30 second scripts? at DVinfo.net

Chris Sgaraglino · November 25th, 2010, 02:07 AM

Does anybody know whe I can download some 30 second scripts, commercials or other?
I want to create a couple demo clips to add to py portfolio, and I work much better if I have a "project".

Any help finding a couple would be greatly appreciated.

Brian Drysdale · November 25th, 2010, 03:16 AM

Just bear in mind that there's copyright involved, even on a 30 second script.

Chris Sgaraglino · November 27th, 2010, 05:53 PM

Copyright's were not in the question? Some would consider this "unsolicited advice".

Steve Kalle · November 27th, 2010, 10:40 PM

Depends what market you are after. When I wanted to start making political 'build a spot' ads, I found many ads and wrote down what was said, and then re-made the ad with a different look. For other markets, you could probably do the same, but obviously change any names and trademarks involved.

Chris Sgaraglino · November 27th, 2010, 10:54 PM

That's a good idea...

Brian Drysdale · November 28th, 2010, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Sgaraglino

Copyright's were not in the question? Some would consider this "unsolicited advice".

It mightn't be in the question, but it is in the script. There's no copyright on ideas, just don't do a straight remake of some else's script. Advertisers often do a rehash on the idea, better if you can improve on the idea, even if they often don't.

Richard Alvarez · November 28th, 2010, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Sgaraglino

Copyright's were not in the question? Some would consider this "unsolicited advice".

Downloading someone's script and shooting it without permission can lead to problems. Some might consider that advice as well heeded.

Chris Sgaraglino · November 28th, 2010, 11:32 AM

Downloading anybody's intellectual property and using it without permisson can be problematic?

BTW, after I posted this, I did find several sites that allowed the download of scripts for non-commercial use.

They are all well documented as to the allowed usage of their IP.

Brian Drysdale · November 28th, 2010, 11:41 AM

It's OK as long as they release you to use the script and make it into a film. If they don't, they hold the copyright and obtaining the filming rights of a script usually involves a contract that assigns those rights.

Non commercial use usually involves education about script writing and the process of development, rather than actaully making the scripts into films. You have to be clear what they mean.

Bill Davis · November 28th, 2010, 08:30 PM

I wrote a pair of tutorials including storyboards on this subject back when I was a columnist for Videomaker Magazine back some years ago.

You can find them here: You might have to register, but it doesn't cost anything.

Sample of a Storyboard

Selling Laughs: How to Create Your Own Commercial Parody

Maybe that will help you start.

Good luck.

Richard Alvarez · November 29th, 2010, 10:52 AM

[QUOTE=Chris Sgaraglino;1592952]Downloading anybody's intellectual property and using it without permisson can be problematic?

To answer your question - yes.

Glad you found someone who gave you permission.

Have fun.

November 25th, 2010, 02:07 AM	#1
Chris Sgaraglino Major Player Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 237	30 second scripts? Does anybody know whe I can download some 30 second scripts, commercials or other? I want to create a couple demo clips to add to py portfolio, and I work much better if I have a "project". Any help finding a couple would be greatly appreciated. __________________ Chris Sgaraglino The Outdoor Life Blog \| Widow Creek Photography

November 27th, 2010, 05:53 PM	#3
Chris Sgaraglino Major Player Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 237	Copyright's were not in the question? Some would consider this "unsolicited advice". __________________ Chris Sgaraglino The Outdoor Life Blog \| Widow Creek Photography

November 27th, 2010, 10:54 PM	#5
Chris Sgaraglino Major Player Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 237	That's a good idea... __________________ Chris Sgaraglino The Outdoor Life Blog \| Widow Creek Photography

November 28th, 2010, 11:32 AM	#8
Chris Sgaraglino Major Player Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 237	Downloading anybody's intellectual property and using it without permisson can be problematic? BTW, after I posted this, I did find several sites that allowed the download of scripts for non-commercial use. They are all well documented as to the allowed usage of their IP. __________________ Chris Sgaraglino The Outdoor Life Blog \| Widow Creek Photography

November 28th, 2010, 08:30 PM	#10
Bill Davis Trustee Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Posts: 1,538	I wrote a pair of tutorials including storyboards on this subject back when I was a columnist for Videomaker Magazine back some years ago. You can find them here: You might have to register, but it doesn't cost anything. Sample of a Storyboard Selling Laughs: How to Create Your Own Commercial Parody Maybe that will help you start. Good luck. __________________ Classroom editing instructor? Check out www.starteditingnow.com Turnkey editor training content including licensed training footage for classroom use.

November 25th, 2010, 03:16 AM	#2
Brian Drysdale Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Belfast, UK Posts: 6,154	Just bear in mind that there's copyright involved, even on a 30 second script.

November 27th, 2010, 10:40 PM	#4
Steve Kalle Trustee Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,554	Depends what market you are after. When I wanted to start making political 'build a spot' ads, I found many ads and wrote down what was said, and then re-made the ad with a different look. For other markets, you could probably do the same, but obviously change any names and trademarks involved.

November 28th, 2010, 11:41 AM	#9
Brian Drysdale Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Belfast, UK Posts: 6,154	It's OK as long as they release you to use the script and make it into a film. If they don't, they hold the copyright and obtaining the filming rights of a script usually involves a contract that assigns those rights. Non commercial use usually involves education about script writing and the process of development, rather than actaully making the scripts into films. You have to be clear what they mean.

November 29th, 2010, 10:52 AM	#11
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	[QUOTE=Chris Sgaraglino;1592952]Downloading anybody's intellectual property and using it without permisson can be problematic? To answer your question - yes. Glad you found someone who gave you permission. Have fun.