LIFE RIGHTS AGREEMENT
This Life Rights Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of [effective date] by and between [subject name], located at [subject address] ("Subject"), and [producer name], located at [producer address] ("Producer").
1. LIFE STORY. Subject grants Producer rights in and to the Subject's life story, name, likeness, voice, and biographical material, in particular the following events and periods (the "Life Story"): [life story description].
2. GRANT OF OPTION. Subject hereby grants to Producer the exclusive and irrevocable option (the "Option") to acquire the motion picture, television, and allied rights in and to the Life Story, for an initial period of 12 months commencing on the Effective Date (the "Option Period").
3. OPTION FEE. In consideration of the Option, Producer shall pay Subject [option fee] upon execution of this Agreement. Such sum shall be applied against the Purchase Price upon exercise.
4. EXTENSION. Producer may extend the Option Period for one additional period of 12 months by paying Subject [extension fee] prior to the expiration of the initial Option Period.
5. EXERCISE OF OPTION. Producer may exercise the Option at any time during the Option Period (as extended) by written notice to Subject.
6. PURCHASE PRICE. Upon exercise of the Option, Producer shall pay Subject a purchase price of [purchase price] (the "Purchase Price").
7. RIGHTS GRANTED. Upon exercise, Subject grants and assigns to Producer, throughout Worldwide and in perpetuity, the following rights: the exclusive right to develop, produce, distribute, and exploit one or more motion pictures, television, and streaming productions based on the Life Story, together with the right to use Subject's name, likeness, and voice, and to portray, adapt, fictionalize, and dramatize the Subject and the Life Story.
8. RELEASE AND WAIVER. Subject hereby releases and waives, and agrees not to assert, any and all claims against Producer and its assignees and licensees arising from the depiction of the Subject or the Life Story, including without limitation claims for defamation, libel, slander, invasion of privacy, violation of rights of publicity, false light, and infliction of emotional distress. Subject acknowledges and agrees that the depiction may be fictionalized or dramatized for creative purposes.
9. CREATIVE CONTROL. Subject acknowledges that Producer shall have complete creative control over the production and that Subject shall have no right of approval over the script, content, or final production.
10. COOPERATION. Subject agrees to provide reasonable cooperation, including interviews and access to personal materials such as letters, photographs, and records, as reasonably requested by Producer.
11. RESERVED RIGHTS. Subject reserves the following rights: the right to write and publish Subject's own memoir or autobiography is reserved to Subject.
12. CREDIT. Producer shall accord Subject the following credit: Based on the life of [subject].
13. WARRANTIES. Subject warrants that Subject has the full right, power, and authority to grant the rights herein and to enter into this Agreement.
14. ASSIGNMENT. Producer may freely assign this Agreement to a production entity, financier, or distributor.
15. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.
16. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior understandings.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.
SUBJECT: _____________________________ [subject name]
PRODUCER: ___________________________ [producer name]
TEMPLATE ONLY — NOT LEGAL ADVICE. Consult a qualified entertainment attorney before executing this or any agreement.