What is the Safe Harbor Provision Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act?
What is the Safe Harbor Provision Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act? The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) represents a worldwide agreement. That was entered into between various governments and corporations. All to provide protection from copyright infringement in the digital age. Established in 1998 when DVDs and CDs were popular. The DMCA provided unique […]
Is it a First Amendment Right to Film in a Public Area?
If you’ve ever found yourself in a public area and thought it would be fun to record what you see. You’ve probably had times when things went without notice. And times when someone had a problem with what you were doing. Filming in a public area is generally acceptable. Although you might need a permit […]
When is Pilot Season?
When is Pilot Season? Pilot season is an incredibly important, and busy, time of year for the film industry. In fact, from pilot season to upfronts, filmmakers are incredibly busy with all of the different projects and priorities taking place relative to network television development and production. If you’re new to the network television industry […]
What to Expect in a WGA Collaboration Agreement
Knowing what to expect when you form a collaboration between yourself and other writers that work on a screenplay together is important. Especially when it comes to signing a WGA collaboration agreement. As a screenwriter, you’re very likely to have instances in which you collaborate with others on a script, story or treatment. In doing […]
When is Pitch Season for Television?
As a filmmaker, it’s important for you to know the key dates involved in pitch season and how they apply to your production needs. Pitch season, also known as pitching season, represents a unique time in network television production and happens to be a very important season for filmmakers. Most cable networks have a schedule […]
What Needs to Be Included in Billing Block for Documentary Film?
Documentary filmmakers face several challenges throughout the production process, and all the way up to the distribution of the film. Determining what to include in the billing block is more a challenge now than ever before, as we’re starting to see limitations placed on the number of people that can be credited as “producer” for […]
Are Actor Release Forms Required for Voice Overs?
Actors frequently enter into binding contracts that dictate the work that they will perform, payment to be received, and other terms of the agreement. They may also sign actor release forms. Especially when a filmmaker is going to use the performance for commercial purposes. But are actor release forms required for voice overs? Voice Over […]
Why are Some Product Logos or Trademarks Blurred Out Within a TV Show or Film?
One television shows, and in some films, you might have noticed a random can that has the logo or visible writing blurred out or perhaps you’ve seen a film that clearly placed a sticker or some other item directly overtop the logo of a piece of equipment or other element that was used in the […]
Are Life Story Rights of Deceased People Considered Public Domain?
Purchasing the rights to a person’s life story is a consideration that many filmmakers will make if they wish to portray someone in a film or television show. In doing so, the filmmaker reduces his or her liability for potential lawsuits claiming defamation, right of publicity, invasion of privacy and other matters that can come […]
What’s Included in the New Tax Code Section 168(k) Film Regulations?
If you’re an independent production company or filmmaker, you’ve almost certainly heard about the new tax code section 168(k) film regulations. Whether you’ve read about the new tax code section 168(k) film deductions that are replacing Section 181. Or you’ve simply heard about the new code and wondered. What exactly it is? And what it […]