Creating a film loosely based on a real person...

I'm just wondering if any of you would be knowledgeable in this area.

I've been reading/watching a bit on Pier Pasolini lately. His last days interest me, as far as the intrigue and rumors go. I want to put together a short film loosely based on his final hours. I'm sure I'm not authorized to use his name, and I don't think I'd want to; but is everything fair game? The whole story is sketchy as it is, and I'd like to do my own fictional interpretation of the events, using a fictional filmmaker.

Pasoni's a fascinating subject. I would recommend adding allusions to Pasolini's art (meaningful ones), and reading some scholarly books on the guy.

The dead don't sue, so Pasolini is fair game. Watch out how you depict any of the living, though. Giuseppe Pelosi might want some input, for instance.

FWIW, I agree with Sharkybaby - Pasolini had a interesting life. Look out for gobshite know-alls who tell you otherwise.

Going by what little I know of his biography, Pasolini would be a fascinating subject for a film.

And basing a film on someone who is deceased is generally fair game. Particularly if you don't use the name.

You've just ripped of Ambler and Sharky's posts.

Nice job, Trollface.

Sharky wrote:

I would recommend adding allusions to Pasolini's art (meaningful ones)...

Good idea, Sharkmeister. I could see how an idea like this could easily turn into film littered with blatant nods to Pasolini's films, which isn't what I want to do.

By the way, CASINOROYALE is set to direct this.

Mr. Brown wrote:

Sharky wrote:

I would recommend adding allusions to Pasolini's art (meaningful ones)...

Good idea, Sharkmeister. I could see how an idea like this could easily turn into film littered with blatant nods to Pasolini's films, which isn't what I want to do.

You really want to get to know Pasolini's really well, and find the most significant moments in them. What is Pasolini''s cinema all about?

Mr. Brown wrote:

By the way, CASINOROYALE is set to direct this.

Nah, CASINOROYALE's gonna play Ninetto Davoli.

Sharky wrote:

You've just ripped of Ambler and Sharky's posts.

Nice job, Trollface.

I'm hopelessly redundant.

Mr. Brown wrote:

I'm just wondering if any of you would be knowledgeable in this area.

I've been reading/watching a bit on Pier Pasolini lately. His last days interest me, as far as the intrigue and rumors go. I want to put together a short film loosely based on his final hours. I'm sure I'm not authorized to use his name, and I don't think I'd want to; but is everything fair game? The whole story is sketchy as it is, and I'd like to do my own fictional interpretation of the events, using a fictional filmmaker.

Great idea, Mr Brown,

What's the basis of your research in Pasolini? How do you know about his life to make a film based on it?
On the basis you are trying to produce a commercial work, you may need to to ensure your chain of title is clean.

IF you're basing it on pre-existing books or copyrightable material, it is probable that you will have to clear it with those rights owners first (even if you are NOT using the exact names). If you are going to reference his works, you may need permissions for those.
You may also need to clear any life rights for any surviving, important characters who play a part in your screenplay.

If your fictional version has really no bearing on Pasolini apart from one or two elements, you may be good to go.

Good luck with it though. Sounds fascinating. Pasolini was a troubled chap.

Brown, you need to watch Pasolini's THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW.