Quick Tips on Acquiring Intellectual Property for Film Projects

One of the most amazing things about the film industry is the fact that all great films are the result of an amazing story. Generally rooted in the form of intellectual property. In fact, the creative ideas that can derive from the intellectual property of others. This makes up an integral part of the ideas that filmmakers come up with in the creation of new films. However, acquiring intellectual property for film projects isn’t always a cut and dry process. And it can be confusing to a beginner. 

What are Intellectual Property Rights?

Intellectual property rights are unique rights that are provided to creators. Creating an exclusive right to the use of a creation for a specified period of time.

Generally speaking, intellectual property rights can be divided into two main areas of focus. The rights of authors of literary and artistic works. And the rights of performers, producers, and broadcasting organizations.

Together, these protections of copyright and related rights provide unique support for creative ideas. Protecting the creator from having their ideas stolen or used without permission.

Finding Intellectual Property for Film

Film projects are largely based off ideas and creative elements that are already protected. In fact so many ideas already have some kind of intellectual property rights protections in place.

Before you can consider acquiring intellectual property for film projects, you’ve got to think about how you will go about finding intellectual property.

Sure, you could take the mainstream route. Seeking to acquire rights to a NY Times Best Selling Novel. And if you’ve got unlimited funding for a project. As well as some really great entertainment attorneys.

Perhaps you might be able to acquire intellectual property (IP) rights. But for most filmmakers acquiring intellectual property for film is going to be a bit more scaled down? You’re going to have to dig…. Deep!

Consider This

Generally speaking, older titles and intellectual property that has not really been under the radar is going to be easier to work with for a beginner.

Think about seeking opportunity in the locations that others are not! For example, you might want to consider finding creative ideas in a biography.

Or perhaps you could derive ideas from a past feature article on a news website? Sure, these are not NY Times Best Sellers. But intellectual property isn’t always about what’s super popular!

It’s about finding the diamond in the rough where you can take an idea and run with it. Expanding and throwing your own creative twist on it.

Acquiring Intellectual Property for Film

Once you’ve found the intellectual property that has caught your attention, it’s time to figure out who created it or published it. You’re probably going to find a lot of false information.

But don’t give up! Keep hunting for details. You need to figure out the original author so that you can request intellectual property rights to use the work in your film.

You might want to hire some outside help to assist if you’re not good at research. Whatever you do, figure out who owns the rights and then, just ask for permission!

Finish with a Contract

Acquiring intellectual property for film projects is really all about the early research that goes into finding something you love enough to turn into a film. Once you’ve done the work, and you’ve found the owner, making an agreement shouldn’t be too difficult – hopefully.

Whatever you do, make sure that any agreement that is made between you and the intellectual property owner is in writing and signed. Do not work on a handshake!

In order to formally take control of the intellectual property you’re going to need an option agreement or a shopping agreement. Which allows you the ability to either go ahead and move forward with production.

Or the time to go about determining whether your idea can be fulfilled in production. Either way, acquiring intellectual property for film is finalized once you’ve got your signed contract, in hand!