Legal Ease
LEGAL EASE: Why should I secure nonfiction book rights when it comes to historical events and figures? (5/06/2011)
Q: I read in the trades that a studio bought the rights to a nonfiction book based on a historical figure during the Gold Rush – Deadline. If historical events/figures are open game for the public to write about, when is it necessary to secure -- continue reading →
LEGAL EASE: What Copyright Rules Apply if I Record a Live Show for My Film? (4/26/2011)
Q: I’m a documentarian. If I were to record a live show as part of a documentary – audio and visual – am I free to use it even if there’s live music being played in the background? A: Look, I’m no math magician, but -- continue reading →
LEGAL EASE: So…what exactly is ‘Pay or Play’? (4/04/2011)
Q: I’ll keep this brief to avoid boring you to death. From my understanding, a pay or play agreement means an actor will attach themselves to the project, but if the film never makes it to production, at least the actor will still get paid. -- continue reading →
LEGAL EASE: How Do I Get My Film Off YouTube? (3/21/2011)
Q: I created a short film in film school that I’m trying to turn into a full-length feature. I set up a website that allows people to watch the film (I’m sending potential investors there instead of handing out DVDs). A buddy just sent me -- continue reading →
LEGAL EASE: What exactly are “Defined Net Proceeds”? (3/12/2011)
Q: My writing partner and I sold a script to a studio. We’ll share 5% of the “defined net proceeds.”Our manager says this means we’ll get a shot at making money if the movie is a big success, but he couldn’t explain the details.The contract -- continue reading →
LEGAL EASE: Am I okay to proceed with a script based off a novel I covered for someone else? (3/04/2011)
Q: A few months ago, I wrote coverage on a non-fiction novel for a production company. Now, I’m interested in writing a screenplay on the same subject matter. If I sell the script to another studio, can the production company sue me? Granted, it deals -- continue reading →
LEGAL EASE: How do I protect myself from idea theft? (2/17/2011)
Q: I’ve got what I think is a great idea for a script. I haven’t written anything yet but have a meeting with a producer about a different project and would like to run my idea by him. While I have a working relationship with -- continue reading →
LEGAL EASE: What are the rules for making a remake based on a classic film in the public domain? (1/31/2011)
Q: What are the rules for making a remake based on a classic film that has fallen into the public domain? Do the elements of the script fall into the public domain automatically? The film is based on a novel, which is also in the -- continue reading →
LEGAL EASE: It seems like every contract has an indemnity provision attached to it…what does that mean? (1/24/2011)
Q: I see an “indemnity” provision in every single one of my agreements and have never really understood what it means… what does it mean? A: I’ve seen Mulholland Drive six times and have never really understood what it means. That doesn’t stop me from watching -- continue reading →
LEGAL EASE: I sent my pilot out for notes, now there’s an oddly familiar TV show in the works. Should I be suspicious? (1/03/2011)
Q: I spent three years developing a pilot script for a television series I created. I sent a copy to a writer/director who I knew had ties to a cable network, and with whom I had worked on another television series. Three months later, I -- continue reading →
