Understanding Important Contracts for Intellectual Property in Film

Everyday film production involves various contracts. As a means of protecting intellectual property rights. And maintaining ownership of the film project. From the early stages of film development through the process of negotiating agreements involved in the production and later distribution of a film. Contracts for intellectual property in film are a required element. If you’re an independent film producer that’s new to the production industry. Or you’re an advanced filmmaker that’s been involved in the field for decades. It’s important to know what contracts for intellectual property in film one needs at each stage of your production. 

Beverly Boy Productions takes a lot of the guesswork out of establishing protocols for ensuring you’ve taken the right steps in acquiring proper intellectual property rights for your film project at each phase of the production.

With more than two decades experience, we’re ready to assist you with each important aspect of the filmmaking process to ensure you acquire the proper rights. 

Copyright Registration

The first major step in establishing contracts for intellectual property in film is to secure the copyright for the literary property in use. Usually a screenplay or script.

Moreover, registering your script is the first step in building a foundation. Upon which continual intellectual property rights may apply for the protection of your literary work.

This includes future protections that are afforded by U.S. Copyright Law. Including the right to sue if anyone infringes your work or otherwise uses your script without your permission.

Rights Purchase Agreements

Secondly, for the filmmaker, the chain of title represents the transfer and ownership of intellectual property rights for a film project. Usually beginning with the initial purchase agreement for a screenplay. Or other literary work that is in use for production in film.

In addition, the rights purchase agreement provides the right for a filmmaker to produce the film. Based on a screenplay, script or other literary work that is owned by the copyright owner. In which the filmmaker enters into the rights purchase agreement with.

Talent Release Forms

Furthermore, as the film progresses through the pre-production phase and begins production. There are additional contracts for intellectual property in film. Which come up including talent release forms and publication rights. 

Producer’s frequently negotiate agreements between the film’s cast. Including the actors and any extras or background talent in it.

So, those agreements become part of the chain of title as do the subsequent release forms. Which all talent will sign relinquishing the rights to their filmed performances. Allowing the filmmaker to maintain ownership of the filmed property.

Distribution Deals

Finally, the film progresses to a point in which a distribution deal is entered. And the filmmaker will transfer the rights that they have acquired along the way to all intellectual property.

Over to the film distributor allowing them the right to distribute the film. Either through cable broadcast, theatrical release, VOD, or otherwise.

The Takeaway

As you can see, important contracts for intellectual property in film arise out of a variety of scenarios. Depending on the unique progression of the film project through each phase of production.

Also, it’s very common for a filmmaker to have a folder full of documentation that represents proof of intellectual property rights ownership.

Which transfers hands throughout the production with each subsequent documentation acting as an important step in the chain of title document process which is necessary for film distribution.