film credits

HKB

HKB

Well-known member
I have a question about film credits. I am currently producing and directing a documentary film. One person asked if I would be interested
in this film project and presented a verbal concept for the film to me, this was a 10 minute meeting. They also put me in contact with a second person
who has been key in making contacts for the project. The second person is a key player and will be interviewed for the film and has broken
the ice with other people that will be interviewed and has shared documents that I have found helpful.

How should the first and second person be credited?
 
I'm not super clear on exactly what they did for the film, but Executive Producer has become a common credit given to people who help the project happen in some sort of way.

Or simply a thank you
 
So the first person presented an idea for the film and introduced me to a key player.

The key player has introduced other key players that will be interviewed and also provided research material.

I was also thinking about Executive Producer for the first key player. Still undecided about the first person.
 
David W. Jones said:
Don't take this the wrong way, but this is kind of a cart before the horse question. Worry about credits after you have finished your film.
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I agree... especially if the first key player knows the person who described the concept to you. I suggest you ask the person who had the concept how (if at all) they want to be credited. I assume they know through your first key player ( the second person) that you have made/ are making a film of their concept?

As Greywolf says it might be "based on an original concept by A. N. Other" or Executive Producer A. N. Other on the other hand, depending on the subject and their employment "From a concept by John Doe" There was a very successful drama series in the UK whose primary credit for the concept and stories was A. Well-Known Writer and Anonymous

Ask them.... Especially if the answer is "That was the plot to a film *I* am making , you have stolen my idea!!!" Best to know before you publish.
 
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Executive producer owns the IP and should collect paperwork to demonstrate their ownership (have anyone else with a claim to it sign over their rights). Ideas aren't copyright but it will help your case to get this paperwork and will also let any other claimant know what the deal is before it becomes a problem.

Associate producer is a good credit to acknowledge a significant contributor who isn't otherwise involved in the production or to reward someone who has demonstrably affected the course of pre-production, brought in money/sponsors or some other major favour. Sometimes I pick up associate simply because I was involved in a conversation that resulted in the producer or director changing the course of a production. It's a fairly meaningless credit (I'd say a step up from Special Thanks) but it's a nice acknowledgement and sounds important when family and friends see it.
 
Thanks everyone, I believe I have the answer based on the information you have provided.
 
jagraphics said:
Just out of curiosity what is the answer you have arrived at?
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I will use the Associate Producer credit for the person giving me contact information and resources.

The person who had the idea will get a "based on a concept by" credit.
 
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