What Does the Digital Millennium Copyright Act Do for Films and Movies?

A rise in the internet and digital technology means potential for new corruption and means for criminal activity to take place. Just as any advances in technology in the past have resulted in the need for changed security and protections. So too would the World Wide Web. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) represents one […]

What Artists Must Know about the Voice Over Contract Agreement

Voiceover artists frequently enter voice over contract agreements that dictate the details of the project. And the work arrangements that they are committing to with a producer or production company. Sometimes referred to as a voiceover working agreement, or a voiceover contract. The voice over contract agreement outlines all of the delicate details of the […]

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 […]

A Quick Start Guide to Film Profit Sharing

As a filmmaker, one of the most common negotiations that will come up in the course of your career is film profit sharing. These agreements represent your acceptance to provide your services. In exchange for a percentage of the profits in the future. Rather than for payment upfront. It’s actually quite common for a filmmaker […]

Following the City of Miami Film and Entertainment Law for Filmmakers

Filmmaking in any city can be fraught with a variety of legal challenges. Particularly, filmmakers must be prepared to follow local permitting laws and individual state regulations regarding things. Like the hiring of film crew and minor talent. Filming within city roadways or parks. And individual directives on the use of certain equipment or other […]

An Independent Filmmaker’s Guide to Film Investment Agreements

As an independent filmmaker, the idea of investment financing for your production is probably both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Naturally there’s the excitement around the possibility of your film being fully financed for production but you’ve also got to prepare yourself for the legal implications that come along with the decision to […]

Music Licensing for Film Festivals Rules Every Independent Filmmaker Must Know

Independent filmmakers frequently share their films at film festivals as a means of getting their creative works in front of audiences that may have interest in further working with them to distribute their content in other ways. Sometimes referred to as “festival rights”. Filmmakers must be aware of specific music licensing for film festivals rules. […]

Independent Producers Guide to the Rules for Film Festival Entries

Film competition regulations vary, especially when it comes to the individual rules for film festival entries and what filmmakers must provide along with their submissions in order for their film to be considered for the event. As an independent film producer, it’s very important for you to familiarize yourself with the particular rules for film […]

Essential Independent Film Contracts Every Producer Should Have

As an independent film producer, you’re going to face a lot of challenges in regards to paperwork throughout the course of production. You’ll need to have independent film contracts and agreements in order at all times, and especially towards the end of the production as you prepare for distribution. Keeping all of your essential independent […]

SAG Film Contracts Statute of Frauds for Independent Films

The film industry is characterized by competition. A history of “handshake deals” and a background of oral contracts. Which created a framework for corruption and fraud. It’s not to say that there is corruption and fraud in every instance! But that whenever there are not legal implications in place within any industry, the risk for […]