Business Forms

Make sure your film distributors sign this Distributor Assumption Agreement to comply with SAG requirements for payment of residuals.

This agreement is designed to guarantee that Screen Actors Guild (SAG) members receive the residuals they are owed for their participation in your film. To comply with SAG requirements, it is essential that your film distributors sign the Distributor Assumption Agreement.

Purpose of Agreement

SAG mandates that all movie producers obtain signed assumption agreements from their distributors. By signing, the distributor agrees to pay residual payments directly to SAG, rather than to the producer. This process ensures transparency and that SAG members are compensated appropriately and in a timely manner.

Key Provisions of the Agreement

• Payment Terms: The agreement specifies how and when residuals are to be paid to SAG.
• Reporting Requirements: Distributors must submit regular reports detailing residual payments and the associated revenues.
• Audit Rights: SAG retains the right to inspect the distributor’s accounting records to verify revenues earned by the film and the residuals paid.

Applicability

It is important to note that both union and non-union filmmakers must adhere to SAG's residual payment requirements. Compliance is mandatory regardless of the filmmaker's union status.

Obtaining the Agreement

The customizable MS Word template will download automatically to your device immediately after your purchase transaction is completed. Buy once, use it for all your film projects.

Do you need extras and background performers for your film or television production? Sign them up with this standard Film Extras Employment Agreement.

• The performer will not be paid additional wages for weekends, overtime or holidays.
• The performer will get regular meal breaks and food services.
• Screen credit will be at the producer's discretion.
• The contract includes an immigration verification employment eligibility clause for USA contracts.
• The parties agree to have any disputes handled in accordance with AFMA arbitration rules.
• The form includes a Release Form authorizing the producer to use the performer's name and likeness, and confirming that the performer's services were rendered as a work made for hire.
• You can customize the Film Extras Employment Agreement for each project and reuse it as often as needed.

This Film Festival Submission and Clearance Form should be completed and submitted by all filmmakers who want to enter their film in your event.

• The filmmaker retains full ownership of the film.
• The festival promoter has the right to screen the film and to use clips from the film for promotional purposes.
• The festival promoter may, at its option, include the film on a DVD release or as part of a broadcast of the festival series.
• The Film Festival Submission and Clearance Form is a downloadable digital template which can be edited, customized and used year after year.

Sign a contract with a property owner to use their home or land as a location in a motion picture with this Film Location Agreement.

• The owner of the property will permit the production company to use the property in connection with the production, exhibition, advertising and promotion of the film, in return for a per diem fee.
• The owner may also receive a screen credit, at the producer's discretion.
• The owner agrees that the production company may make alterations to the location as required, provided that they first obtain the owner's written permission.
• The owner indemnifies the production company and releases them from any liability, claims or demands.
• This template is available in MS Word format and is fully customizable so it can be used on multiple locations and on subsequent film projects.

Are you doing location filming? You need this Film Location Contact List.

• When on location, your crew needs a list of the property owners and other persons that would need to be contacted if there were any problems (lost keys, no access, damage to property, etc).
• Fill out the form with the relevant information for each person and provide copies to every department.
• The form is a MS Word template which can be filled in electronically or by hand.
• Reusable and customizable.

Before shooting begins, have the location manager complete this Film Location Fire Safety Inspection Checklist.

• The inspection should be conducted to ensure maximum protection of all cast and crew and to reduce the production company's liability for loss or damage claims.
• Use the checklist to record information about:
  • permits required,
  • access, exits and fire lanes,
  • designated parking areas,
  • special effects requiring pyrotechnics,
  • any flammable materials to be used on site,
  • welding, cutting and grinding,
  • electrical and lighting,
  • smoking restrictions,
  • firefighting materials and fire safety measures to be employed.
• Don't take chances with the lives of your cast and crew. Get a copy of the Film Location Fire Safety Inspection Checklist for your location department.

Use this easy template to write a Location Scouting Report for a film or TV production.

The report includes:

• Contact information for the property owners.
• Which scenes are being considered for shooting there.
• Day/night and interior/exterior shots.
• What sort of security and emergency services are needed.
• Dimensions and finishes.
• Light sources and sound environment.
• Access to electrical supply.
• Facilities and parking available.
• Special problems or considerations.

The Film Location Scouting Report form can be tailored to your specific requirements. Don't leave home without it.

Every filmmaker knows you can't make a movie without a producer. Hire one for your project with this downloadable Film Producer Employment Contract.

• The producer will be responsible for supervising and assisting with different aspects of the film making, including cast auditions, location scouting, hiring crew, photography, editing, and post-production.
• The producer will receive a weekly salary, as well as deferred compensation (in first position of all contingent deferments), and contingent compensation.
• The production company will have complete control of the production of the film and will own all rights to the motion picture, including all intellectual property rights.
• The producer agrees to assign to the production company all rights in any material that he/she may have been responsible for writing or creating.
• The producer will be entitled to a producing credit on all prints of the film and in paid advertising.
• The parties agree to submit any disputes to AFMA arbitration.
• This contract can be tailored for each specific project and re-used again and again, which saves you money.

Hire an agent to arrange completion financing and worldwide distribution of your motion picture with this Film Producer Representative Agreement.

• The agent's appointment is exclusive and the producer agrees not to circumvent the agent, or arrange for financing or distribution services through any other party during the term of the Agreement.
• The agent will draft and negotiate distribution agreements, and provide consultation services to the producer. In addition to a flat fee against a percentage of the gross revenues of the picture, the agent has the right to receive a screen credit.
• The agent has a lien on the gross revenues of the picture, and on any claims of action subject to the agent's representation, and this provision will survive the termination of the Agreement.
• The parties agree to AFMA arbitration in the event of a dispute.
• Download the Film Producer Representative Agreement for your distribution contracts library.

There are a lot of people working on every film or TV production. As the producer, it's your job to keep them safe. Make sure they all have a copy of this Film Production Health and Safety Manual.

• filming in and around vehicles (cars, aircraft, trains),
• working with animals,
• excavation, demolition, construction,
• firearms and other weapons,
• hazardous ⁄ toxic substances,
• cranes, hoists, elevating platforms,
• lighting and electrical safety,
• outdoor, wilderness and water locations,
• personal protective gear and clothing,
• stunts and special effects,
• fire, smoke and fog.

Implementing health and safety measures not only reduces accidents and injuries, it may lower your insurance premiums. The Film Production Health and Safety Manual should be part of every production company's employee documentation.