Understanding Legal Issues in Film Part 4: After Filming

Disclaimer
I am a law student and therefore have no legal right to provide actual legal advice.  With that being said, I know that the process of making a film, especially for young, new filmmakers, can be daunting.  I mean other than focusing on what to actually film, the legal process for filmmakers is quite extensive.  Due to this, I wish to help you young filmmakers understand what legal issues you will be facing during your creative process. This is the last of four articles that I will provide regarding these issues.  The first one dealt with legal issues while drafting the script, the second one dealt with legal issues after the writing process but before filming, the third dealt with legal issues during the filming process, and finally this fourth one will deal with the legal issues after filming is completed.  I hope that you enjoy and find this helpful.  Once again before I begin, this should not be considered legal advice, but should be issues that you should discuss with a licensed lawyer.

Hey y'all, sorry it has taken so long to finally write my next installment in my Understanding Legal Issues in Film Series.  This is part 4 and the final part in the series and will talk about what legal issues you young filmmakers will face after the filming process.  So I hope you enjoy and find this helpful.

Copyrights
Once again, one of the biggest issues you will have to face deals with copyrights.  However, in this portion of the filming process you don't have to worry about infringing on people's copyrights, this is the time where you make sure that no one infringes on your copyrights. You can do this by filing a PA form at the U.S. Copyright Office.  You should also make sure that you register the script.  One thing that you should make be aware of is that when you register the script to the U.S. Copyright Office, you need to make sure that after the writers put copyright protections on the script, they need to sign a certificate that indicates that the producers have the right to make the film.  Along with that you need to make sure that the U.S. Copyright Office knows about this signed certificate along with the producers putting copyright protection on the film and script as well.  For more information on this please visit http://www.copyright.gov/

Insurance
The next and final legal issue that you young filmmakers will face is getting Errors & Omissions Insurance or O&E.  This insurance will protect you from legal issues and will usually cover the costs of attorneys and court proceedings if any claims were to arise.  This is essential for all filmmakers for their films and something that you definitely need to talk to your attorney about.  However, if you want more information on this type of insurance, please read this incredible article.

Well that is it for what legal issues you will face and have to take care of after filming commences.  This stuff, though it may seem like busy work, is crucial to the safety and protection of your film.  With that being said, this is the end of my Understanding Legal Issues in Film series.  I hope this series has helped you and has provided you some useful information about what issues to you are likely to face while you are creating your work. Let me know if you have any questions, I am more than willing to answer them.