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Articles on filmmaking technique, production planning, and industry knowledge.
Showing 9 of 9 posts
How to Read a Distribution Contract: The 12 Clauses That Determine Whether You Get Paid
Distribution contracts are long, dense, and written to favor the distributor. A plain-language guide to the 12 clauses that actually determine your financial outcome -- what each one means, what the standard position is, and what a filmmaker-favorable version looks like.
E&O Insurance Rejections: Why They Happen and How to Fix Your Chain of Title
Covers the specific reasons E&O applications are rejected -- including chain of title gaps, clearance failures, undocumented music rights, and incomplete copyright registrations -- with a step-by-step remediation checklist for each defect type.
Chain of Title Problems: How to Find and Fix Them Before Distribution
Covers the most common chain of title defects that delay or block distribution deals -- including missing copyright assignments, undocumented source material rights, and writer agreement gaps -- with a step-by-step audit and repair checklist.
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.
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.
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.
Revenue Splits for Filmmakers: Producers, Directors, Writers, and Co-Producers
How to structure a fair revenue split, common split disputes, how deferred compensation works, and what happens when a film sells for more or less than expected. Includes a model split sheet for a 5-person creative team.
Film Royalties: How They're Calculated, Who Gets Paid, and When
Covers gross vs. net royalties, participation tiers, how WGA and SAG residuals interact with producer royalties, and how to model different revenue scenarios with the royalty calculator.
Film Distribution Deals Explained: What Every Clause Actually Means
A clause-by-clause breakdown of a standard distribution agreement -- gross vs. net, MG vs. advance, expense caps, territory splits, delivery requirements, and reversion rights. The reference guide for every deal question.