Understanding the Film Crew Agreement & Your Rights as a Film Worker

The film crew agreement, sometimes referred to as a film crew deal memo, represents a unique contract that provides protections for the parties involved. Entered between the production company or financiers of the film and the film crew workers. That engage in providing a number of different services throughout the production. Including cinematography, lighting, editing […]
Soft vs Hard Money in Film Financing: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the different types of film financing and the way that some loans or investments must be paid back. While others do not can be challenging even to someone that’s been around the block and spent some time in the industry. When it comes to financing, soft vs hard money in film represents the unique […]
What is the Performance Bond and Morals Clause in Film Contracts?

Film production companies are just as invested in keeping their image protected in the eyes of the public as many other businesses are. They want to know that the actors that they contract to perform for their films. As well as the crew members that are hired to work with them in production. They are […]
How Do Bridge Loans for Motion Picture Finance Work?

Very rarely is a film project financed with a single form of funding from the start. In fact, financing a motion picture will typically include a creative mix of several different forms of funding. Including bank loans, investment financing, the sale of securities and other types of support for the business. In the event that […]
What Should a Film Distribution License Agreement Include?

Distribution rights agreements are an important aspect of the deal made between a film producer and distributor to get a film distributed to a larger audience. The typical distribution deal will include a signed and dated film distribution license agreement which includes pertinent details about the rights and permissions that are being granted to the […]
Everything a Screenwriter Needs to Know about Characters in Public Domain

The use of time-tested measures and familiarity in the creation of characters and storylines is nothing new to Hollywood screenwriting. There’s a saying “Everything’s been done before” and it’s true. But when it comes to characters in public domain? There are ways that screenwriters can take what’s “been done” and evolve it into something truly […]
Do I Really Need Life Rights Agreements for Film Projects?

As you’re planning out the plot and storyline for your next film, you’re probably wondering if you really need life rights agreements for film projects that you’re currently working on. Filmmakers often wonder about the rights that they need to acquire for the projects they’re working on and whether they can take steps to save […]
The Essential Guide to Navigating Film Production Agreements

The film industry is a competitive environment that is characterized by many different working groups, crew members, and service providers. Whether you’re a business owner that’s seeking a production company from which you can order a 30-second commercial from or you’re an investor that’s interested in producing a feature motion picture, you’re bound to find […]
Everything You Need to Know about Film Investment Regulation

Film investments have long been known for being incredibly risky. Many investors have been cheated or otherwise have lost out by investing in films that were probably never poised for distribution in the first place. As such, film investment regulation, including the protection of the SEC and other regulatory groups have become quite prominent. In […]
Understanding Your Short Film Production Agreement

Whenever you enter an agreement with a film production company, you’re stating that you understand and agree with the terms and conditions that are stipulated within the legally binding document. The typical short film production agreement includes pertinent information about your short film project. And the production services that you have requested from a production […]