Re: public domain material

> If I quote directly from his journals as dialogue in my film, does that
> infringe on copyright? Or is this material public domain?
>
> And in the biographies of the man where hearsay dialogue is quoted and I
> paraphrase it as dialogue in my script, does that infronge on copyright?
>
> How can I use real conversations without infringing on anyone's copyright?

You need permission from the copyright proprietor(s) in writing. You may also need to clear rights of publicitiy/advertising/commercial use with the person's heirs depending on various circumstances.

--
1267 Stoner Avenue, PH 2     MARTIN PERLBERGER	     15 Park Row, #500
Los Angeles, CA 90025				    New York, NY 10038
310 312 1400; Fax 1872				212 233 3676; Fax 3678
Entertainment, International, Real Estate, Public/Fine Art Law Offices