Page:Copyright Office Compendium 3rd Edition - Full.djvu/505

, Third Edition 804.4(D) Teleplays

A teleplay is a script prepared for broadcast on television. It generally includes textual instructions for performers, sets, and camera.

804.4(E) Radio Plays

A radio play is a script prepared for broadcast on radio.

804.4(F) Precursors of Dramatic Works

Precursors of dramatic works generally are written in advance of the dramatic work and may or may not contain the characteristic authorship elements of dramatic works. Examples include treatments and synopses. To be copyrightable, these types of works must contain sufficient original expression.

804.4(F)(1) Synopses

A synopsis is a summary of the major plot points and description of the characters in a play or other dramatic work, generally consisting of at least a page or two of text. A registration for a synopsis extends only to the text of the synopsis submitted to the U.S. Copyright Office and not to the completed dramatic work or the idea for the dramatic work.

804.4(F)(2) Treatments

A treatment is a written description of a dramatic work or television show, which outlines and describes the scenes and/or characters and often includes sample dialog. A treatment is generally longer and more detailed than a synopsis. A registration for a treatment extends only to the text of the treatment submitted to the U.S. Copyright Office but does not extend to the idea, subsequent versions of the script, or a completed television series.

804.5 Fixation of Dramatic Works

To be copyrightable, dramatic works, including improvised works, must be fixed in a tangible medium of expression. A registration for a dramatic work extends only to the work that has been submitted to the U.S. Copyright Office. Dramatic works may be embodied either in copies or phonorecords.

804.5(A) Copies

Copies of dramatic works, including any accompanying music, include the following:

• Hard copy formats, including handwritten or printed scripts, DVDs, and videotapes.

• Electronic formats [e.g., .txt, .pdf, .mov) embodied in compact discs, digital video discs, flash drives, hard drives, and other digital file storage devices.

Chapter 800 : 63

12/22/2014 Chapter _00 : 63