Autobiographical Screenplay

[Chargergrl12]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

I have written an autobiographical screenplay which involves a very large company in the United States that could be damaging to their public image and they would probably not approve of the script. Some of the script gives way to artistic license and does not follow actual incidents or dialougue exactly as happened.

Currently, all the names (including the name of the company) are real in the screenplay. Do I need to change any, some or all of these names as to avoid any legal ramifications or is something else needed to protect myself?

Thanks for any help I might receive.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

[FlyingRon]

If what you say is true, you have a defense against painting them in an unappealing light (won't prevent you from being sued, but truth is a defense).
However, artistic license is NOT protected. Every fact you bend form the truth becomes actionable.

[JETX]

Yep.... google 'Michael Moore' to see the lies you can get away with...

[FlyingRon]

Just because you can prevail against someone doesn't mean you should. Most of Michael Moore's victims are better off not feeding the publicity hound that he is and ignore him.

As famous counsel Louis Nizer once said, libel is often like having mud splattered on your overcoat. You can just leave it be and after a few days it will dry up and flake off or you can start rubbing and wiping it trying to get rid of it and end up with a smeary mess that will stay for a long time.