Q: Let's say I'm writing a script for a film on the life of Mister X, a public, historical figure.  In the process of doing my research, I run into interesting details about the life of Mister X in a non-fiction book (let's call the book The Real Life of Mister X), and I want to use some of these details for my story.  Do I need to contact the writer of The Real Life of Mister X and ask for his permission? 

Q: Recently someone claimed to still own the American rights to the Sherlock Holmes stories and threatened to withhold them.  What is copyright law as regards a work like this?  I used a book published in 1912 by Earl Derr Biggers and made into a play by George M. Cohan in 1913 as the basis for a play of my own, specifically because I thought both would be well into the public domain.  Do I need to worry about copyright clearance for something that old?  Biggers died in 1933 and Cohan in 1942.

Q:  My company is producing a film which has a character that is taken from another very well known film.  This new story has absolutely nothing to do with the previously established film, is not in any way a sequel and we never even see the other person, they're invisible in the

Q: Let's say there's a book (like a "how to" book)... and I want to write a screenplay about a guy who uses that book (the film title would be same as the book)... do I still need to option that book? I mean, I understand that if the book itself is a story, and I want to translate that story into a screenplay, then I need to option it. However, in this case, it's not a story... it's like, "An Instructional Guide to Something."  I would be creating the fiction (people, places and events) about a guy who is using that book to propel him through the plot.

Q: I want to make an independent film about a video game character by mixing the original storyline and characters with my own ideas. I didn't know if I needed to obtain permission or rights to make it even though its going to be non-profit. I just want to be able to put it on YouTube and stuff. Thanks!