Clearance and Copyright: Everything the Independent Filmmaker Needs to Know

by Michael C. Donaldson and Lisa A. Callif

Book Overview

In this guide for independent filmmakers, entertainment lawyer Donaldson addresses copyright and clearance questions using a minimum of legal jargon. The text is organized in the chronological order... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 187950572X
• ISBN13: 9781879505728
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Silman-James Press
• Length: 398 Pages
• Weight: 1.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Indie Filmmakers need this for their libraries

As an Independent Filmmaker, this was one of the first books I purchased when I was starting out. Invaluable is an understatement. Basic Templates are given for most of the basic forms needed. Clear explanantion of copyright, trademark, music, hiring, etc is given. I've found that you never know enough on any of those subjects and this book is an excellent starting point. If I can understand it, anybody can. Recommended.

Michael C. Donaldson is the Expert

I'm a filmmaker who appreciates good information and in this business information is key. The layout of the book is great with clear chapter titles making it very easy navigate to exactly what you need. This is the kind of book that can save you alot of time, money and headache in the long-run. Very well written, Donaldson is the ideal teacher for those of us unfamiliar with entertainment law. If you are an independent film producer this is a MUST HAVE resource.

Excellent intro to this topic for non-lawyers.

Good solid basic introduction to the legal aspects of clearance and copyrights for all video and filmmakers and photographers. Language is clear English (not legalise, like so many books on the topic - even many written for laymen). Book even has generic forms that can be used to obtain clearance for variety of purposes. Explains copyright application process clearly and succinctly. All video and filmmakers and photographers expecting to make products for the commercial marketplace should read this book. It also serves as an excellent reference so after it has been read can (and should) be kept amongst one's references.

Invaluable resource for film makers

This book gets constant use in my library. As a documentary film maker and owner of a production company, Donaldson's sound advice gives us security knowing that we have completed the proper steps to secure our rights and the rights for "borrowed" film clips used within our documentaries. It is written in clear everyday language so no need to fear the legal-ease. Clearance and Copyright is an invaluable resource for production companies and film makers alike.

Must Have for Indy Filmmakers

If you are serious about making films and in particular documentaries, this is a great book and valuable resource. I can't count the number of times I've consulted it.It clears up a great deal of the myths surrounding 'fair use' and 'pubic domain'. Many filmmakers wrongly consider a wide variety of things as 'fair use' or 'public domain' and would be well advised to read this book before rolling a frame of film or video on anything bigger than a home movie.It covers privacy rights, music rights (yes, you must pay/clear ALL music that you use except under the most rarest of circumstances. Even a couple of notes from a popular song could result in an expensive injunction against your film.), clearances and issues related to copyright.The 20 buck you'll spend on this book will save you thousands in legal fees down the road when it comes time to actually show your film outside of your house, be it a film festival, TV distribution, or theatrically. The mistakes you avoid could well mean the difference between acquiring E & O insurance and having your film sit on the shelf due to clearance problems.The writing is simple and straight forward and is an easy read for those who might shy away from books on legal issues. While not as in-depth as a Westlaw book or other scholarly legal tome, it provides relevant citations to important cases. It assumes the reader is intelligent but not trained in law.