

Summary
A movie location agreement is a contract between a production company and the owner of a property that grants the production company the right to film on the property for a specified period of time and under certain conditions; it is essential for securing the legal rights to use the property in the film, as well as protecting both parties from potential liabilities and disputes.
Navigating the intricacies of location agreements and shooting permits can be daunting for filmmakers. In this one-hour legal lecture, entertainment attorney Thomas A. Crowell, Esq. demystifies these essential components of film production. Attendees will learn the critical differences between a location agreement—a contract granting rights to film on a property—and a shooting permit, which is often a regulatory requirement for filming in public spaces or certain jurisdictions.
Drawing from his extensive experience in entertainment law, Thomas will delve into the nuances of negotiating and drafting location agreements. He will share practical tips and tricks to avoid common pitfalls, ensuring filmmakers can secure their desired locations without legal entanglements. The session will also feature an in-depth Q&A, allowing participants to tap into Thomas’s decades of knowledge on the subject.
This lecture is designed to empower producers and filmmakers with the legal know-how to protect their projects and investments. By understanding and effectively managing location agreements, creatives can focus on bringing their artistic visions to life, confident in the knowledge that their legal bases are covered. Whether you’re dealing with private property or navigating municipal regulations for shooting permits, this lecture will equip you with the tools to handle these legal matters with ease.
The information provided in this lecture is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion. The presenter makes no warranties or representations regarding the accuracy, completeness, or fitness for a particular purpose of the content. Attendees should consult with a qualified attorney for advice on specific legal issues related to their film projects.
What You'll Learn
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Understanding the Details: Learn the distinction between location agreements, shooting permits, and local rules and why learning each is critical for your film’s production by understanding:
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location agreements
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shooting permits
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local rules
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Negotiation and Drafting: Learn how to read and understand each provision of a location agreement.
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Gain insights into the art of negotiating and drafting solid location agreements to secure your desired filming sites.
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Learn what to emphasize in contract clauses dealing with:
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Access
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Compensation
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Guaranties
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Risk allocation
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Avoiding Pitfalls: Discover how to circumvent common issues that can arise with location agreements, such as hidden IP traps and undisclosed location owners.
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Hovering homeowners
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Scope of business owner’s authority
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Assumption of risk and damages
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Commercial/News distinctions
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“Run & Gun” film shoots
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Prop weapons, police uniforms, and other complications
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How to secure permission to shoot in :
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City streets
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Local parks
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Public transportation
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Landmarks
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Schools
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Expert Q&A: Engage with Thomas A. Crowell, Esq., an experienced entertainment attorney, in an extensive Q&A session to address your specific concerns.
THIS PRESENTATION HAS BEEN PREPARED FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE OR A LEGAL OPINION. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT QUESTIONS YOU RAISE DURING THE WORKSHOP ARE NOT CONFIDENTIAL. ONLY YOUR ATTORNEY CAN ADVISE YOU WHICH LAWS ARE APPLICABLE TO YOUR SPECIFIC CASE AND SITUATION. WHILE THE PRESENTER HAS USED REASONABLE EFFORTS TO INCLUDE ACCURATE AND UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION, THE PRESENTER MAKES NO WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS AS TO THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT AND ASSUMES NO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY ERROR OR OMISSION IN THE CONTENT. THIS WEBINAR IS PRESENTED ON AN “AS IS” BASIS.
Who Should Attend
This lecture is a must-attend for filmmakers who want to navigate the legal landscape of film production with confidence and expertise.
Executive

Thomas A. Crowell, Esq. is an entertainment and intellectual property attorney and partner with the New York law firm of LaneCrowell, LLP. A former television producer and director of development for STN, Thomas counsels clients on a wide range of entertainment law and intellectual property rights issues. He has worked with clients who have had deals with Sony, Starz, TLC, Elsevier Publishing, Discovery Communications, Focal Press, Smithsonian Network, WE: The Women's Entertainment Network, The Science Technology Network, and IDW Publishing. His clients' work is seen in the pages of Marvel and DC Comics and on movie, TV, computer, and mobile screens worldwide.
A frequent columnist for film industry publications, Mr. Crowell is also the author of a best-selling legal guide for independent producers, THE POCKET LAWYER FOR FILMMAKERS, adopted as a core textbook in many film and law schools across the US. His latest book, THE POCKET LAWYER FOR COMIC BOOK CREATORS, is the first dedicated legal guide for the comic book industry. He currently serves as a series editor for Focal Press and its new line of legal guides for artists.