Can You Get Rights to a Person’s Life Story in a Film?

Can You Get Rights to a Person’s Life Story in a Film? Acquiring the rights to use a person’s life story in a film is an important step that some filmmakers opt to consider and others veer away from. The process can be complicated and messy. And typically requires the supportive assistance of legal counsel. […]

Does a Film Permit or Location Agreement in Las Vegas Cost Money?

The city of Las Vegas, like many cities throughout the United States, is rather welcoming to film crews. Especially those seeking to bring production into the city. Many cities welcome filmmaking as a means of driving revenues for their local lodging, stores, and the community as a whole. However, acquiring a film permit or location […]

How to Negotiate a Successful Film or Video Location Agreement for a Hotel

Figuring out how to negotiate a successful film or video location agreement for a hotel is certainly an important step of the planning process. It should be handled during pre-production. But what’s the process like? Many who haven’t ever worked with a hotel owner or property manager before wonder what the process is like in […]

When Should Actors Sign Release Forms?

A signed actor release form represents a written, formal agreement between the actor and the filmmaker. This transfers ownership of a filmed performance to the filmmaker. These forms represent an integral part of the agreement made between an actor and a filmmaker. Without signed actor release forms, filmmakers face an uphill battle when it comes […]

Who Negotiates the Location Agreement for a Film Shoot?

The location agreement is an important contract that is a requirement for just about any private property film shoot. It represents a formal, written agreement made between the location owner or manager. As well as those who seek to utilize the location or lease it for the purpose of a film shoot or some other […]

What to Include in a Film Location Agreement

If you’re going to film on private property, more often than not it’s a requirement to have a film location agreement. We recommend you have a film location agreement for your own safety to protect yourself and your crew while filming. If you’re new to the production of a film location agreement, or this is […]

What to Include in a Crew Deal Memo

What to Include in a Crew Deal Memo Formulating a crew deal memo is certainly a tall order. It requires understanding of the important aspects of this valuable contract. Mastering the crew deal memo is all about understanding the important terms that are to be set forth. And what it means for those involved. Stipulations […]

Do You Need Location Agreements for Nonfiction Film?

Do You Need Location Agreements for Nonfiction Film? Filming on location is naturally a part of cinematography and with it comes the requirement of a location agreement. As a cinematographer, you realize that location agreements are a big part of the job. But do you need location agreements for nonfiction film? Are the rules different […]

Do You Have to Get Permission to Mention a Celebrity’s Name in a Film?

Celebrities go through a lot to brand themselves and their names. In doing so, even something like using their name in a film could have repercussions, but do you have to get permission to mention a celebrity’s name in a film? If you’re interested in using real people as inspiration in your filmmaking you’ll have […]

Filmmaking Law: What to Include in a Film Editor Contract

Every contract is different and largely depends on the aspects of the project at hand. As such, it’s really important to have your film contracts reviewed by your attorney prior to sealing the deal. Contracts are incredibly valuable when it comes to outlining the various tasks and important aspects of an agreement for work to […]