Crew Deal Memo for Movie or TV Production | Canada

Screenwriters, before you submit a script for evaluation, get this Script Nondisclosure Agreement signed to protect your rights and guard against disclosure of details of the script to third parties.

• The Nondisclosure Agreement (or "NDA") should be signed by any potential producers with whom you have discussions with respect to developing and producing the script.
• The producers agree to keep all information strictly confidential and not disclose it to any third party.
• The writer is disclosing the information to the producer solely for the purpose of allowing the producer to evaluate the script for development into a film project.
• The confidential information is not to be disclosed to any party except those employees of the producer who have a need to know, and such employees must be bound by a confidentiality agreement with the producer.
• If the producer determines the script is suitable for development, the parties will commence negotiations in that regard.
• Don't let unscrupulous producers rip off your story ideas. Get a signed Script Nondisclosure Agreement.
• Available in MS Word format, fully customizable.

Would-be investors will need to see a well thought-out plan before they commit any money to your film project. Write yours with this fully editable Feature Film Business Plan template.

• The Plan includes:
  • a financial plan section, describing how the money will be raised for the project, how the funds will be used, and the assumptions on which the revenue model is based;
  • a summary of how revenues are disbursed;
  • a determination of ROI (return on investment);
  • potential income projections;
  • instructions to help you complete each section;
  • a Confidentiality Agreement to protect against disclosure of your proprietary information.
  • a disclaimer of liability regarding the accuracy and completeness of the financial information and projections contained in the Plan.
• Available in MS Word format.
• Buy and download the Feature Film Business Plan template and get started on your plan today.

Hire a screenwriter on a work-for-hire basis with this downloadable easy template for US productions.

Relationship Between the Parties

The film producer is retaining the screenwriter on a work for hire basis, as defined by U.S. copyright law. Ownership of all material developed by the screenwriter in connection with the motion picture belongs to the producer.

Compensation

The screenwriter will be paid a fixed fee, plus bonus compensation which is calculated as a percentage of net revenues for the picture, after breakeven. The screenwriter will also be accorded writing credit for any completed production.

Grant of Rights

The screenwriter grants the producers a perpetual right to use his/her name, image and voice in connection with the marketing of the motion picture. The screenwriter also assigns to the producer any rights he/she has or may have in the material developed for the motion picture.

Format and Jurisdiction

This Screenwriter Work for Hire Contract template is provided in MS Word format and is fully editable to fit your specific circumstances. It is a reusable document, making it both cost-effective and flexible.

The legal document was prepared in accordance with U.S. laws and is intended for use within the United States. However, it can be modified for use in other regions.

Do you own the rights to a project being considered for production as a motion picture? Protect those rights with this Confidentiality Agreement for Film Project.

• The Agreement should be signed by any producer or filmmaker with whom you've been discussing the possibility of developing a project using your material.
• The producer agrees to keep all information strictly confidential and not disclose it to any third party.
• The producer will use the information solely for the purpose of evaluating whether to go ahead with a film treatment of the material, and will only disclose the information to individuals that you have approved in writing.
• The producer will indemnify you against any loss or disclosure, and from all actions, claims or costs arising out of any breach of the agreement by the producers.
• Don't risk having someone else use your ideas - get them to sign the Confidentiality Agreement form before you let them see your material.
• This is a MS Word template that can be re-used as often as you like.

If you're a struggling filmmaker trying to make your movie on a shoestring budget, try the deferred compensation approach.

• This Deferred Compensation Agreement is between the producer, investors and other stakeholders in the motion picture.
• The Agreement outlines the cast, crew, budget, and production schedule of the film.
• The Agreement breaks down how revenues received by the producer from the film will be applied: first, to payment of outstanding payables, secondly to repaying the investors, and then to the other principal stakeholders.
• A Deferred Compensation Agreement allows you to reduce your upfront costs during production of the film by deferring payment until the film is generating revenues.