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Hi Scott, As alway, another great interview on GITS. It brought up a question in my mind that I've mulled over before, and haven't found a post about yet: when writing a spec., what freedom do writers actually have when including real-life people (or organizations) in our scripts? I know I've personally stayed away from breaking a story idea or two because I was unable to find out if, legally or even creatively, I could focus the story around X-person or Y-company.

As Stephany's script proves - and we can add Saving Mr. Banks to the mix among others as well - if a character is considered to be a public figure, that gives writers a certain amount of creative license. In fact, several of the Nicholl winning scripts in 2013 and 2014 focused on actual historical figures including Queen of Hearts (2013) and Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile (2012). I'm not a lawyer, but I'd say if you have a great story featuring a public figure, go ahead and write it. Let the studio worry about any sort of life-rights, etc.

Thanks for the reply! I assume this is the level of thinking around something like Abe Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. I suppose where the line could be murky is determining public vs private figure and if you're writing something someone could consider slanderous or libel (this is completely on-the-spot thinking but if you were to write a drama in the POV of someone possibly abused by a public figure)