KA, in order to prove a case legally, you have to demonstrate a direct connection between your…
A vast majority of such cases -- my script is so much like that movie -- are simply two projects developed at the same or similar time. It…
KA, in order to prove a case legally, you have to demonstrate a direct connection between your script and the one they used for the film. Hard to do. In 1999, I sold a pitch to Paramount called "Duane Moody's Office Christmas Party." Died in development hell. Then, of course, years later came "Office Christmas Party" ... produced by Paramount. Even that connection wasn't enough legally.
A vast majority of such cases -- my script is so much like that movie -- are simply two projects developed at the same or similar time. It happens. We're talking about 30k+ projects cycling through the Hollywood acquisition and development system every year. There are bound to be stories which are similar.
I'm sorry for your friend. As noted in my article, I've had several situations where an idea I had or script I had written was similar to another project. As I said in the article, it is almost inevitable it will happen if you traffic in high concept projects.
The best thing I can recommend is keep writing. That's the only thing writers can control.
Finally, cases where Hollywood literally ripped off writers are very few. That said, copyright your script before submitting it anywhere.