They don't necessarily legally -- not even if they are making the story about specific individuals. You don't generally (in the USA) have a right to get paid fo

They don't necessarily legally -- not even if they are making the story about specific individuals. You don't generally (in the USA) have a right to get paid for, or to control, someone telling a story about you, journalistically or fictionalized. But it makes it less likely you'll get sued and have to deal with it. And you've paid off the subject to not go to the media and be like "that's not how it happened at all, they are liars!" And I guess if what you did could be considered defamation that'd be a reason they could win a lawsuit. But it's kind of just how hollywood does it. Somebody could decide to try not to do it that way if they wanted, it's not clear it's strictly legally required in almost any case at all. https://www.indiewire.com/2019/09/hustlers-life-rights-hollywood-legal-based-on-true-events-1202176296/ https://www.indiewire.com/2019/09/hustlers-life-rights-holly...