When filming on private property, a location agreement is a must.  Not only does this agreement protect the production company against claims such as trespass, but will be required when securing distribution and E&O insurance.  Every filmmaker should have a good form agreement that is readily available on set (and can be used on different shoots).

We’ve entered pre-production – what a glorious time in the life of a film.  During this stage, the production company’s legal counsel puts pen to paper to create the myriad of legal contracts the production company needs to ensure it has rights in all of the various elements of the film and that it is protected from unforeseen occurrences during principal photography. The most common of these contracts are employment agreements, location releases and insurance contracts.