LOL. I should have added that I didn't expect legal advice--just the benefit of a working screenwriter's wisdom. It helped me decide if I was about to venture into questionable territory. Honestly, now that I've given it more thought I think my story will be better for it. I think rather than using the research to make my story I will use the research to authenticate the story I have in mind (if that makes sense).

Thanks for the links and thank you.

The hurt locker article reminded me of a interview with a singer (I can't which one). They were talking about writing songs based around ex-boyfriends and whether she was worried that one of them might sue one day. And she said something along the lines of, 'No. I just try to always put in a line about the guy having a small dick and then no one wants to claim the song was based on them.'

Funny to think adding one line like that might've been able to save The hurt locker from a lawsuit!

@Luke: That is one of the most awesome strategies I've ever heard. Give character, based on a real person, an embarrassing flaw and they'll never contest you.

That one goes into my mental bank for future reference to this question.

Thanks!

@Luke

excellent--thanks for passing that story along

Hey Scott!

Not sure where the "Ask a Question" thread is... Is it okay to ask questions in any thread?

@jeff &amp: Yes, or you can email me:

scottdistillery@gmail.com