Video distribution agreement at DVinfo.net

Ian Rivers · March 18th, 2003, 12:22 AM

I'm working on a project and was able to obtain permission from police, city and other government officials to do all the filming that I needed to do. I needed some footage of Marines doing some training exercises, such as long marches for recruits. The Marines gave me the go ahead and were very helpful, until they asked me if I had a "Film distribution agreement." When I said that I didn't have a distribution agreement for my documentary, they said sorry, come back when I have one. Does anyone know how I can get around this obstacle/roadblock?

Dylan Couper · April 22nd, 2003, 10:06 AM

Well, obviously the best way is to actually get a distribution agreement. Problem solved! :)

I wonder why they want it, maybe to make sure you are serious and not wasting their time. You could just write up a document showing that you have distribution lined up, pending completion, and fake it. Of course, the marines may be the last group of people I would want to PO...

Richard Alvarez · April 22nd, 2003, 10:55 AM

Dylan is more or less correct in assesing the Marines attitude.

They want to know the eventual purpose and relase info on the footage. A wise choice on their part. They want to be assured that the footage will be used in the manner you assert it will.

You will have to have a distribution agreement to show them. SHort of that, you will have to work without the footage.

Robert Poulton · April 22nd, 2003, 03:25 PM

You should be able to add a section that covers the intended use of the project. I would be careful with it though because if you happen to make your statement unclear and then use it the way you READ the contract and not the way they READ the contract you will most likely end up in court. Take your time write all the details out and make sure it states exactly what you are going to use it for. You will also have to have a section describing the right to use the location and have each Marine in the project sign a group release. It would still be the best to talk with a lawyer.

Rob:D

March 18th, 2003, 12:22 AM	#1
Ian Rivers Tourist Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 2	Video distribution agreement I'm working on a project and was able to obtain permission from police, city and other government officials to do all the filming that I needed to do. I needed some footage of Marines doing some training exercises, such as long marches for recruits. The Marines gave me the go ahead and were very helpful, until they asked me if I had a "Film distribution agreement." When I said that I didn't have a distribution agreement for my documentary, they said sorry, come back when I have one. Does anyone know how I can get around this obstacle/roadblock?

April 22nd, 2003, 10:06 AM	#2
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	Well, obviously the best way is to actually get a distribution agreement. Problem solved! :) I wonder why they want it, maybe to make sure you are serious and not wasting their time. You could just write up a document showing that you have distribution lined up, pending completion, and fake it. Of course, the marines may be the last group of people I would want to PO... __________________ Need to rent camera gear in Vancouver BC? Check me out at camerarentalsvancouver.com

April 22nd, 2003, 10:55 AM	#3
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	Dylan is more or less correct in assesing the Marines attitude. They want to know the eventual purpose and relase info on the footage. A wise choice on their part. They want to be assured that the footage will be used in the manner you assert it will. You will have to have a distribution agreement to show them. SHort of that, you will have to work without the footage.

April 22nd, 2003, 03:25 PM	#4
Robert Poulton Major Player Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 245	You should be able to add a section that covers the intended use of the project. I would be careful with it though because if you happen to make your statement unclear and then use it the way you READ the contract and not the way they READ the contract you will most likely end up in court. Take your time write all the details out and make sure it states exactly what you are going to use it for. You will also have to have a section describing the right to use the location and have each Marine in the project sign a group release. It would still be the best to talk with a lawyer. Rob:D