What is the Price for North American Rights for Film Acquisition?
When it comes to producing a film that uses copyrighted works. Such as a previously copyrighted script, a book. Or other source the filmmaker must acquire film rights in order to move forward with the production process. Although it all sounds reasonable enough, there’s a lot more to staking your claim and acquiring the rights […]
How to Copyright a Movie
How to Copyright a Movie If you’ve ever produced a short film or motion picture, you’ve probably found yourself wondering how to copyright a movie. It’s a process that any filmmaker should be aware of, and it’s really not that difficult. In fact, registering for a copyright that will provide protection for your film is […]
Understanding Clean Chain of Title, E&O Insurance, and Film Distribution
Before a film is ever distributed the producer must work with actors, props, locations, and a variety of other elements in order to create the production. The artistic creation, the result of hundreds of hours of combined labor among cast, crew, and support staff, represents proprietary property. That can then be subject to a host […]
A Filmmaker’s Guide to Title Clearing Services
A clean chain of title is an important aspect to any film or television media production. The clean chain of title begins with a title report and a letter of opinion. Stating that the filmmakers have taken the necessary steps to assess the potential liability or risks. All associated with producing a film under a […]
What is a Film and Television Letter of Opinion?
Whenever a film is produced and prepared for distribution several steps must be taken to ensure there will be no legal repercussions. Especially in regards to copyright or trademark infringement. The film’s title is one of the hardest decisions to make. Particularly when it comes to distributing a film or television show. Why? Because there […]
Understanding Film Clearances and Releases Required for Distribution
Before a film is produced it will begin going through a process of clearance review. To ensure all appropriate steps are taken to limit potential risk of copyright or trademark infringement. In fact, long before a film can be distributed, it must go through several steps of review. Known as film clearances and releases. To […]
What is an Actor Letter of Intent?
Much of the filmmaking process behind the scenes is contractual and of a legal nature. You might not realize it if you’re in front of the screen. But any producer will tell you that much of their job is focused on ensuring all appropriate steps have been taken. To ensure there are no future legal […]
What is a Negative Pickup Deal in Film?
One of the greatest challenges in the entertainment industry is in the fact that films face major struggles in financing. Production costs are incredible. Without financing or funding of some sort, even the best scripts can go unproduced. Finding the right investors can take time. And when immediate capital is necessary, time is certainly not […]
When is the No Animals Harmed in Film Disclaimer Included in a Film?
Whenever animals are involved in the production of a film, certain disclaimers may be used to prevent from having animal rights activists breathing down the backs of those who created the film. You might have seen the familiar, “no animals were harmed during the filming of this production,” disclaimer at the end of a film, […]
Is there a Law Limiting Filming and Drone Filming in Public?
State-by-state laws and regulations regarding filming in public vary. Those pertaining to the use of drones in public vary especially from one locale to another. In fact, filming with drones can be challenging if you intend to film in certain public areas, but is there a law limiting filming and drone filming in public? As […]