Screenwriter Work for Hire Contract | USA

You've commissioned an original screenplay from a writer. Now get the writer to sign this Certificate of Authorship. The screenwriter certifies that:

• The screenplay was written as a work made for hire commissioned by the producer, and that the producer is deemed to be the author of the work.
• The work is original and not in the public domain, has not been adapted and does not violate or infringe upon any other person's statutory or common law rights.
• The producer owns all right and title to the screenplay, and has the right to make any changes to the material, and the writer waives all moral rights (”droit moral”).
• The writer will not make any claims or demands against any assignee or successor in interest of the producer.
• The writer will have no right to enjoin or restrain the distribution or exploitation of any motion picture or other material based on the screenplay.
• The Certificate of Authorship of Screenplay form is an important part of the documentation you need to establish your rights to the material. Download it for your production forms library.

Screenwriters, before you submit a script for evaluation, get this Script Nondisclosure Agreement signed to protect your rights and guard against disclosure of details of the script to third parties.

• The Nondisclosure Agreement (or "NDA") should be signed by any potential producers with whom you have discussions with respect to developing and producing the script.
• The producers agree to keep all information strictly confidential and not disclose it to any third party.
• The writer is disclosing the information to the producer solely for the purpose of allowing the producer to evaluate the script for development into a film project.
• The confidential information is not to be disclosed to any party except those employees of the producer who have a need to know, and such employees must be bound by a confidentiality agreement with the producer.
• If the producer determines the script is suitable for development, the parties will commence negotiations in that regard.

Don't let unscrupulous producers rip off your story ideas. Get a signed Script Nondisclosure Agreement.

Get this Performer Release and Consent Form signed by every actor or other performer in a film or television production.

• The performer releases the producers of the project from future claims.
• The release grants the producers the perpetual right to use the performer's image, likeness or voice recordings in connection with the film.
• The performer agrees to be available for reshoots if and when required.
• The performer waives his/her right to bring suit against the producers with respect to the production at any time in the future.
• A signed Release and Consent Form should be obtained from every performer before shooting starts.
• Available in MS Word format.
• This is a generic form that can be used practically anywhere.

Would-be investors will need to see a well thought-out plan before they commit any money to your film project. Write yours with this fully editable Feature Film Business Plan template.

• The Plan includes:
  • a financial plan section, describing how the money will be raised for the project, how the funds will be used, and the assumptions on which the revenue model is based;
  • a summary of how revenues are disbursed;
  • a determination of ROI (return on investment);
  • potential income projections;
  • instructions to help you complete each section;
  • a Confidentiality Agreement to protect against disclosure of your proprietary information.
  • a disclaimer of liability regarding the accuracy and completeness of the financial information and projections contained in the Plan.
• Available in MS Word format.
• Buy and download the Feature Film Business Plan template and get started on your plan today.

Prepare a professional agency contract for a client quickly and easily with this Literary Management Representation Agreement for screenwriters.

• The manager will be paid a percentage of any gross compensation paid to the screenwriter for any work procured under the Agreement.
• The manager has the right to produce and package any script by the screenwriter and is entitled to producer's fees and credits for production and distribution.
• The parties agree that the contract is between the writer and the manager as individuals, and not with any firm, agency or other entity that the manager is employed by.
• This is a generic legal contract which is not country-specific and can be used almost anywhere.
• If you represent screenwriters, then this Literary Management Representation Agreement is an ideal template for you. You can personalize each copy, customize it to reflect your unique services, and re-use it as often as your business requires.