Pre-Production
Permits, Releases & Clearances
The unglamorous paperwork that keeps your film legal, distributable, and un-sueable. Learn which permits you need, how to get every person and place on camera to sign off, and how to clear the music, brands, and content that could otherwise sink your film.
What you'll learn
✓Know when you need a film permit — and exactly how to get one
✓Get every actor, bystander, location, and property properly released
✓Clear the music, trademarks, and brands that appear on screen
✓Build the clean paper trail distributors and E&O insurers demand
Pairs with this tool
Contract Assistant
Generate the releases, location agreements, and clearance paperwork your shoot needs — talent, appearance, location, and property forms ready to sign, right when you need them.
Open Contract Assistant →Course chapters
Module 1 — Foundations
I8 min
The three kinds of film paperwork — permits, releases, clearances — and why they protect your film
Permits, Releases & Clearances 101
II9 min
When you actually need a film permit — and the situations where you can skip it
Do You Need a Film Permit?
III9 min
The step-by-step process of applying for a permit — film office, insurance, fees, and lead time
How to Get a Film Permit
IV9 min
The location agreement — getting written permission to film on private property
Filming on Location: Agreements
Module 2 — Core Craft
V9 min
The talent release — the form every actor on camera must sign, and what it grants you
Talent Releases
VI9 min
Extras, crowds, and bystanders — appearance releases and filming in public places
Appearance & Crowd Releases
VII9 min
The location release — written permission to show a specific place in your film
Location Releases
VIII8 min
Recognizable property, artwork, and personal items — when you need a property release
Property & Material Releases
Module 3 — Putting It to Work
IX10 min
Clearing music — the two rights you need, why "I credited them" isn't enough, and cheap legal options
Music Clearance
X9 min
Logos, brands, and trademarks on screen — what you can show, what to clear, and what to hide
Trademarks, Brands & Logos
XI9 min
Chain of title, clearance reports, and E&O — the paper trail distributors require to release your film
Chain of Title & Clearances
XII9 min
The paperwork mistakes that get films sued or shelved — and how to avoid every one
Paperwork Mistakes to Avoid