How to Research Chain of Title in a Film
Obtaining the chain of title in a film is a process. It can be used to describe the ownership of copyright rights and to whom they are provided. While determining the chain of title in a film can get complicated, learning how to research chain of title in a film is incredibly important. And it is something that you can achieve!
Whether you’re interested in a chain of title or something entirely different in regards to film law. Addressing the research steps that you can take in advance of using any footage or otherwise acquiring the rights to a film are incredibly important.
Perform Chain of Title Review
The first step is to perform a chain of title review. Or to otherwise research the paper trail of legal documents that outlines the chain of title. During this review the legal documents that accompany the film are analyzed.
Oftentimes, the legal chain of title is going to include a lot of duplicate originals. As well as different agreements, licenses and waivers, and things like indications of change to ownership.
You might also find and any of the following:
- A certificate of Copyright Registration and filing.
- Agreements that assign a screenplay or motion picture concept or the adaptation from book to film.
- Agreements between sales agents, distributors, and other crew.
- Life story rights agreements as well as the performances.
As you’re reviewing the chain of title, it’s important to determine what kind of rights are being granted from each document and what rights have been reserved as part of the process.
Granting rights to some elements and not others is incredibly common in these types of licensing and it will certainly take some time to figure out how the chain of title breaks down.
Check Ownership of Project & Authorship Rights
As you’re reviewing the chain of title and figuring out how to research chain of title in film, consider the ownership of the project and individual author rights.
The chain of title applies to things like musical performances in a film, individual acting, screenwriting, and many other aspects.
Documentation for the chain of title and intellectual property that you’re reviewing may include:
- Copyright clearances.
- Trademark clearances.
- Talent agreements
- Legal releases
- Talent or other release agreements.
- Errors and omissions from insurance.
The Takeaway
Everything relating to ownership rights and ongoing processes of a film should be managed as part of the chain of title.
Moreover, as you’re focusing on how to research chain of title in film, make sure that you’re prepared to analyze gaps in the chain of title, and that you discuss material that might be part of the public domain.
In the end, securing chain of title represents a process that many filmmakers are unaware of, but they really shouldn’t because of the huge importance of this process.
