Showrunner Agreements

When your project is ready, it is time to secure an agent or "showrunner" to pitch it to a network or large production company. They typically have the valuable contacts needed, but understand that there are no qualifications needed to be a showrunner. The agreement that you sign with them set the terms of your deal. I can help you negotiate this agreement to ensure that it is not unreasonable.

Development Deals

Before a network or established production company will consider offering you a development deal you must have contracts in place with all contributors. Your project needs clearances for film clips, music, logos, art, pictures, locations, and third parties to avoid defamation, publicity, and privacy issues. I can help you get the legal issues in order, and negotiate the best terms possible with the network.

Project Financing

There are many types of financing for a project and usually success is achieved by piecing together multiple sources. Each type usually has pros and cons associated with it. I have experience facilitating fundraising efforts for various types of financing, including personal loans, equity investments, crowdsourcing, product placements, sponsorships, and other creative financing methods.

Principal Shoot

Your production requires a myriad of agreements, including crew members and other workers that will be on set. You also may need to secure E&O insurance and comply with other formalities in pre-production and during the principal shoot. I will help you structure your deals so that you do not over commit and provide an opinion letter in support of your insurance application, if needed.

Talent and Participants

Once your rights, and at least a portion of your financing, are secured, you will need to enter into contracts with talent, including executive producers and co-producers, and participants. Obtaining a properly drafted release has become a tested legal issue recently. Our firm will carefully draft and negotiate your agreements to comply with the latest court findings.

Collaborative Agreements

Before individuals or companies embark on the long journey of creating a project, it is crucial to understand the relationship of the core team. I will help structure and memorialize the internal agreements between collaborators to minimize the chances of a dispute in the future, addressing terms such as control, compensation, credits and ownership.