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Seeking inexpensive legal advise for a ultra low budget movie

Ray Brady

2 years, 7 months ago - Ray Brady

I'm seeking inexpensive legal advice for a completed ultra-low-budget movie. There's a spanner in the works which needs to be addressed. Any and all ideas would be very greatly appreciated. Please DM me.
Many thanks
Ray Brady

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François Evans

2 years, 6 months ago - François Evans

Hi Ray,

You could try Tony Morris at Raindance. He has a general legal question page for film here (not just about music use):

https://raindance.org/courses/legal-lockdown-sessions-using-music-in-films/

Good luck,


François.

Response from 2 years, 6 months ago - François Evans SHOW

Vasco de Sousa

2 years, 6 months ago - Vasco de Sousa

I would suggest in most cases just to resolve it with the aggrieved (or potentially aggrieved) party.
If you are the aggrieved party, then you write out exactly what happened, and make sure it is as clear as possible. Lawyers charge per hour.
Mark Litwak used to be a member of SP, he answered a lot of questions on here back in the day. His books have some case studies (they are worth skimming through, much cheaper than hiring a lawyer).
Unfortunately, I have not seen any members since then who really understood law. (A few want to justify their own positions).
"The Pocket Lawyer for Filmmakers: A Legal Toolkit for Independent Producers" also helped me to avoid a lot of problems. Looking through it will help you find the right terms.

Response from 2 years, 6 months ago - Vasco de Sousa SHOW

James McCann

2 years, 6 months ago - James McCann

Hi Ray,
It will depend on the nature of the legal issue.
For example, if the film uses music you didn't get permission for, then you're rubber-ducked.
If someone is claiming you stole their idea, then you're fine (as long as you didn't actually steal their idea, then they won't be able to prove that you did).

Again, it depends on what the nature of the issue is, but if you've already completed the film, then everything should already be covered by contracts.

Most legal issues are actually quite straight forward, it's just the people involved like to make things complicated as it makes them feel important. If you can contact the person causing the issue, you should be able to negotiate some equal ground that benefits you both.

DM if you want to,
James

Response from 2 years, 6 months ago - James McCann SHOW

Malcolm Moore

2 years, 6 months ago - Malcolm Moore

Hi Ray, Congratulation of completing your feature. Please feel free to email me and summarise exactly what the spanner in the works is, if I can't aiis I shoul be able to sign point you. Best wishes

Response from 2 years, 6 months ago - Malcolm Moore SHOW