Contract (release) question

Jay Rodriguez

Jay Rodriguez

Coffee Member
Hey everyone,
Need some more advice here.

As some might know, I'm shooting a boxing film this weekend and I casted an ex pro boxer in the film. Now, he is running a program to help fighters outside of the ring and asked if he could use this film as promotional material in the organizations mission. This film almost seems as if it was taylored for this organization but it wasn't. It's our (partner and I) film and we want to keep it this way.

Anyway, I would like to allow him to use this material as it will be aired on Showtime and ESPN (great exposure for me) if I give the green light BUT how do I maintain control over my film in this process?

How do I allow him to use the film without drafting a contract that says "Hey air it when and where ever you'd like to"...???? lol
 
You can write a release as specific as you want. Limit it by the date, the method of distribution, whatever.

At the same time, what are you scared of? You want as many eyeballs as possible.
 
Yeah I do want as many eye balls as possible but I do need to secure my film and protect it, that's why I asked for some advice.

So, you're saying that I should just draft my own up?

Can you link me to some examples so that I can copy out some key points?

Thanks
 
You could also prep a "promo" that has excerpts suitable for his needs, while watermarking the whole thing with your film name and maybe webURL. Maybe even redo some narration to make it a separate project. Give him permission to use the promo, not the main film.
 
I use this appearance release for the stuff I'm working on now, but it's the opposite of what you want because people are signing away their image/voice forever in any distribution method:

http://current.tv/studio/resources

The easiest way to do it would be to ask this guy exactly where/when/how he wants to distribute it and then draft a specific release so that he can only use your film as you prescribe.

Personally, I don't flatter myself to think that my work is more valuable at this point than free exposure.
 
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