Is there any way in which to use cross-over characters from other TV series?
I am writing a pilot for a TV Series, and wondered if it may be legally possible to write in a character from another (relative) series?
This isn't it, but for example:
If I was to write about an Agatha Christie character who knew Miss Marple, and references were verbally made to her, could Julia McKenzie legally appear in an episode of mine, AS Miss Marple? And how would I go about getting the permission to use that visually conceived adaptation of her from ITV/Production Company (and of course with Ms McKenzie's approval too of course)?
Best Answer
Yes, yes and no.
Yes, you're allowed to include passing mentions of a character as long as that person isn't substantially described or portrayed. For example, if I said (in the script) that someone was a "bit of a Miss Marple" (e.g., an amateur sleuth), I wouldn't need to pay a fee.
Yes, you can use the character in parody. The entire premise of the "Scary Movie" series of films is that characters are presented in a comedic context, without the need to pay the rights-holder or seek their permission (although I suspect that permission was sought anyway, in order to avoid legal challenges).
No, you can't use a character that is presently copyrighted. Introducing a character as "Miss Marple" and then having her, even as a background character, solving crimes and speaking to the main cast would almost certainly fall foul of the Copyright Act. If you want to use an existing character in your own work, you'll need to speak to the rights-holder, in this case Agatha Christie Limited
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