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INDEXLegal indie filmmaking questions
7 years, 2 months ago - Dimitra Anastasopoulou
Hi everyone,
I want to start producing and shooting my own short films, but I find the legal part of the process quite frustrating. I live in the UK, didn't go to film school and I am currently having a full-time job at a very different field. What I want is starting making short film starring myself, so I can create a portfolio and start practicing. So, here are my questions
1) Do I need to set up a Sole Trader alongside my day job, so I can sign any forms needed for certain locations?
2) I live in rented accommodation and I got my Landlord's permission to film myself inside my apartment. Does he have to sign a location release form or is his email confirmation enough?
3) What do I put in the "Production Company" field when it comes to any of those forms, if I don't have a production company?
4) Is private public liability insurance enough when it comes to shooting in public and hiring crew and actors?
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7 years, 2 months ago - Vasco de Sousa
1. No. Sole trader has to do with taxes, when you start making money. If you're just putting together a showreel, you don't need to. You can get locations with agreements. You can hire photographers with agreements, just like hiring builders for your house. However, if you register for VAT, you can reclaim VAT, so there's the advantage in registering.
2. Yes, definitely get a release. The only time I had a film shut down was because of the landlord going back on verbal agreement. (Also, make sure they know the genre, or they may change their mind.)
3. Make up a name, use your name. "Dimitra Pictures, DBA." DBA means doing business as, that's what I used to trade with until five years ago.
4. When hiring employees, you also need employer liability insurance. Use a professional insurance company, they'll explain it all to you over the phone. (They should ask you enough questions.)
Response from 7 years, 2 months ago - Vasco de Sousa SHOW
7 years, 2 months ago - Dimitra Anastasopoulou
Thanks for the answer vasco de sousa! Does the DBA need to be legally registered or it doesn't matter?
Response from 7 years, 2 months ago - Dimitra Anastasopoulou SHOW
7 years, 2 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
t/a (trading as) is a more common form you might consider, and no you don't need to register it anywhere. UK is very business friendly
Response from 7 years, 2 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW
7 years, 2 months ago - Dimitra Anastasopoulou
Thanks for the info! I have another question regarding insurance, since it is something that is mentioned in the location release form template I downloaded and I am interested in hiring crew sometime in the future. I heard that Lark short term insurance is very good for such production. However, I read on their website that they accept either commercial customers or consumer customers (people who are studying film in recognized by Lark institutions). Do you think that there is a chance I will get accepted either way?
Response from 7 years, 2 months ago - Dimitra Anastasopoulou SHOW
7 years, 2 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
Ask them! Almost certainly, otherwise try Essex Insurance Brokers :)
Response from 7 years, 2 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW
7 years, 2 months ago - Dimitra Anastasopoulou
Sent them an email and will contact them on Tuesday as well. Thanks :D
Response from 7 years, 2 months ago - Dimitra Anastasopoulou SHOW