Film and TV Contracts

Create a Personal Props List for each actor in a film or television production with this free easy-to-use template form.

• The props list allows the Props Department to track personal props by actor and/or character.
• The tracking list helps to ensure that all the items are on set before filming each scene.
• This is a MS Word template which can be filled in electronically or printed out in blank and filled in by hand.
• Don't take a chance on losing or misplacing important props. Keep track of everything with this Actor and Character Personal Props List.

Write up the terms on which a performer will be hired for a motion picture with this USA Actor Deal Memo.

• The contract contains provisions for both SAG and non-union performers. Just choose the appropriate clauses for your project.
• The wardrobe clause states that the actor will provide all wardrobe items, other than period costumes or specialty items which will be provided by the producer. You can amend this provision to fit the circumstances.
• The producer has exclusive right to use the actor's name and likeness in connection with the picture. The producer will also have all merchandising rights, and will pay the actor a pro rata share of the gross revenues (less distribution fees) derived from the use of the actor's name or likeness in connection with merchandising.
• The contract contains two dispute resolution clauses, one for SAG actors and one for non-union actors.
• The contract also contains an employment eligibility requirement, in accordance with US immigration laws.
• The performer gives the producer the right to make deductions from the performer's pay and remit them to the Motion Picture and Television Relief Fund.

Somebody has to write those deal memos. It's easy if you use the downloadable, customizable USA Actor Deal Memo template.

Hire a non-union day player for a film or television production with this Actor Employment Agreement.

• The actor will provide his/her own wardrobe, except for period costumes or specialty items which will be provided by the production company.
• The film's producer represents that it is not a party to any Screen Actors Guild collective bargaining agreement, and the performer warrants that he/she is not a member of any union or guild which would prevent the performer from working on the picture.
• The actor gives the producer the exclusive right to use the actor's name and likeness in connection with the picture. The producer will also hold all merchandising rights, and will pay the actor a pro rata share of the gross revenues derived from the use of the actor's name or likeness in connection with merchandising.
• The contract includes an employment eligibility clause as required by U.S. laws, which can be deleted for Canadian film productions.
• The Actor Employment Agreement for Non-Union Day Performers is a fully customizable template. You can use it in both the United States and in Canada.

Hire an actor on a loan-out basis with this USA Actor Loan Out Agreement for SAG Members.

• The performer will provide his/her services during principal photography, as well as pre-production (rehearsals, production meetings, etc.) and post-production services (reshoots, ADR, etc.).
• The actor will be paid a weekly rate for the services rendered, and a portion of the net profits of the picture as deferred compensation.
• The relationship between the actor and the producer is not that of employee and employer. The actor is an employee of his/her loan-out corporation, and not the producer. The corporation is responsible for withholding and/or paying all amounts required to be paid with respect to the actor's employment and compensation.
• The actor will be provided with transportation, a vehicle, an expense allowance, living accommodation, and dressing room facilities.
• The actor will get screen credit and credit in paid advertising for the motion picture.
• The actor agrees not to do anything that is prohibited under any policy of insurance covering the actor that is obtained by the producer.
• The file includes a Letter of Inducement from the performer, which makes representations about the performer's relationship to the loan-out corporation, and indemnifies the producer against any claims resulting from the performer's work on the picture.
• You can customize the USA Actor Loan Out Agreement for SAG Members, and re-use it on future film projects. Download your copy now.

Hire an independent filmmaker to produce feature films and videos for the adult market with this Adult Film Production Agreement template.

• The filmmaker (producer) will produce the films for a studio that produces and markets a variety of adult products for sale through retail outlets and online.
• The producer agrees to produce and deliver a minimum number of films during each year of the term of the Agreement. Each film will be produced in two versions, one hard and one soft.
• Upon payment for each film delivered, all rights in the film will transfer to the studio.
• The producer agrees to be available for activities to promote the films, which will be paid for by the studio.
• This is a non-exclusive contract. The producer is free to produce his own films, or to work with other studios during the term of the Agreement.
• The Adult Film Production Agreement is a comprehensive digital template which can be customized for your unique and special circumstances.

This Amateur Theater Production Checklist runs through all the matters you need to address before producing and staging a play or musical:

• finding a suitable project and getting authorization from the copyright holder to perform the play,
• locating and renting a theater venue to stage the production (if you don't already have one),
• drawing up a budget,
• deciding on a director, production designer, stage manager, costume designer, and other necessary personnel,
• arranging for liability insurance,
• auditions, casting, and rehearsals,
• arranging publicity for the production,
• staging the performances,
• looking after post-production details.

Download the Amateur Theater Production Checklist before your next stage production. It will help you stay organized. And it's free!

Hire animals to perform in a movie or television production with this Animal Performer Agreement.

• The contract can be used to acquire the services of horses, dogs, cats, birds, or any other animal performers required by the script.
• The animal's owner will have the animals available on the shooting dates and at the location(s) specified.
• The animals will be accompanied at all times by an experienced trainer / handler.
• The owner will ensure that the animals are kept safe and secure, and that they do not at any time pose a threat to persons or other animals, both on and off the set.
• The owner must ensure that all rules and guidelines of the SPCA are followed, and that all laws and regulations governing animal safety are obeyed, to ensure the animals' safety and well being.
• This Animal Performer Agreement template is available in MS Word format.

Get a release from a performer for a TV, radio or online show with this downloadable Artist Broadcast Release form.

• The artist grants the producers of the program the right to record and broadcast the artist's voice and/or musical performance, but ONLY for purposes of the broadcast.
• The artist waives all right to royalties or other compensation for the performance.
• The template includes a signature section by a parent or guardian, for performers who are minors.
• Make sure you get a signed Release from each artist involved in the TV or radio program prior to the broadcast. You can re-use this digital template as often as you like.

Rent theatrical backdrops for stage sets, portrait sessions, photography studios, and film projects with this downloadable Backdrop Rental Agreement.

• shipping of items for out-of-town locations;
• security deposit and rental fees;
• rentals to tax exempt organizations, such as church theater groups;
• policy for cancellations and late returns;
• loss or damage must be paid for by the customer;
• alterations;
• insurance.

Scenery and backdrops are costly items. A good rental contract is essential to protect against loss or damage. Get the Backdrop Rental Agreement template for your shop - it's customizable and easy to use.

Secure the rights to use certain music for a motion picture with this Blanket Synchronization, Performing, Master Use and Mechanical License.

• The copyright owner grants the film producer a nonexclusive perpetual worldwide right to record, reproduce, distribute, perform, export, sell and otherwise use the musical composition only in synchronization or timed relation with the motion picture.
• The film producer also has the right to record, distribute, sell and promote a soundtrack album using the composition, and to release the composition as a single.
• The producer will pay the owner a specified license fee immediately following the commercial release of the film.
• The producer will also pay ongoing royalties for sales of the soundtrack album.
• If the music is used in the finished film, the copyright owner will be given a credit in the titles.
• Available in MS Word format and fully customizable ti fit your needs.