What is the First Negotiation Right in Film Industry and What Does it Mean?

What is the First Negotiation Right in Film Industry and What Does it Mean?   When it comes to copyright ownership, individual rights can be applied to different people in different manners based purely on the wording of a contract. As a filmmaker, you’ve most certainly seen a contract that lists the wording “right of first […]

What Should Filmmakers Know About Film Financing Securities Law?

What Should Filmmakers Know About Film Financing Securities Law?    If you’re seeking any type of financing for your film, you’re really going to need to broaden your understanding of film financing securities law and how it applies to you, the promoter of a film. Complying with film financing securities law is not just important. It’s […]

When is a Crew Release Form for Film Production Required?

When is a Crew Release Form for Film Production Required? Your cast and crew makeup a big part of your film production bringing forth all of the necessary qualities and skills required to set your film apart from the competition. If you’re wondering when a crew release form for film production is required. And what […]

What is the Right of Last Refusal in Film Industry and What Does it Mean?

What is the Right of Last Refusal in Film Industry and What Does it Mean?   The way a licensing agreement is written can make or break your ability to secure future rights to copyrighted work. That you have already purchased some interest in. For filmmakers, the right of first negotiation was once the only real […]

Film Privacy and Non-Disclosure Agreements: Does My Crew Need to Sign an NDA?

Film Privacy and Non-Disclosure Agreements: Does My Crew Need to Sign an NDA?   As film production gets underway the paperwork can be overwhelming. There’s talent release forms and location agreements, crew contacts and copyright license agreements. It’s easy for some forms to slip through the cracks. But it’s not okay. And, what’s more, if you […]

What is Public Liability Insurance for Film Production and Why Do You Need It?

What is Public Liability Insurance for Film Production and Why Do You Need It?   If you’ve ever been in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, or been sick and had to use health insurance, you know the importance of being insured. You also know that sometimes things happen that are out of our control […]

Types of Film Distribution Agreements and What They Mean for Your Film

Types of Film Distribution Agreements and What They Mean for Your Film   Many different types of film distribution agreements exist to provide filmmakers with the opportunity to pick and choose the type of distribution that’s most appropriate for their film production. Depending on the terms of the agreement that you choose, the distribution process and […]

Building Your Block: DIY Documentary Film Billing Block for Filmmakers

Building Your Block_ DIY Documentary Film Billing Block for Filmmakers

If you’re new to the film industry there’s a good chance you have no idea what a billing block is. But if you’ve been around the block, you’re probably aware of the typical documentary film billing block. And all of the pertinent details that are included in this sophisticated bit of information contained within virtually […]

Fair Use & Intellectual Property Rights for a Film Documentary

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 […]

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

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 […]