British Comedy Guide

The Comedy Doctor on legal issues

The Comedy Doctor. Credit: BCG

A member asks: I am writing a sitcom and some of the characters are loosely based on real people that I worked with in the 1990s. The characters are more of a mix-up of different personalities; the scenes, are again, a mix-up of real and made up events. Are there any legal steps I should take to protect myself from litigation?

Thank you for that superb question. It's an issue that bothers a lot of writers.

The first thing to say is that basing material on the people you've met and the places you've been is often a smart move.

...
Premium Tools & Content
BCG Pro
This content is for BCG Pro members.

Already subscribed to Pro? Log in!

Register

Got a question for the doctor? Email pro@comedy.co.uk

Published: Monday 8th January 2024