Everything You Must Consider when Preparing a Film Production Contract

Film production is a major step in the process of creating a motion picture. And it requires a lot of working parts which come together to create the finished piece. Each of the freelancers or individuals involved in the project that you’re producing will need to sign a film contract. But do you know what to include in a film production contract?

All film production contracts or service agreements are different. An attorney should review this individually for accuracy in regards to your project. These are the most important considerations to make when creating your contract.

Important Dates

Before creating a film production contract that will outline the details associated with your project, you’re going to have to have your planning complete.

Start with the important dates associated with the project which may include:

• The first day of pre-production.
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• The mid-point of pre-production.
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• The beginning or first day of principle photography.
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• The expected mid-point or middle day of principle photography.
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• The date that principle photography ends. 
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• The date which initiates post-production.
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• The delivery final cut date.

Depict Clearly

Each of these dates, and the expectations for the project and what should be completed by this point, should be clearly depicted in the film production contract.

Services Provided

The film production contract should clearly detail all of the services that are to be provided. Furthermore, plan out the individual production services that will be included in the contract and outline each of them in chronological order for best results.

Define when, where and in what form each of the important deliverables associated with the services provided will be completed. 

Any Aspects

Be sure to cover technical aspects and any commercial aspects associated with the services to be provided as part of your film production contract. The more detailed that you can be here, the better prepared you and your client can be to ensure all bases are covered.

Make sure to include any important standards or decisions on services that have been made up until this point to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Transfer of Rights & Credit

The film production contract should address the transfer of rights to a screenplay to the production company so that they can legally produce the film. This transfer of rights and the details should be included in the film production contract agreement.

The Original Owners

The contract should also stipulate that the production company will transfer rights back to the original investor or copyright owner following the production of the film.

Additionally, you’ll want to be sure to include details on the specific personnel that will get credit for their production work on the film.

Therefore many different problems can arise from failure to include complete details as to the credit to be provided for work on a film. So this is incredibly important information to include in your film production contract. 

Additional Considerations

In addition to the above info that should be included in a film production contract, you’ll probably want to consider:

• Insurance policies.
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• Budget details and what happens if budget exceeds.
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• Fees and the schedule for payments.
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• Script adherence details.
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• Approval information, including who will approve the work and when.
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• A work made for hire clause.
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• Distribution rights.

In Summation

Consider all of these aspects in creating a film production contract and then speak with your attorney to ensure it is prepared appropriately.