Filing an LLC for a film production? at DVinfo.net

Mike Shkolnik · January 5th, 2005, 02:59 PM

I am embarking on a corporate expose film that could get me sued. How much protection does an LLC really offer if I am the only person associated with it and how much more does it cost at tax time? Has anyone else filed an LLC for a film production and can relate some experiences?

Dan Uneken · January 7th, 2005, 12:29 PM

I have never gone this route myself, but I know that most indie films in Europe are being made under the umbrella of a Limited company.
In John J. Lee's "Producers Business Handbook" he calls them Producing Companies.
I can recommend this book if you're interested in this aspect of film making.
It also says you need a lawyer, because as a producer, which you will be, you will enter into a lot of contractual relations with people and businesses. Makes sense.

If you say "it could get me sued", in what way do you mean that?

Stephen Jackson · January 7th, 2005, 11:04 PM

After advice from our acct. and atty. we are structured as an LLC.

If you are worried about litigation, Errors and Ommisions insurance may give you better protection than the structure of your business.

But to be on the safe side it's better to discuss your film with a lawyer who can advide on the best ways to protect yourself.

I was taught early on that it's cheaper to talk to a lawyer about your plan before execution that after when you're being sued.

January 5th, 2005, 02:59 PM	#1
Mike Shkolnik Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Tigard, OR Posts: 42	Filing an LLC for a film production? I am embarking on a corporate expose film that could get me sued. How much protection does an LLC really offer if I am the only person associated with it and how much more does it cost at tax time? Has anyone else filed an LLC for a film production and can relate some experiences?

January 7th, 2005, 12:29 PM	#2
Dan Uneken Major Player Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Andalucia, Spain Posts: 301	I have never gone this route myself, but I know that most indie films in Europe are being made under the umbrella of a Limited company. In John J. Lee's "Producers Business Handbook" he calls them Producing Companies. I can recommend this book if you're interested in this aspect of film making. It also says you need a lawyer, because as a producer, which you will be, you will enter into a lot of contractual relations with people and businesses. Makes sense. If you say "it could get me sued", in what way do you mean that? __________________ Film & TV locations & production Spain http://www.fotofilmvideo.com/

January 7th, 2005, 11:04 PM	#3
Stephen Jackson Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: New York NY Posts: 77	After advice from our acct. and atty. we are structured as an LLC. If you are worried about litigation, Errors and Ommisions insurance may give you better protection than the structure of your business. But to be on the safe side it's better to discuss your film with a lawyer who can advide on the best ways to protect yourself. I was taught early on that it's cheaper to talk to a lawyer about your plan before execution that after when you're being sued. __________________ Stephen Jackson RoaDDoggZ productions www.roaddoggz.com