Film and TV Contracts

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.

Issue a letter of credit for a loan to fund the production of a motion picture with this template Letter of Credit for Film Production.

• The Letter of Credit (LOC) sets out the procedure the filmmaker must follow to make a draw against the production loan funds.
• The LOC will be effective for a specified number of days following the commencement of principal photography, and may be renewed and extended for an additional period if required.
• The LOC is irrevocable.
• The form also includes a letter to be signed by the completion guarantors confirming delivery of the film and/or digital materials.
• Available in MS Word format. Fully customizable.

Are you financing a motion picture project? Make sure you get repaid - have the filmmakers sign this Film Production Promissory Note with Guarantee.

• If the producers default in repaying the loan, the entire amount of principal and interest secured by the Note will become immediately due.
• Interest on any overdue amounts will increase to a higher rate, or to the maximum legal rate (If higher).
• The guarantor executing the Note guarantees repayment of the full amount of the outstanding debt if the maker of the Note defaults.
• The Film Production Promissory Note with Guarantee is a fully editable film industry form which is easy to customize.

Safety rules are essential on a film shoot. Prepare a set of Production Safety Guidelines with this easy-to-use template, and pass it around to everyone at your regular safety meetings.

• These guidelines are not suggestions - they are mandatory, and must be followed by all cast and crew during filming, whether on location or in the studio.
• The Guidelines cover:
  • ways to prevent injury and illness on set;
  • safety rules that must be strictly followed;
  • reporting violations or hazards;
  • safety meetings and records of meetings;
  • disciplinary action for violations;
  • how to prepare injury / illness reports;
  • responsibility of employees for safety of themselves and others.
• Failure to educate your employees and contractors about proper safety measures could leave you liable in the event of death or injury.

Indie filmmakers can track their daily shooting schedule with this downloadable template for film and television productions.

• The schedule sheet breaks down each day's shooting by:
  • scene numbers, day/night, interior/exterior, location and action shot,
  • page numbers and total pages shot,
  • cast, extras, animals,
  • props, set dressing, special equipment, vehicles,
  • sound, camera, additional labor,
  • costumes, makeup,
  • visual and special effects,
  • video and music playback.
• Available as a customizable and reusable MS Word template.

Make sure all your cast and crew know what the standard operating procedures are for your film production. Write them up using this customizable template which covers procedures for:

• approvals;
• day calls;
• overtime and upgrades;
• daily production reports;
• purchases and purchase orders;
• petty cash and check requisitions;
• payroll and time sheets;
• personal vehicle and box ⁄ kit rentals;
• recoverable assets;
• promotions;
• per diem and incidentals on out-of-town locations;
• traffic accidents and tickets;
• cell phones;
• office supplies and furniture;
• safety and personal injury;
• production loss or damage;
• lost or stolen property.

You could write up your own set of Standard Operating Procedures for the production. Or you can buy and download this one and save yourself countless hours of work. Tough decision, huh?