Music Licensing for Film Festivals Rules Every Independent Filmmaker Must Know

Independent filmmakers frequently share their films at film festivals as a means of getting their creative works in front of audiences that may have interest in further working with them to distribute their content in other ways. Sometimes referred to as “festival rights”. Filmmakers must be aware of specific music licensing for film festivals rules. […]

Independent Producers Guide to the Rules for Film Festival Entries

Film competition regulations vary, especially when it comes to the individual rules for film festival entries and what filmmakers must provide along with their submissions in order for their film to be considered for the event. As an independent film producer, it’s very important for you to familiarize yourself with the particular rules for film […]

Essential Independent Film Contracts Every Producer Should Have

As an independent film producer, you’re going to face a lot of challenges in regards to paperwork throughout the course of production. You’ll need to have independent film contracts and agreements in order at all times, and especially towards the end of the production as you prepare for distribution. Keeping all of your essential independent […]

SAG Film Contracts Statute of Frauds for Independent Films

The film industry is characterized by competition. A history of “handshake deals” and a background of oral contracts. Which created a framework for corruption and fraud. It’s not to say that there is corruption and fraud in every instance! But that whenever there are not legal implications in place within any industry, the risk for […]

How Does the Visual Artists Rights Act and Copyright Law Apply to Filmmaking?

Copyright law and the protections that are afforded to creators varies from one country to another. U.S. Copyright law is actually quite different in the protections that are exclaimed for artists and creators. Compared to the copyright protections that are provided in France, Germany, or other areas. Similarly, the Visual Artists Rights Act and Copyright […]

What is Considered Fair Use Under the Visual Artists Rights Act?

The Visual Artists Rights Act protects the visual works of artists. By providing additional rights to creators long after their work has been sold. Or otherwise distributed to another party. The protections of the Visual Artists Rights Act include protections of moral rights. Should one alter the visual works. Or otherwise change after transferring ownership […]

How Does Individual Investor Motion Picture Financing Work?

As an independent filmmaker, you probably realize that there are a lot of different opportunities to secure funding for your film. The average film is financed through a variety of different funding sources including investment financing, bank loans, distribution agreements, pre-sale arrangements, and other forms of capital investment. When it comes to individual investor motion […]

Understanding OSHA Compliance for Motion Pictures

The Occupational Safety and Hazards Administration (OSHA) protects workers from job related incidents. By employing various standards and compliance regulations throughout each industry including the film industry. OSHA compliance for motion pictures and the standards for operating a film production on set, in studio, and on location are important for all film producers to follow. […]

Essential Guide to Film Financing Securities Law & Film Investments

Producing a movie is an expensive, trying process that tests your limits and your patience. Especially in regards to financing the production. Fortunately, there are many different ways to finance a film project, and there’s a lot of information available about each of the types of funding that filmmaker’s may consider. You can find most […]

Documentary Film Rights Clearances Procedures for Independent Filmmakers

You’ve spent months working hard on your documentary. You found the most informative people to interview, securing the most profound footage to incorporate in. And you’ve managed to pull it all together with some of the best post-production editing you’ve ever seen. As your documentary film nears the point of distribution, once you’ve passed the […]