How to Get Permission to Use a Song in a Short Film

Whether you’re producing a short film, commercial, or similar video. There’s a very strong chance that you’ll want to incorporate music into the production. However, if you aren’t a musician, you’ll most definitely need to use a song that’s already been written and recorded by an artist. And that means you’ll need to ask permission. […]

How to Get Permission to Film in a Restaurant

If you’re producing a film that requires shots from a restaurant, you’re going to need permission before you get started. As with any film production, seeking permission ahead of time is key! Be it to preventing any mishaps or problems during production. But how? Figuring out how to get permission to film in a restaurant […]

What is Soliloquy in Films & What does it Mean?

In filmmaking, many different literary devices and techniques are used to drive the story and deliver key insights into the characters, building each character up as the narrative is delivered. Much like in writing a novel or in other forms of storytelling, the soliloquy is common in filmmaking and in screenplays. But you may not […]

What is a Louver?

In filmmaking, so many terms are used to describe different elements, items, and situations. Perhaps you’ve heard the term louver. Ever wonder what is a louver? And what does it have to do with filmmaking?  You’re certainly not alone! As the louver represents a unique means of light control. One that can be used in […]

What Does Tour De Force Mean?

Have you ever watched a film in which a character accomplished some incredible feat. And did so with a display of great strength and skill? What about a film that you’ve seen which you just think to yourself, if you know, you know. Some films are such an exceptional achievement. So much so that when […]

Can you Be Filmed Without Permission?

Can you Be Filmed Without Permission? Throughout the United States, as well as in other countries, there are different laws regarding filmmaking and what a cinematographer may or may not do. Perhaps you’re wondering, “can you be filmed without permission?” The reality is, it is generally legal to film in public. Even for commercial use! […]

Is it Illegal to Film Someone Without Their Permission?

As a cinematographer, it’s important to know the laws and rules regarding film permits and filming legally in the area that you’re shooting in. Since state-by-state and city-to-city rules vary, it can be challenging to understand what is expected in each locale. You’re probably wondering, is it illegal to film someone without their permission? And […]

Screenplay Laws: What is a Collaboration Agreement?

The average screenplay requires a lot of hard work. Which is why many aspiring filmmakers will claim they want to write a screenplay. And will start many times, but will not finish. Often, the best screenplays are the result of several screenwriters collaborating with one another to produce the finished product. When two or more […]

How to Draft a Screenplay Collaboration Agreement & Why You Need One

How to Draft a Screenplay Collaboration Agreement & Why You Need One A screenplay collaboration agreement represents a written agreement that documents how parties will collaborate on the writing, and subsequent sharing of rights, to a screenplay. Whenever multiple parties are involved in the creation of a screenplay, a collaboration agreement is not only recommended. […]

Film Law: What Is a “Work for Hire Agreement”?

If you’re a filmmaker, or screenplay writer, there’s a very strong likelihood that you’ve experienced situations in the past in which the work that you did was owned not by you, but by your employer, as a result of standard U.S. copyright laws. In fact, production companies in the film industry rely heavily on U.S. […]