Clearance and Copyright: Everything the Independent Filmmaker Needs to Know

by Michael C. Donaldson

Clearance and Copyright is the industry-standard guide to almost every conceivable rights issue that filmmakers, videomakers, television producers, and Internet content creators might encounter.

From the initial acquisition of material through the rights issues that arise during preproduction, production, postproduction, and release, this legalese-free guide—now extensively revised, updated, and expanded—will help you protect yourself and your work from disastrous legal actions.

Among this edition’s new features are links to 25 downloadable contracts and 50 illustrative film clips.

Michael C. Donaldson is a Los Angeles-based, entertainment lawyer with more than 45 years of experience in copyright and entertainment issues. He has been called the Obi-Wan Kenobi of Fair Use by the American Bar Association Journal.

Lisa A. Callif was named by The Daily Journal as one of the Top 100 Women Lawyers in California (2014). Her primary focus is on representing independent filmmakers.

Genres: Business

300 pages, Paperback

First published December 9, 2014

About the author

Michael Donaldson’s Los Angeles-based entertainment law practice focuses on all aspects of independent film and theater. He has been successful in negotiating contracts for actors, producers and directors.

His book entitled Clearance and Copyright: Everything the Independent Filmmaker Needs to Know is used as a textbook in over 40 colleges and universities. Michael Donaldson is completing his latest book and DVD titled Wish Want Walk – A Failsafe Guide to Fearless Negotiating.

Michael Donaldson is a frequent arbitrator with the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA), organizer of the American Film Market. He is also an expert witness in litigation involving copyright and general entertainment cases.

Reviews

[Fer Gzlz]

Great for any artist to get a not-so-deep dive into Copyright and clearance. Very specific to filmmakers but a great resource. Yet, My head is spinning after all of these lawsuits and laws. I will always opt for getting a lawyer first.

I definitely recommend this book.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must. I have referred to it countless times while producing the documentary Black Mold Exposure. I would pay double for it.

[Adam]

Great overview of the law of independent film. Must read for anyone going into the biz.

[Zack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly, it's not as dry and dull as one might gauge from the title.
I'll update this review when I finish the book.