Final answer:
The copyright of a film's screenplay does not belong to the screenwriter if the screenplay was created as a work for hire according to their contract, transferring authorship and copyright ownership to the hiring party, such as a film studio.
Step-by-step explanation:
The screenwriter of a film written for a major film studio does not own the copyright on the film if, according to the contract, the screenplay was a work for hire. In the context of copyright law, a work for hire agreement means that the employer or person who commissioned the work, rather than the individual who created it, is considered the author and the owner of the copyright. This arrangement is determined by the existence of a specific contractual understanding that stipulates that the created work is to be treated as a work made for hire, either because it was created within the scope of employment or it was specially ordered or commissioned. Playwrights and screenwriters such as Tony Kushner or Aaron Sorkin, who often transition between theatre and film, must navigate these legal frameworks to ensure their creative outputs are fairly compensated and protected.When dealing with works for hire, it's essential for the creator to understand that their rights to their creation are limited. In the entertainment industry, where the collaboration between artists and studios is common, clear agreements defining copyright ownership are critical. The copyright holder has the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and display the work, among other rights. This significant transfer of rights is often necessary for screenwriters working with major studios, as it enables the studio to fully exploit the rights of the screenplay in the production and distribution of the film.In conclusion, the term work for hire is crucial when it comes to screenplays and film production. Screenwriters often sign contracts where their work is considered a work made for hire, resulting in the film studio owning the copyright, not the individual screenwriter. Understanding such legal agreements and copyright law is essential for screenwriters and playwrights working in the film industry.