Blog

Articles on filmmaking technique, production planning, and industry knowledge.

Showing 5 of 5 posts

Tag: Contracts
Filmmaker reviewing a distribution contract at a desk with documents and a pen
Finance10 min read

When to Walk Away from a Distribution Deal (And What to Do Instead)

Covers the specific contractual terms, financial structures, and market conditions that justify rejecting or exiting a distribution deal -- including how to evaluate minimum guarantee amounts, rights reversion clauses, and the alternative paths available when a deal is not worth taking.

DistributionFinanceContracts
Person reviewing a film distribution contract at a desk with legal documents and a pen
Finance9 min read

What Happens to Your Film If Your Sales Agent Goes Out of Business?

Covers the legal and practical implications when a film's international sales agent closes, folds, or becomes insolvent -- including how to recover your rights, what happens to existing sub-distribution deals, and how to reposition the film for new representation.

Sales AgentDistributionFinance
Close-up of a fountain pen signing a production contract representing SAG-AFTRA film union agreements
Production8 min read

SAG-AFTRA Ultra Low Budget vs. Modified Low Budget: Which Agreement Fits Your Film?

A side-by-side comparison of the SAG-AFTRA Ultra Low Budget and Modified Low Budget agreements, covering budget thresholds, scale rates, pension and health obligations, residual structures, and the practical casting implications for indie productions.

SAG-AFTRAProductionBudget
Two producers shaking hands over a co-production agreement with legal documents on the table
Finance14 min read

Film Co-Production Agreements: How to Structure a Deal That Protects Everyone

Covers the legal and financial mechanics of co-production agreements -- IP ownership, territory splits, credit allocation, budget contribution ratios, and how treaty co-productions work. Includes a model term sheet.

Co-ProductionContractsFinance
Filmmaker reviewing a contract document at a desk with pen in hand
Career15 min read

Film Contracts 101: What Indie Filmmakers Need to Know Before Signing Anything

A plain-language explanation of the most common film contracts -- crew deal memos, location agreements, distribution contracts, and co-production agreements -- with the key clauses to check in each.

ContractsLegalIndie