Copyrighting

 So, it just occurred to me that I haven't copyrighted or registered my scripts in forever. 

(Especially important when you're about to send your script off to a producer... I know I've done this before (during various Pitchfests, etc.), but this time, for many reasons, I just feel like I should). 

I tried to log into the Library of Congress - Copyright Office (which, apparently, I haven't used since 2013) and my log-in no longer works.

However, they still have my username and email address on file.

However, instead of just sending me a password reset link (like, you know, a normal, function and competent business) they try getting me to answer a "challenge question" to which I have apparently forgotten the answer.

 The question is: "what is your profession?"

I tried "Writer", "Teacher", "English Teacher" and "Professor".

Nothing work.

So I just sent the Copyright Office two emails.

One through their online form.

The other to the email address my last copyright certification came from.

So, in the meantime I will put together a collection (much cheaper that way... to copyright a collection entitled "The Collected Screenplays of Erik D. Harshman" that contains every screenplay I've written in the last 12 years, than to register than all individually... can't remember which professor told me to do this... but it's brilliant... I know, I know... it's also obvious... but still...) of every script I've written since 2013 and wait for my log-in issues to be resolved... then I will submit my latest collection to be copyrighted.

 In the meantime I went on the WGAw and registered Personal Demons (I figure it's good to know at least one reputable agency will have it on record that I arrived at this story, these characters, this concept and plot first, in case there is any legal dispute later). 

Now, I looked at all my other registration certificates from the WGAw and it looks like registration is only good for five years.

Looks like it's the same now, as my registration for Personal Demons is only good until 2030.

And some of my other scripts that I've registered with them (like my Stygian horror script One Night in Town) are no longer eligible to be renewed (I guess after a certain point after their registration expires, you're back to square one and just have to resubmit them all over again). 

Well, here is my plan: I am going to only register the scripts I am actively pitching and submitting to film festivals.

Which means: Cubs, Flatdog, Personal Demons and Muscles & Wine.

Thankfully, they let you do it all online now and they send you a PDF of your certificate. No snail mail, no printed/physical copies.

It's wonderful!  

Alright, off to submit my script to this VIP and to bundle together all my screenwriting since 2013 into a collection and twiddle my thumbs waiting for the Library of Congress to reset my password.