On 25 March, Karanovic & Partners hosted a gathering to present the Professional Guide of the Screenwriters’ Association of Serbia, a project we were pleased to develop in close collaboration with the Screenwriters’ Association of Serbia.
The event brought together screenwriters and other professionals from the audiovisual industry, providing a platform to introduce the handbook and to foster an open discussion on key issues that are highly relevant in practice, yet often insufficiently addressed.
About the Guide
Over the past period, the guide was developed through a joint effort to present, in a clear, structured, and accessible manner, the key concepts and legal framework governing copyright in the field of screenwriting.
In particular, the guide covers:
- fundamental legal concepts of copyright law,
- the relevant legal and regulatory framework governing screenwriting and the exploitation of copyrighted works,
- practical recommendations for the protection and exercise of screenwriters’ rights,
- a recommended fee schedule,
- key contractual clauses requiring particular attention when entering into agreements, as well as
- templates of contracts commonly used in practice.
The primary objective of this project is to support and empower screenwriters in understanding and protecting their rights, while also raising awareness of professional standards and issues that remain insufficiently recognised in everyday practice.
The publication of this guide represents an important – and to a large extent pioneering – step in the Serbian film and television industry, as it consolidates, for the first time in a single resource, legal information, practical guidance, and professional recommendations.
Presentation and Discussion
As part of the event, a presentation was delivered by our Senior Associate, Nikola Kliska.
The presentation focused on key copyright issues in the audiovisual industry, including:
- authorship
- transfer and assignment of rights
- contractual relationships between screenwriters and producers
- common legal and practical challenges
The presentation was followed by a Q&A session and an open discussion, where participants had the opportunity to ask questions, exchange experiences, and raise topics particularly relevant to the day-to-day work of screenwriters. The discussion addressed both legal and practical aspects of working in the industry, fostering a dynamic and substantive exchange between authors and legal professionals.
The level of engagement and interest demonstrated by participants further highlighted the importance of addressing these topics and fostering ongoing dialogue between the legal and creative communities.
Presentation was prepared with the assistance of contributors Tara Govedarović and Nađa Marinković.
Senior Associate refers to Independent Attorney at Law in cooperation with Karanovic & Partners.
The information in this document does not constitute legal advice on any particular matter and is provided for general informational purposes only.
