What to Include in a Film Location Agreement

If you’re going to film on private property, more often than not it’s a requirement to have a film location agreement. We recommend you have a film location agreement for your own safety to protect yourself and your crew while filming. If you’re new to the production of a film location agreement, or this is something that you’ve never done before, you might be wondering what to include. 

Of course the elements of a film location agreement will vary based on the location, and the agreement, that you’re making. 

However the individual details of the film location agreement vary, your goal is to make sure that you identify all of the important variables in advance and that you cover the essentials to protect yourself legally.

Permission to Record on the Property

You’ll need to cover a permission clause. It’s important to have permission to enter the property as well as permission to record on the property. Make sure that you include these permissions in your film location agreement.

Identify the location, dates and times that filming will take place. As well as any other pertinent data regarding your right to film on location in the agreement.

Ownership of Recordings

As you create a film location agreement, you’ll also want to be sure to include the ownership of recordings in your agreement. 

You want to be sure to state that the recordings that are produced on location by you and your crew will be owned by you and your crew, and not by the location owner. 

This is also a good time to cover representation of the property owner. While you’re filming on the property, your crew will have certain rights, granted by the owner of the property. They are renting the property to you but this does not mean that they are allowing a tenancy.

No Obligation to Use

Your film location agreement should specify that you are not obligated to use your footage and the materials filmed at the location in any particular manner. Make sure that you address that the recordings are at use under your sole discretion. 

Additional Elements for a Film Location Agreement

In addition to all of the above details that are to be included in a film location agreement, consider the following elements of importance:

• Insurance details and an indemnification clause.
•  
• Logos and other details on the inclusion of trademarks from the location.
•  
• Information about third-party intellectual property.
•  
• The portrayal of the property and rules regarding how filming will go.
•  
• A right for the property owner to review your recordings.

In Summary

Creating your film location agreement is certainly a big deal. It is important to review it with the support of an attorney. Make sure that you’re prepared to include everything important, and that you’re working with your legal professional to ensure coverage.