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.

People

Whether or not your team is going to be compensated, you should create a paper trail while you’re in production. To simplify that task, we are providing a sample personal release form. We also are providing a sample deal memo for cast and a sample deal memo for crew members.

Also included here are sections on paying your cast, and crew, including tax forms and paymaster services, and on working with SAG actors and children.

Next: Personal Releases