What’s the Difference in Onscreen vs. Off-screen Space in Film?

In filmmaking, much of what is occurring within a scene can be covered by the visuals that are taking place within the frame. However, there is a difference in what occurs on-screen vs. off-screen. Figuring out how onscreen vs. off-screen space in film can be recognized and what each of these means is important for […]

What’s the Difference Between Gap Financing vs Mezzanine for Film?

Different types of financing exist to support filmmakers in their efforts to establish independent routes of financial coverage and investments into their productions. Raising capital for a film project typically involves working with, or asking for investments from, a film investor or from others. If you’re a filmmaker that’s just looking into film capital? You’re […]

What are Ancillary Rights in Film & Why Are They Important?

Negotiating the purchase of film rights for intellectual property such as a book, story, or some other published work will represent the foundation of your film project, a starting point at which the rest of your production will build from. During your negotiations, you’re likely to come across something called “ancillary rights in film”. But […]

A Beginner’s Guide to Working Conditions for Film Directors

Film directors represent some of the most engaged and involved of the film industry. They’re responsible for turning the written words of a script into the elaborate and amazing visuals of a motion picture film. The backbone of quality, the film director acts as the eyes of the film. Ensuring the final product is one […]

Rights Clearances for Film and Television Productions

Tracking rights and clearances for film and television productions is an important step in the filmmaking process. It must take place in order for footage to be released for distribution. Before you can legally use any intellectual property in your film and television productions, you’re going to have to seek rights clearance from the documented […]

What Can You Do If Someone Uses Your Life Story Without Your Permission in a Film?

As you already know, filmmaking inspiration can come from any one of a variety of different sources. Some filmmakers or screenwriters will find inspiration in their own life’s stories or situations from their past. Others find inspiration from novels or other copyrighted works. But what if that source of inspiration is your life? What can […]

Do You Need Permission to Portray a Famous Person in a Film?

Famous people, such as celebrities, spend a lot of time and focus on their image which represents a brand all their own. As a filmmaker though, you’re going to draw inspiration from those around you. And from the stories that you relate with. These interactions and stories will play a key role in your filmmaking […]

Can I Film People in a Store Without Their Permission?

You might think of a store as public property. Because many members of the public come together inside the store to do their shopping. The truth is, a store is private property. As you probably already know, the rules for filming on public vs private property differ greatly. And they can vary from location to […]

Do You Have the Right to Film People in Public Without Their Consent?

Filming in public places such as parks, city streets, or right outside your studio might have you wondering what exactly the rules and regulations are in regard to privacy. Most filmmakers are well aware of the fact that consent is incredibly important in the film industry and that it is quite common for lawsuits to […]

What is Backend Compensation in Film?

Backend compensation is a term that is commonly heard in the film industry, and may also be referred to as profit participation. Whenever there is an investment made into a film, or in situations in which there are other costs incurred that must be paid. Backend compensation in film financing is likely to be brought […]