Option Agreement for Rights to Life Story

Secure your option for worldwide motion picture, exploitation and merchandising rights to an original screenplay from the screenwriter with this Option Agreement template.

• The writer grants the producer an exclusive and irrevocable option to purchase the rights to the work.
• The producer has 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.
• The file includes a Short Form Option Agreement for recording at the Copyright Office, and a Short Form Copyright Assignment.
• Also included is a Quitclaim Release of Interest in Literary Property.
• Available in MS Word format.

Secure the exclusive perpetual worldwide rights to depict a person's likeness, voice, personal experiences and life story in a film and/or television program with this Depiction Consent and Release.

• The producers agree to pay the person a specified amount when production commences on each project, and in the case of episodic television, a royalty for each episode.
• The form contains a reversion clause which states that if production has not begun within a certain time period, all of the rights granted will revert back to the person.
• The person releases the production company from any liability for claims, damages or legal actions for libel, defamation, copyright, invasion of privacy or any other right relating to the producer's use of the rights granted.
• The Depiction Consent and Release form is ideal for documentary films or for biographical film projects.
• This is a generic form which can be used anywhere.

Exercise your option to acquire the rights to an original screenplay with this Film Rights Acquisition Agreement.

• The option is being exercised by the film producer under the terms of a prior Option Agreement between the screenplay owner and the film producer.
• The screenplay owner grants the producer the right to produce a motion picture, adapt the work for the screen, record a sound track, assign or license the rights, exercise distribution rights, and make prequels and/or sequels using the same characters.
• The producer also has the right to register worldwide copyright with respect to all motion pictures and products created from the screenplay.
• The screenplay owner will receive payment of the exercise price and a percentage of net receipts as a royalty.
• If principal photography on a film treatment has not commenced within 5 years of the date of the Agreement, the owner has the right to re-acquire the rights to the screenplay (a right of reversion).
• The owner waives all moral rights in the screenplay.
• The owner will receive an author credit on every copy of the film and in all publicity and advertising.
• This is a downloadable and customizable digital document in MS Word format.

Introduction to Investor Financing Agreement

Securing financial backing is essential for getting a feature film into production. One of the most effective ways to formalize this process is by entering into a Motion Picture Investor Financing Agreement.

Investment Structure

Under this agreement, the investor commits to providing the necessary production funds. These funds will be deposited into an escrow account, ensuring that the money is safeguarded and only released to the production company after specific conditions are satisfied. A key condition is the execution of a film completion guaranty, which provides additional security for both parties.

Repayment and Profit Participation

Once the film has a domestic theatrical release, the investor is entitled to repayment of the invested amount plus interest, drawn from the net profits generated. Beyond recouping their initial investment, the investor is also granted the opportunity to share in the net profits, up to an agreed-upon percentage, providing a potential for additional returns.

Investor Rights

The agreement grants the investor significant approval rights regarding various aspects of the film’s production. These include the proposed budget, casting choices, selection of the producer and director, and decisions related to distribution. Such approval rights help ensure that the investor’s interests are protected throughout the filmmaking process.

Agreement Availability

For filmmakers, having the necessary funds is crucial to launching a movie project. The Motion Picture Investor Financing Agreement provides a comprehensive and editable contract template, available in Word format, which can be tailored to suit specific project requirements. Downloading this agreement for your contracts library is a practical step toward securing investment and moving your film project forward.

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Protect your company's rights in technology developed by an employee with this Acknowledgement of Joint Ownership of Intellectual Property.

• If your employees are actively involved in the development and creation of intellectual property as a function of their job, they should sign an Acknowledgement of Joint Ownership form.
• The employee acknowledges that certain materials developed during the course of his or her employment are jointly owned by the employee and the employer, including any intellectual property rights in the materials.
• Failure to get it in writing could result in lengthy and expensive legal claims.
• The Acknowledgement form is generic (not specific to any country) and can be used anywhere.
• This is a reusable legal form. Buy it, download it, and use it as often as you need to.