Legal Question in Entertainment Law in Washington
who owns the film
as a student I asked a choreographer if she would like to make a short movie with me. through my school tuition I paid for the use of the super 8 camera, the film stock, it's processing and transfer to digital media as well as the permit and tripod. Officially the school is the producer even though she doesn't like that. I gave her a digital copy of all the raw footage but now she as director thinks she's entitled to ownership of the actual film reels and wants me to give them to her and does not want me to make my own edited version of the film. So do I have rights as a cinematographer and the original instigator of the project to the film reels ? or does or is it both of us? Do I have rights to make my own edited version of this production? There is no written contract or any sort. she has hired another editor to finish the film.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: who owns the film
You will want to check the agreements that you signed with the school, they may retain the rights to everything produced with their equipment. They should have a copy of that agreement whether it is a stand alone document or part of the larger agreement you signed with the school.
Once you have that document in hand you need to see an attorney. It is possible that both of you do not have rights to the footage. You can contact Washington Lawyers for the Arts. They do a clinic once a month that is either free or low cost.
I do one hour initial consults in this area of law for $75, and I would be happy to go over what your rights are once you have obtained all the documents from school if you can't make it to the Washington Lawyers for the Arts clinic or don't find satisfaction there.
Re: who owns the film
An attorney will need to know more information to answer your question. Our WA member firm can assist you with this matter.
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