​Film and television productions bring together intellectual property, talent, production companies, writers, directors, distributors, financiers and a wide range of creative and commercial contributors.

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The legal framework behind a production needs to accommodate all of these relationships while protecting the underlying intellectual property and ensuring the project can be developed, produced, distributed and commercialised.

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EL Creative Counsel provides practical legal advice to businesses, producers, production companies and creative professionals working across film and television.

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We can assist with:

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• Film production agreements

• Television production agreements

• Development agreements

• Producer agreements

• Writer and screenwriter agreements

• Director agreements

• Talent agreements

• Production services agreements

• Co-production arrangements

• Distribution agreements

• Format rights

• Copyright and IP

• Music licensing

• Rights clearances

• Location releases

• Talent releases

• Archive and third-party content

• Commercialisation and licensing

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Development & production

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The legal work behind a film or television project can begin long before cameras start rolling.

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Development arrangements may involve scripts, concepts, underlying works, options, writers, producers and intellectual property rights.

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As a project moves into production, additional agreements may be required with directors, performers, production companies, contractors and suppliers.

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We help clients establish clear rights and responsibilities at each stage.

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Talent, writers & directors

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Film and television productions rely on creative talent. Agreements with writers, directors, actors, presenters and other contributors should clearly address their role, remuneration, intellectual property, credit, approvals and permitted use.

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We help structure these arrangements so that expectations are clear before production begins.

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Distribution & commercialisation

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Producing content is only part of the commercial journey.

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Distribution, licensing, international exploitation, merchandising, format rights and other commercial opportunities can create additional value from a successful production.

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We help clients understand and document the rights required to commercialise content across different markets and platforms.

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Rights clearances

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A production can incorporate a wide range of third-party material, including music, artwork, brands, photographs, archival footage and other copyrighted material.

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Obtaining the appropriate permissions before release can be critical to protecting the production and avoiding unnecessary disputes.

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From development through to distribution, build the legal foundations around the creative vision.

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Let's make sure the rights are properly covered before you press publish.​ Book a call.