Importance of Paper Trails!

 We often dis-regard the importance of contracts, receipts and book-keeping in general. PAPER PAPER PAPER. Especially as a filmmaker a large part of our work will include drawing up contracts and release forms that stipulate the specifics of monetary delegation and protect you from liability issues. Taking the time to draft up these kinds of documents with everyone we work with may seem like a burden, but the time you take to do this will inevitably save time and money down the line. The best offence is a good defense.

 Even if it an un-paying project, you will give your cast and crew piece of mind if it is clearly outlined that they will receive residuals if the project makes money down the line with a deferred payment structure, calculated by hours worked. Photographers must sign a release for their photos before they are taken, a location must sign a release before it is used for liability reasons, actors and extras have contracts that release their likeness and name to the production ect ect. 

There are many online resources that have templates for these types of releases. Contracts become even more specific when money is involved, including percentage negotiations and riders. When big numbers are in play, an entertainment lawyer is a must, which is important to keep in mind when taking your career seriously. 

Receipts will give you exact expense figures which can be used for tax breaks, and will give you a good idea about budgets for future projects. Projecting production budgets could be the swaying factor in receiving funding through grants or investors. It will strengthen your business plan and it will put you in the realm of being among other working professionals in the film industry. 

So do your homework, be prepared, and protect yourself and your projects! 

Kate