Film Documents Checklist Ensuring Legal Compliance in the Entertainment Sector

M

Non-disclosure Agreement/ Confidentiality Agreements

Contracts ensuring confidentiality of sensitive information shared among parties before/ during/ after the making of the film/the production.

M

Actor/ Actress Contract/ Artist Agreement

Agreements between producers and actors outlining terms of engagement, remuneration, schedules, and other responsibilities.

M

Director’s Contract

Agreements detailing the director’s duties,creative control, fee, and timeline for the project.

M & AA

Producer’s Agreement/ Financing Agreements/ Partnership Agreements/ Collaboration (or a Memorandum of Understanding) Agreements/ Co-Production Agreement

Contracts specifying the producer(s)’s role, financing details, profit-sharing, and control over production aspects.

M

Story & Screenwriter’s Agreement/ Writer’s    Contract

Agreements between producers and screenwriters (or other writers who might be contributing towards the making of the film) specifying the creation, ownership, and usage rights of the script.

M

Music Composer’s Contract

Contracts outlining the terms under which a music composer will create and deliver music for the film, including rights and payment terms.

M

Cinematographer’s Contract

Agreements detailing the responsibilities, rights, and compensation for the cinematographer.

GTH

& AA

Technician Contracts

Contracts for various technical crew members such as editors, sound designers, costume designers, etc., outlining their duties and compensation.

M

Distribution Agreement

Agreements between producers and distributors specifying the distribution rights, territories, revenue-sharing, and promotional obligations.

AA

Location Agreement

Contracts for securing locations for shooting, specifying terms of use, duration, payment, and restoration responsibilities.

M

Talent Agency Contract

Agreements between talent agencies and artists for representation and management services.

M & AA

Post-Production Services Agreements

Contracts outlining terms for post- production services like editing, VFX, sound mixing, coloring and mastering.

AA

Sponsorship and Product Placement Agreements

Agreements with brands for featuring brand names/ products in the film, detailing the terms of placement and compensation.

AA

Merchandising Agreement

Contracts for creating and selling merchandise related to the film, specifying rights and revenue-sharing terms.

M

Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement

Contracts transferring intellectual property rights of the film’s content, like script or music, from creators to producers.

IA

Copyright Licensing Agreement

Agreements for licensing copyrighted material, such as music or footage, for use in the film.

IA

Exhibition Agreement

Contracts between producers and cinema halls specifying the terms for screening the film, including revenue sharing and duration.

IA

Agreements with OTT Platforms

Agreements for licensing or sale of film and film related material.

IA

Insurance Contract

Agreements covering various risks associated with film production, including cast insurance, equipment insurance, and liability insurance.

GTH

Crew Agreement

Contracts for hiring various crew members (like members for managing lights, cameras, etc.) specifying their duties, working conditions, and payment terms.

AA

Additional Service Agreements

Contracts with vendors for supply of materials necessary for shoots, food catering, decor, etc.

GTH

Waiver Letter(s)

A legal document that can protect one from future legal disputes. By signing a waiver, one may agree to waive any claims or rights that one may have against the other party.