Financing & Distributing Independent Films

Financing, creating and distributing independent films has become an increasingly popular sub-specialty of entertainment law practice. Various aspects of independent film production make it much different than the production of a film by a motion picture studio.

Often times the writer/director of a project must find various forms of financing to aid in the production of the work. This aspect of the project is much more involved than is the case with a studio-financed project.

The agreements with talent also differ from the studio project. Talent is expected to assist with the financing of the project by accepting more contingent fees.

Distributing  independent films also differs greatly from studio product. The reliance on film festivals as a means of obtaining financing and distribution deals has increased dramatically over the years.

This course will cover these areas and topic, among others.

Prerequisite: Copyright Law (538).