with this?


If you love it, see a lawyer. Not a message board.

[grapeape]

So in other words the likelyhood of Disney agreeing to flip one of their franchises on its head, no matter how much money it would make for them, is very unlikely. They would be angry if they were asked.

Children should never even be allowed to see this film.

[doubler83]

So, is it Whore White?

[grapeape]

sorry guys. No porn.. ;(

No sex at all in this one.

[doubler83]

Okay, so no porn, but children should never even be allowed to see the film.

Have you cranked up the violence? Dumbo goes on a roaring rampage of revenge against circus owners?

[deadeye]

. They would be angry if they were asked.

.

It's not about angry. It's about copyright. And branding and all sorts of things. Your post is too vague for anyone here to give a meaningful answer.

[tha son]

May I advise an entertainment lawyer?