Do I Really Need to Have a Film Crew Release Form From All Service Providers?

Release forms make up much of the paper trail that ultimately forms the chain of title. Which a film distributor will carefully review before they approve a film. And purchase it for distribution within their network or channel. In fact, the film crew release form is an important contract between the film crew member such […]

Know Your Rights in a Deferred Payment Agreement for Film Crews

Deferral of payments incurred over the course of production is a common practice in filmmaking. Entertainment law allows for deferred payment agreements for film crews. Provided all parties involved are satisfied with the arrangement and sign a deferred payment contract. Since the deferred payment agreement for film crews is engaged between the crew member and […]

Planning the LLC Operating Agreement for Film Production to Protect Your Film

Forming an LLC is nothing new for film producers with interest in advancing the production of a feature film. The LLC provides certain protections for producers limiting their liability while keeping investments and other funds separated from other projects. Protection is essential in planning an LLC operating agreement for film production. Which is why it’s […]

When and Why is a Work for Hire Agreement for a Documentary Film Necessary?

When it comes to filmmaking, learning the ropes of entertainment law and the various clauses that should, or should not, be included in a typical contract between either hired employees or contracted workers can be overwhelming. You’re likely going to hire a production attorney to assist with the majority of the legal tasks. But knowing […]

Understanding the Film Crew Agreement & Your Rights as a Film Worker

The film crew agreement, sometimes referred to as a film crew deal memo, represents a unique contract that provides protections for the parties involved. Entered between the production company or financiers of the film and the film crew workers. That engage in providing a number of different services throughout the production. Including cinematography, lighting, editing […]

Soft vs Hard Money in Film Financing: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the different types of film financing and the way that some loans or investments must be paid back. While others do not can be challenging even to someone that’s been around the block and spent some time in the industry. When it comes to financing, soft vs hard money in film represents the unique […]

What is the Performance Bond and Morals Clause in Film Contracts?

Film production companies are just as invested in keeping their image protected in the eyes of the public as many other businesses are. They want to know that the actors that they contract to perform for their films. As well as the crew members that are hired to work with them in production. They are […]

How Do Bridge Loans for Motion Picture Finance Work?

Very rarely is a film project financed with a single form of funding from the start. In fact, financing a motion picture will typically include a creative mix of several different forms of funding. Including bank loans, investment financing, the sale of securities and other types of support for the business. In the event that […]

What Should a Film Distribution License Agreement Include?

Distribution rights agreements are an important aspect of the deal made between a film producer and distributor to get a film distributed to a larger audience. The typical distribution deal will include a signed and dated film distribution license agreement which includes pertinent details about the rights and permissions that are being granted to the […]

Everything a Screenwriter Needs to Know about Characters in Public Domain

The use of time-tested measures and familiarity in the creation of characters and storylines is nothing new to Hollywood screenwriting. There’s a saying “Everything’s been done before” and it’s true. But when it comes to characters in public domain? There are ways that screenwriters can take what’s “been done” and evolve it into something truly […]