06/17/2026
🎬 A Producer’s Legal Checklist Before Pre-Production Starts
Most production problems don’t start on set. They start before the first check is written. When legal is handled too late, it can lead to delays, lost money, insurance issues, financing problems, or distribution trouble.
Here’s what smart producers lock down early 👇
🔍 1) Legal before creative spend
Confirm ownership, IP chain of title, and key talent terms before money starts moving.
🏢 2) Entity and structure
Choose the right entity, set signing authority, and clarify financial controls, especially with partners or outside funds.
📄 3) Chain of title and IP
Secure rights for scripts, books, podcasts, life rights, remakes, artwork, logos, concepts, and AI related ownership risks.
📝 4) Core deal paper
Key personnel agreements, investor docs, operations, and commercialization terms should be diligence ready.
🎭 5) Talent and above the line
Lock actor and director deals, union issues, minors, NIL, merchandising, sequel rights, and morals clauses.
👷 6) Crew and contractor risk
Handle deal memos, payroll, classification, overtime, union rules, immigration, and workplace policies early.
🎵 7) Music clearance
Cover composer terms, score ownership, sync and master licenses, cue sheets, and royalty reporting.
📍 8) Locations permits incentives
Location agreements, permits, approvals, and incentive compliance must be handled on time.
🛡 9) Insurance and risk
Plan for liability, workers comp, equipment, cast, E&O, stunts, weather, animals, cyber, and force majeure.
💰 10) Financing and revenue
Clarify investor protections, recoupment, waterfall, and revenue mechanics before disputes start.
✅ Greenlight check
Entity formed. Chain of title clean. Talent and crew papered. Payroll ready. Permits secured. Insurance bound. Financing documented. Waterfall approved. Incentives confirmed.
Distributor folder ready.
📞 +1 305-373-7665
✉️ [email protected]
🌎 chaselawyers.com
