Motion Picture Theatrical Distribution Agreement
Prepare a Theatrical Distribution Agreement for a single motion picture with this standard form template.
- The distributor gets exclusive and unrestricted rights to the theatrical, television and home video exhibition, distribution and exploitation of the picture, in all languages and versions, including music rights, dubbed or titled versions, and the right to edit the picture as the distributor deems necessary.
- The distributor also gets ancillary rights, including literary and music publishing rights, merchandising, soundtrack recording rights, and the right to produce additional pictures, sequels or remakes of or based on the picture.
- The producer reserves non-theatrical distribution of the picture for its own use.
- The producer has paid or will pay and discharge all copyright claims and all other claims and rights with respect to the picture and all elements, including music, contained in the picture.
- The distributor will have no contractual obligation under any contract or license made by the producer in connection with the picture.
- The distributor will not be responsible for any payments to performing rights societies, unions and organizations, or for payment of any taxes or other amounts owing in connection with the distribution or exhibition of the picture.
- The distributor will have complete, exclusive and unrestricted control over the distribution and exploitation of the picture (directly or through any sub-distributor or licensee).
- The producer will be responsible for securing any necessary import permits or licenses.
- Delivery Manifest,
- Definition of Gross and Net Receipts,
- Certificate of Authorship,
- Short-Form Assignment,
- Certificate of Origin.
This standard form Motion Picture Theatrical Distribution Agreement is a comprehensive and customizable template that includes all the paperwork you need to get the deal done.
Assignment by Author of Copyright in Written Work
Use this easy template Assignment of Copyright to transfer intellectual property rights in a written work.
Purpose of Assignment Agreement
The author assigns all of the author's worldwide copyright in a specified written work over to a publisher or other third party assignee.
Author's Rights
The author retains a personal license to use extracts from the work, but the author must obtain the assignee's permission before using all or a large portion of the work.
Indemnity
The author indemnifies the assignee against any infringement claims resulting from publication of the work.
Format and Use of Template
This Assignment of Copyright template is available in MS Word format. It is fully editable and reusable. Every publisher - print or digital - should have an Assignment of Copyright form available for authors to sign when dealing with any copyrighted work.
This is a generic legal form which can be used almost anywhere. In some jurisdictions, a statutory form may be required.
Work for Hire Agreement for Artists and Writers | USA
Retain illustrators, writers, editors and other independent contractors with this USA Work for Hire Agreement template.
Who can use this Agreement?
Publishing houses and independent publishers can use the contract template to retain the services they need to publish printed or digital content.
Work for hire contracts are the most advantageous arrangements for a publisher. Get this downloadable template contract and tailor it to your exact requirements.
Key Points of Contract
- Work Made for Hire. The contractor agrees to provide the publisher with the services and create the work strictly on a work made for hire basis, for a one-time fee.
- Ownership of Work. The publisher will retain sole ownership and title to the work created by the contractor under the Agreement.
Format and Scope of Document
This is a reusable legal template in MS Word format. Buy and download the form, use it as often as you require.
The Work for Hire Agreement template was prepared in accordance with the laws of the United States and should only be used within that jurisdiction.
Option Agreement for Rights to Original Screenplay
Secure your option for worldwide rights to an original screenplay with this Option Agreement template.
Who are the parties to the Option Agreement?
The parties to the Option Agreement are (i) the writer of the screenplay, and (ii) a film producer seeking to option global motion picture, exploitation and merchandising rights for the screenplay.
What rights are granted under the option?
The writer grants the producer an exclusive and irrevocable option to purchase the rights to the screenplay.
If the option is exercised, the producer would have the right to make sequels, prequels, remakes and TV series based on the work, for which the writer will be paid a percentage of the net profits.
What is included in the template?
This downloadable template also includes:
- Short Form Option Agreement for recording at the Copyright Office,
- Short Form Copyright Assignment, and
- Quitclaim Release of Interest in Literary Property.
Format and Legal Applicability
The Option Agreement for Rights to Original Screenplay is a downloadable and fully editable MS Word document. Buy the form once, use it as often as needed.
This is a generic legal document which can be used almost anywhere.
Definition of Net Profits (Film Distribution)
This is a 5-page schedule that defines and clarifies what constitutes net profits, receipts, and expenses in a film distribution agreement.
This schedule can be attached to any film industry contract in which fees, royalties and other payments are calculated based on income derived from:- license fees,
- residuals,
- distribution fees,
- theatrical and/or non-theatrical receipts,
- television and video receipts,
- other income from the film except for excluded items and net of any distribution expenses, taxes, and other costs.
