The Pocket Lawyer for Filmmakers: A Legal Toolkit for Independent Producers (Paperback)

by Thomas A. Crowell (Author)
Key Phrases: common contract clauses, artwork license, inducement clause, The Clause Companion, United States, Submission Release (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"...provides a readable map through the world of legalese and contract negotiations for any filmmaker interested in doing pretty much all his or her own producing legwork....It's an excellent, potentially career-saving resource." - Back Stage

"Filmmakers need to do what they can to make sure that they cover all of their legal bases. The problem is that the task seems so huge and overwhelming, that most of us don't even know where to start. This book does an excellent job of breaking it down for you: what you can do, what you need to do, and what you will need help doing." -Microfilmmaker Magazine

"While reading the book may feel like doing word problem after word problem, there's no denying you're smarter on Page 318 than you were on Page 1. It's an excellent, potentially career-saving resource." -Sam Thielman, Back Stage Magazine

Book Description
Indispensable, on-the-spot legal advice for filmmakers

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press (March 19, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240808428
• ISBN-13: 978-0240808420
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #23,477 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #2 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Law > Business > Entertainment
  #2 in	Books > Nonfiction > Law > Business > Entertainment
  #3 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Law > Intellectual Property

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and Approachable Guide to Key Filmmaking Legal Issues - Great for Non-Lawyers, March 3, 2007

By	Jason Mark Anderman - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Even though I've practiced law for many years outside of the entertainment law area, now that I have moved over into independent film production, I have found the legal issues involved in properly putting together a film to be daunting. If these entertainment law issues are hard for me, as an experienced attorney, I can imagine that they are dramatically more difficult to handle for everyone else. As a result, it is frankly tempting to instead focus on the artistic side of filmmaking so you can skip slogging through the legal quagmire, but you do so at your peril. This is true for a number of reasons, but most importantly, you are taking a huge risk because distributors won't touch a distribution deal for a film with serious legal problems. Fortunately, I've found that this book takes away much of the pain of learning about the legal issues in film, simply because it is so approachable. After reading this book, I really believe that even non-lawyers can quickly grasp the legal challenges of filmmaking. Best of all, the book skips typical "legalese" and instead offers easy to understand, quick references to the contracts, rights clearance and negotiating issues that everyone should understand. Not only did I like the book, but it really is unique, because there's very little else out there on this subject. It really should be on the desk of every producer. I couldn't recommend it more.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A powerful guide in a small package!, March 22, 2007

By	S. WALKER (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book contains a wealth of information presented in a clear, concise, yet thorough manner. Whether you are a writer, producer, composer, or actor, this book will help you understand the legal issues that are part of the process of filmmaking. You can use it as a quick reference to answer a specific question, or you can read it from the beginning as the author unpacks legal concepts and the step-by-step process of setting up a production company to selling your film. As a bonus the book has appendices that make up a valuable law library of intellectual property, i.e. copyright, trademarks, contract law, labor, and employment law. And if you are a lawstudent or lawyer, this book is better than any entertainment law class you will ever take and at a fraction of the price.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You need this book!, April 14, 2007

By	Boris Kolba - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is an outstanding tool for anyone and everyone working in film. If you're a creative artist, it's easy to forget that making a film is a business venture--and one you hope will turn a profit! "The Pocket Lawyer for Filmmakers" is a welcome wake-up call. Thomas Crowell gently reminds readers to protect their interests and keep an eye on the bottom line at all times. If thoughts of "business" and "protecting your interests" make your eyes glaze over, have no fear. "The Pocket Lawyer" is a breeze to work with. It's clearly written, full of helpful examples, and anticipates every question you could have. The book follows the entire process of making a film, from forming a production company to distributing a completed film. Each chapter tells you what to expect at every step, and how to deal with it. Personally, I found the sections translating copyright law into simple English massively useful. Also, the book includes a stripped-down "law library" that gives filmmakers a primer in intellectual property and labor law. Whether you're a novice screenwriter wannabe (like me!) or a seasoned independent producer, you need this book! "The Pocket Lawyer for Filmmakers" is indispensable.