ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXI'm working on a micro budget short film. Is it advisable to draw up contracts regarding copyright, usage etc?
5 years, 5 months ago - Becky Rooney
We're all industry professionals but our roles are different on this project - e.g. I work in locations, I'm writer/producer on this film. We're aiming to take it on the festival circuit when it's complete and I'm just not sure whether formal contracts are necessary for something of this size and scale.
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5 years, 5 months ago - Richard Anthony Dunford
A simple 'waiver' would be more than enough for a short film.
Response from 5 years, 5 months ago - Richard Anthony Dunford SHOW
5 years, 5 months ago - Becky Rooney
Great thanks for replying!
Response from 5 years, 5 months ago - Becky Rooney SHOW
5 years, 5 months ago - Marlom Tander
Anything in writing that makes the position clear is fine. And is, technically, a contract:-)
In all these situations the question to ask is "in the event of an argument down the line, do I have a document which, when read by a judge, will have them wonder WTF the other side were whinging about?". Short and clear wins big over 12 pages of "that's not what i thought it meant" leaglise.
Response from 5 years, 5 months ago - Marlom Tander SHOW
5 years, 5 months ago - Becky Rooney
That’s really good advice, thank you
Response from 5 years, 5 months ago - Becky Rooney SHOW
5 years, 5 months ago - Silvia Schmidt
I would agree - a short one pager that transfers the rights to the production company (if there is one) or the producer (if that's what's been agreed) as well as the commercial terms, would be good. Especially a waiver of rights to ensure that the producer can not only submit the film to festivals but also release it online (or wherever). You don't want to be going back to everyone should you want to do something else with the film later on! Let me know if you need any help with this (I'm a qualified lawyer as well as a doc filmmaker) :)
Response from 5 years, 5 months ago - Silvia Schmidt SHOW
5 years, 5 months ago - Becky Rooney
Thanks Silvia, that’s really useful
Response from 5 years, 5 months ago - Becky Rooney SHOW