Can I Get Permission to Film in a Hospital?

Commercial filmmaking inside a hospital typically falls under private use on private property. Unless the hospital is state or county owned. Most hospitals have their own rules and regulations on informed consent. This means that before you can film inside the hospital you will need to have consent from any patients or hospital workers that […]

How to Get Permission to Film at a School

If you’re interested in shooting on school property you’ll probably be surprised to learn that you most likely will not require a film permit from the local city or state in which the school is located. However, you might need a school permit. You’re probably wondering who to speak with. As well as how to […]

What Qualifies as Fair Use of Archival Video in a Documentary?

As a documentary filmmaker, you might be wondering if archival footage can be used in your documentaries and if so, what the process is. The use of archived video footage, or stock footage, generally doesn’t require the same licensing that you would need from copyrighted material, but does this mean that you can use any […]

How to Get Permission to Film in a Cemetery

Cemeteries are a sought after filming location, especially if filming a horror film or any kind of drama. Generally speaking, filming in a cemetery falls under filming on private property. Which means that if you’re wondering how to get permission to film in a cemetery? You’re likely going to have to talk with the property […]

How Do You Ask Permission to Film Someone in Florida?

Seeking permission to film someone is an important concept for any filmmaker to understand and the laws vary by state. Filming in Florida certainly has benefits. But how do you ask permission to film someone in Florida? Without breaking the state regulations on recording without consent? Does Florida’s all-party consent law mean that you must […]

How Long Does it Take to Copyright a Screenplay?

Applying for a copyright for your screenplay is a recommended step after you’ve outlined the idea in full and prepared your script treatment. An entire screenplay is not necessary in order to apply for a U.S. Copyright. But a fully fleshed out idea that includes characters and the primary points of your story either in […]

Film Copyright Laws: Is Parody Fair Use?

Film copyright laws are important to understand for any screenwriter. Especially when it comes to creating a parody or similar work. Under film copyright laws, fair use represents the copying of copyrighted material for transformative purposes. Generally so as to comment upon, criticize or parody the copyrighted work. Under fair use, screenwriters are able to […]

How Does a Film Fall Into Public Domain?

As a filmmaker, finding film footage and other resources that can be incorporated into your productions represents a key area of importance. One where failure to do your research could get you into hot water. That’s because most films and other forms of intellectual property are protected by U.S. copyright laws. And any use of […]

How to Check if a Film is Public Domain

A film that is public domain is no longer, or never was, protected by copyright and may be legally reused, recreated, or otherwise copied without the need to request permission and without any risk of plagiarism. But when does a film become public domain? Establishing how to check if a film is public domain is […]

When Does a Film Become Public Domain?

When a film is copyrighted it is protected from plagiarism and may not be recreated or reused in any capacity without explicit, written permission from any and all copyright holders. Many films, though, become public domain and are then subject to potential recreation and open reuse regardless of U.S. copyright laws. In fact, any screenplay, […]