Comments

jrazz wrote on 3/16/2006, 5:11 PM
I know that Vasst.com has some resources on contracts (a dvd that contains information about copyrights and contracts). You might want to look at purchasing this.

j razz

Edit: Here is the link.
mm2k wrote on 3/16/2006, 9:03 PM
Thankz
Dach wrote on 3/17/2006, 6:22 AM
Music Video... good for you. I have been trying to land one of these for a while with some local bands. (no luck yet).

I know its always easier and less of a headache to use a formatt that has been proven. I would agree with the previous post check out VASST. If I am correct (which always is questionable on legal matters) make sure you obtain the sychronization rights from the band.

I always approach the project, budget and contract to the intended audience. In one respect the bigger the budget the more detailed the contract. This is just my KISS approach though.

Lets us know how things play out for you.
Chad
JackW wrote on 3/17/2006, 12:06 PM
Don't try to do the contract yourself. Rough it out yourself, use boiler plate, etc., but have your attorney go over it very carefully before you send it out. The question to put is this: "If I should have to go to court as a result of anything associated with this job, can you defend me or prosecute on the basis of this contract?"

If you try to wing it yourself there are just too many variables that you're apt to miss. As an example: our attorney added a clause to my oringinal version that specified that "any and all legal actions must be conducted in King County," the county in which he and I live. This saves me the expense of defending myself or of prosecuting a claim in a remote city or another state. I would never have thought of this on my own.

Attorney's may be a pain sometimes, especially if they're working for someone else, but with regard to your contracts they''re invaluable!

Jack
Coursedesign wrote on 3/17/2006, 1:16 PM
our attorney added a clause to my oringinal version that specified that "any and all legal actions must be conducted in King County," the county in which he and I live. This saves me the expense of defending myself or of prosecuting a claim in a remote city or another state.

This protects you from the other party to the agreement filing a claim aginst you elsewhere.

It does not protect you against a third party, who hasn't signed the contract, suing you in a different location. This could be a problem if you believed you have all the rights involved in a performance, but don't.

Also, in some cases involving New York-based business it may not be possible to force shifting the venue to outside New York State, no matter what you write in the agreement.

Thses things show why it's so important to work with a lawyer who specializes in entertainment law, not just any lawyer.