For Independent Filmmakers

Welcome

Our Independent Filmmaker pages are loosely organized in the chronological order of legal and business matters you might face throughout your project -- from treatment to final cut. Please help us improve our site. If you notice an error or have a suggestion for a link or additional information, please contact us.

THIS WEB SITE HAS BEEN PREPARED FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE OR A LEGAL OPINION. ONLY YOUR ATTORNEY CAN ADVISE YOU ABOUT WHICH LAWS ARE APPLICABLE TO YOUR SPECIFIC SITUATION.

Compensation (Or Not)

Everyone should know prior to the first day of work if they will be compensated (and how much and when). No- and low-budget filmmakers often defer compensation. In other words, the cast and/or crew members agree to be paid (or receive an additional sum) only if the film is distributed commercially.

The key to this seemingly cozy practice is to be sure that all details for everyone involved are very clear and specific at the outset, including precisely how the arrangement will work and what will trigger the payment(s). The common practice is to tie deferred compensation to surplus revenue with a certain predetermined percentage being split by all those owed payment. Calculating percentages and what constitutes a profit and when can be very tricky and should involve advice from a lawyer or an accountant. Of course, this a problem we hope you will encounter!

Next: Tax Forms