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Can I Write a Play about real people without getting sued?

Jack Denfeld

07:52 / 24.07.03

I want to write a play based on a real local band from the area and their eventual downfall. Can I use real names and the real band name and things like that without getting sued?

We're The Great Old Ones Now

08:03 / 24.07.03

That depends on what country you're in and what you write. But by and large, it's not a great idea. You're better off changing the name but making it obvious who you're talking about.

Jub

08:47 / 24.07.03

Don't use their lyrics and don't say anything which isn't true or anything nasty.

In short I wouldn't without their consent. Can't you use different names etc if it's fiction?

Tezcatlipoca

09:34 / 24.07.03

Nick's suggestion is pretty much as sensible an approach as I can see, and probably the only sure way of making the work immune to legal claims.
If you insist on using real names, I suspect you will need a signed document of those people whose names you plan to include, stating that they give their permission for you to do so.

Whisky Priestess

16:07 / 24.07.03

Yeah, just do a Jeffrey Archer and lightly fictionalise them. That way you can't be sued, or at least not as easily.

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