The Essential Guide to Navigating Film Production Agreements

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 […]

Everything You Need to Know about Film Investment Regulation

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 […]

Understanding Your Short Film Production Agreement

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 […]

Independent Filmmaker’s Guide to Film Production Non-Disclosure Agreements

Independent Filmmaker’s Guide to Film Production Non-Disclosure Agreements Let’s face it, you work hard for your money. You spend countless hours working on the fundamentals of your business and you certainly don’t want just anyone to be able to take what you’ve worked so hard for and claim it as their own. But people hear […]

How to Avoid Copyright Infringement in Film Productions

How to Avoid Copyright Infringement in Film Productions   Are you a new filmmaker that’s just learning the ropes of film production? Are you a screenwriter that’s trying to take all necessary precautions to avoid copyright infringement in film projects that you’re involved in? As a filmmaker, much of the time spent collaborating on projects is […]

Independent Filmmaker’s List of Crew and Talent Release Forms for Filming

Independent Filmmaker’s List of Crew and Talent Release Forms for Filming   As an independent filmmaker, the crew and talent release forms that you must include in your chain of title are vital to both ensuring that you can obtain E&O insurance and for distribution. In fact, crew and talent release forms for filming are required […]

Identifying Film Copyright Protection for Found Footage Projects

Identifying Film Copyright Protection for Found Footage Projects

As a new filmmaker, you might be considering the creation of a found footage film in which you are going to use existing motion picture projects to create your own, new film. If you’re wondering what the process is in identifying film copyright protection for found footage projects, you’re not alone! Many new filmmakers embark […]

An Indie Filmmaker’s Guide to Pre-Sale Distribution Agreements

An Indie Filmmaker’s Guide to Pre-Sale Distribution Agreements  As an independent filmmaker you’ve probably encountered many situations in which you’ve attempted to secure financing for your production ahead of actually scheduling your shoot. Most independent film producers have to take special measures to find and secure adequate financing for the projects they’re in and will […]

Deconstructing the Film Crew Deal Memo: What’s Inside and What Does it Mean?

Deconstructing the Film Crew Deal Memo: What’s Inside and What Does it Mean? The film crew deal memo is a unique employment contract which represents the agreements and underlying expectations initiated by the film production company and the film crew. Outlining each of the key terms or agreements that are initiated between the film crew […]

Is an Actor Release Form for Short Film Required & What’s Included?

Is an Actor Release Form for Short Film Required & What’s Included? Signed actor release forms are a staple in the film industry, and whether you’re producing a feature film or a short film doesn’t matter. If you’re considering a short film project but you’re wondering whether you should actually obtain an actor release form […]