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 […]

Preparing for Pilot Season in Film Industry Fashion

Preparing for Pilot Season in Film Industry Fashion Pilot season represents a unique and exciting time for film industry professionals, but it’s also a very busy time. The typical pilot season in film industry standards is certainly active. There’s always the potential for dozens of different networks to produce new shows and, for the filmmaker, […]

Understanding Your Film Rights Purchase Agreement

Understanding Your Film Rights Purchase Agreement When it comes to purchasing the rights to produce a film, you’re going to face a lot of paperwork and individual requirements for negotiations. Generally, before you can enter a film rights purchase agreement between yourself and the original copyright owner of a book or other work. Three will […]

What is an “Accredited Investor” for Film & What Does it Mean?

What is an “Accredited Investor” for Film & What Does it Mean? Securing adequate financing for your film is certainly one of the most challenging tasks you’ll face throughout the course of production. Whether you’re entirely new to the industry, or you’ve been involved in the film industry for quite some time, you’re going to […]

The SAG Exhibit G Form: Understanding SAG-AFTRA’s Time Reporting

The SAG Exhibit G Form: Understanding SAG-AFTRA’s Time Reporting Anyone that’s worked the film set for even a fraction of time knows that there’s a lot going on throughout the production at a given moment. And if you’ve ever been involved in assistant directing,  you know that a lot of the time that is spent […]

What to Expect with a Deferred Payment Agreement for a Film Crew

What to Expect with a Deferred Payment Agreement for a Film Crew     The deferral of payments is a common process in independent filmmaking. In fact, independent films are largely known for being cash poor. And for having to take extenuating circumstances in order to achieve successful production. Sometimes this includes preparing deferred payment agreements for […]