Is script clearance ($1000!) needed for a microbudget indie?

Randall_Oelerich

Randall_Oelerich

Veteran
Planning a microbudget indie. Wondering from those who have done this and perhaps even obtained a distribution deal--- was getting a script clearance report ($1000 from googling) necessary in advance of shooting, or did you not get that or did you wait and get it during post while looking for a distribution deal? Seems like a heft bite out of a microbudget considering the going rate seems to be $1000 and really it seems like a few smart producers could do it themselves, unless E&O requires an official insured script clearance report; but then again, I would hope if the film turned out to be quality and ready for marketing that a producer might just work at that stage with a distributor to get the report and also e&o. Thoughts? Wisdom?
 
Interesting, I've never even heard of the term "script clearance" until now. I would think this is something you do once your film gets distribution. Never been on a production that's done this yet, but I've only done shorts and extreme low budget indie features. I'm sure this is probably a common element in well funded productions that already have a distribution deal though.
 
L1N3ARX said:
Interesting, I've never even heard of the term "script clearance" until now... I've only done shorts and extreme low budget indie features. ....
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I am in pre for my first microbudget feature so yeah it seems like an excessive cost at $1000; but of course if necessary I would find a way. Just hoping it can be done by oneself with common sense and a few other smart heads looking over a script, and then obtained if needed once a film is in the can and working a distribution deal (if that ever happens).
 
Never had theatrical distribution, but have had 3 different worldwide DVD/streaming deals and one satellite deal. Never once has anyone (with one exception) asked for script clearance, E & O insurance, or even copies of the hundreds of releases we had everyone sign. One sales agent did ask for script clearance and E & O but we did not go with him for that and other reasons.

Wait until you are asked for any item before worrying about getting it. That includes things like broadcast tapes (expensive), closed captioning (expensive), etc. A distributor that really wants your film will take care of most of these expenses (assuming they are really mandatory) when push comes to shove.
 
Wonderful, thank you! I love the wisdom that comes forth on forums like this!

mainstreetprod said:
Never had theatrical distribution, but have had 3 different worldwide DVD/streaming deals and one satellite deal. Never once has anyone (with one exception) asked for script clearance, E & O insurance, or even copies of the hundreds of releases we had everyone sign. One sales agent did ask for script clearance and E & O but we did not go with him for that and other reasons.

Wait until you are asked for any item before worrying about getting it. That includes things like broadcast tapes (expensive), closed captioning (expensive), etc. A distributor that really wants your film will take care of most of these expenses (assuming they are really mandatory) when push comes to shove.
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Randall_Oelerich said:
Wonderful, thank you! I love the wisdom that comes forth on forums like this!
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I do suggest that you register the script with the copyright office, get a signed release from everyone appearing on camera, and have some sort of liability insurance in place when shooting. Most everything else can be taken care of later if needed.
 
To echo mainstreetprod, don't get something that costs significantly (by the way, $1000 is too much, you can get it at about 1/2 at least if not less expensive and once you see what it entails you'll be mad that you even paid that much). A distributor will help with many of the items mentioned (E&O, rating, etc.).

However, be sure that you get everything that doesn't cost in place. We delivered to Lionsgate and it is a very intensive process to be sure, having all your ducks in a row will make it more manageable.

Some distribution companies will expect less in the delivery process but it's better to be as ready as possible. We often do some of the work ourselves but it just means more labor on our end but we'd rather do the work than pay the fees. A good example is doing the work for closed captioning is tedious but we would rather put in the time than pay what the going rate for that service is...

-M
 
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