Can you write a screenplay on an actual person without permission?

Question:

Can you write a screenplay on an actual person without permission?

There was an interesting piece regarding someone and their troubles in the news earlier. I thought it would make for a good movie. I was wondering if you need permission from whoever to use their name/story if you were to write a screenplay on them?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

You can write a screenplay on anything you want; if you mention the person by name, then you have to be very careful to be truthful to avoid charges of slander. If you want to do a bit of artistic "embellishment" of the story, then it's probably a good idea to change things enough that you won't get sued!