Legal Question in Intellectual Property in California

Who owns the footage?

If the writer-director has a non-work-for-hire contract to produce write, direct and produce a film in association with a second production company but (per contract) holds all copyrights and ownership of the film until the film is complete and there is a distribution deal does the writer-director-producer own all the footage shot to date if the film is still not complete?


Asked on 7/09/07, 2:13 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Charles Williamson Charles J. Williamson, Attorney At Law

Re: Who owns the footage?

Impossible to answer without reviewing the contract(s) involved. Sorry.

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Answered on 7/09/07, 2:27 pm
Gordon Firemark Law Offices of Gordon P. Firemark

Re: Who owns the footage?

The facts you state are very unusual, and may reflect some misinterpretation of the contracts. Without reviewing the documents, it's impossible to advise you.

Please feel free to contact me for an appointment, and we'll take a look.

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Answered on 7/09/07, 2:32 pm
Johm Smith tom's

Re: Who owns the footage?

I think the footage will contain more rights than arise from the screenplay, e.g., the rights of the actors. All these would have to be covered by your agreement or they are then not covered.

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Answered on 7/09/07, 8:48 pm


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