Summary
Learn from a top clearance expert who has worked on iconic projects like KILL BILL, THE GREEN BOOK, 12 MONKEYS, and TERMINATOR 2!
Get a downloadable clearances and research guidelines guide!
Getting your film distributed is an incredible milestone, but it can’t happen without one essential step: ensuring your film is legally cleared for distribution. From securing rights permissions to understanding script clearance, these processes protect your work and ensure it’s ready for audiences worldwide. Overlooking this crucial stage could mean the difference between a successful release and legal headaches that derail your project. Whether you're a first-time filmmaker or a seasoned pro, understanding clearances is critical to your success.
Navigating the world of rights and clearances can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with complex issues like trademark law, copyright permissions, and script breakdowns. Many filmmakers delay or avoid addressing these challenges altogether, hoping they won’t encounter trouble. Unfortunately, this approach often leads to costly mistakes or even lawsuits. From deciding what needs clearance to understanding the nuances of featured versus background use, the details matter—and so does knowing how to handle denied permissions or unexpected complications.
That’s why we’re thrilled to have Stephanie Weier, a leading expert in rights and clearances, guide this webinar. As the CEO and Founder of The Domain Group, Stephanie has over 20 years of experience ensuring films, TV shows, and commercials are fully cleared for distribution. With a background in contract and intellectual property law, Stephanie has contributed to thousands of projects, including KILL BILL, THE GREEN BOOK, and TERMINATOR 2. Her knowledge and expertise have made her a trusted resource for major studios and independent filmmakers alike.
In this comprehensive webinar, Stephanie will demystify the clearance process and teach you everything from script breakdowns to the difference between copyright and trademark laws. You'll learn how to handle clip licensing, public domain usage, and essential language for releases. Stephanie will also break down complex scenarios with real-world case studies from films like 12 MONKEYS and THE HANGOVER PART II. By the end, you’ll feel confident in delivering a fully cleared project, saving you time, money, and unnecessary stress. Don’t let clearances hold you back—join us and empower your filmmaking journey.
PLUS! You will receive:
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Downloadable Clearances and Research Guidelines Guide
Praise for Stephanie's Teachings:
"A masterclass. So, so, good!"- Monica H.
"This is one of those subjects that prevented me from moving from screenwriting to making my own films. I always worried that I would do something wrong and get sued. No longer. Fantastic information delivered in a fun way."
- Michael E.
"I had no idea. I should have, but I didn't. Now I do. This was a fantastic webinar on a subject every filmmaker and producer - and probably writer - should understand."
-Gary G.
What You'll Learn
General Overview
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What You Need to Know about a Script Breakdown Report (The Domain Report)
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What You Need to Know about Clearances
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What Do you Need to Research In Your Movie in Order to Be Cleared for Distribution?
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What You Need to Know about Clip Licensing
Breaking Down the Script Breakdown Report
- Title / Copyright Report
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Why Filmmakers Don’t Like Dealing With Clearances
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Why are Some Clearances More Complicated Than Others?
To Clear or Not To Clear
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Are Items in Your Film Being Used as Intended? (With Examples)
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The Difference Between Featured and Background Use
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Other Factors to Consider
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Important Standard Language for Releases (With Example)
- What Happens if Something You are Trying to Clear is Denied use?
- Breaking Down Public Domain and Fair Use
Case Studies
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12 MONKEYS
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HANGOVER PART II
What is the Difference of Copyright vs. Trademark in the Entertainment Industry?
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Examples of Copyright
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Examples of Trademark
Q&A with Stephanie and Hunt
Who Should Attend
- Filmmakers, producers, and writers at any experience level.
- Anyone working on getting their film ready for distribution.
- Creatives who want to protect their projects.
- Individuals curious about the clearance process and how it works.
Executive
Stephanie Weier:
Stephanie Weier is the CEO/Founder of The Domain Group. Holding a passion for filmmaking, branding and legal compliance, Stephanie has worked on building The Domain Group to be a leader in the industry with 20 years of service working for studios, indie producers, game companies, web content and commercials. Founding the company in 2001, Stephanie has lead The Domain Group to having completed over 1000 films in 15 years. She holds a EJD in Contract and IP Law from Concord Law University.
Lori Dalton:
The Domain Group, Inc. is based in Los Angeles, CA. Day to day operations are performed by studio veterans who have a combined experience of over 80 years. They bring professionalism, passion and innovation to every project they work on. Their clients are primarily studios or indies who deliver to the studio system, and they are excited to be able to bring their expertise to you!
Lori Dalton is the President of The Domain Group and is one of the most comprehensive and detailed clearance analysts in the industry. Her project management ability has helped position The Domain Group as both a clearance house and branding company.
Testimonials
Praise for Stephanie's Teachings:
"A masterclass. So, so, good!"- Monica H.
"This is one of those subjects that prevented me from moving from screenwriting to making my own films. I always worried that I would do something wrong and get sued. No longer. Fantastic information delivered in a fun way."
- Michael E.
"I had no idea. I should have, but I didn't. Now I do. This was a fantastic webinar on a subject every filmmaker and producer - and probably writer - should understand."
-Gary G.