Fair Use & Intellectual Property Rights for a Film Documentary

When it comes to documentary filmmaking, budget concerns are a leading cause for the filmmaker to shift focus from taking all legally necessary steps to obtain permission to use intellectual property to employing “fair use” best practices. While fair use policies do constitute the right for a documentary filmmaker to employ the use of various […]

Should a Producer Enter Work for Hire Agreement for a Documentary Film with Cast & Crew?

As any filmmaker navigates the process of entering into the most appropriate agreements and contracts required for their production. A lot of confusion and questions come up. Specifically, filmmakers often question whether entering into a work-for-hire agreement is something that you should be entering into. As part of your head role as producer for the […]

6 Protections Provided by Errors and Omissions Insurance for Film Producers

As a film producer, getting the proper liability insurance coverage to protect yourself is an important step, particularly before you move forward with distribution of your film. One of the most popular means of protecting yourself is with errors and omissions insurance for film producers which provides essential protections against a variety of liability situations […]

Filmmaker’s Guide to Film Media Liability and Errors and Omissions Insurance

As a filmmaker, you’ve almost certainly faced the need to secure errors and omissions insurance at one point or another. Filmmakers frequently require E&O insurance protection. Particularly when a film is prepared for distribution. Film media liability and errors and omissions insurance is something that will come up in post-production. But the protections that are […]

When Do You Need a Documentary Release Form?

Filmmakers are accustomed to release forms. They bring many of the different contracts with them on a regular basis when filming on location, in public, or otherwise. It’s customary to have anyone that is liable to be on camera sign a release form. That states they have given the filmmaker permission to film them and […]

Post-Production Outsourcing & the Film Editor Contract Agreement

It’s incredibly common for any film producer to outsource many of the post-production services that are involved in the final stages of creating a film. Whether you’re outsourcing editing or other important aspects of the post-production process. Such as the addition of computer generated graphics or other designs. Before you move forward with such steps […]

What to Expect with Reality TV Production Agreements and Contracts

Producing a reality TV show or series is bound to bring up a host of different agreements. And contracts that will have to be negotiated and finalized before the film can be distributed. In fact, many reality TV production agreements and contracts must be negotiated and signed prior to the film initiating production. If you’re […]

Do I Need Life Rights to Produce a Film About a Biography?

Anytime a film is produced that reflects someone’s life story or any private details of someone’s life questions arise. As to what a filmmaker’s responsibility is in regards to obtaining permission. Say you’re thinking about producing a film about a biography. But you’re not sure whether life rights are necessary. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! […]

Film Labor Laws: Know Your Rights as Film Crew or Talent

Few filmmakers have a background in law, business or business law for the matter. In fact, it’s very common for those who enter the film industry to spend a lot of time learning about film and television production. But rarely do they tackle college level coursework in business law. Or even in film law for […]

Organizing the Perfect Independent Film Pitch Packet

Preparing an independent film pitch packet that you can share with investors is certainly not something that you want to rush through. In fact, if you’re not sure what to include or how to properly organize your independent film pitch packet, then you’ve come to the right place! Although you may have a mind blowing […]