Legal Question in Entertainment Law in California
Making online commercials for an apparel company
I'm an amateur filmmaker without a company or business entity. I
have been afforded the opportunity to produce some online
commercials for an apparel company. I have yet to meet with the
people in charge of advertising. Should I, or do I need to have my
own ''company'' before I embark on this endeavor? What might I
need to do if there are other people I involve (producing music,
asst. editor, etc.) in this project? Costs or budgets haven't been
discussed because, truthfully, I wouldn't know how to substantiate
my costs. Is there a standard procedure to these thing? Can I
''consult'' for them and it become more of an in-house project from
their end? Should I worry about the commercials ever being used
on television and compensating the musicians, etc.?
Thank you so much.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Making online commercials for an apparel company
Well, first things first. When you say you are "producing" the commercials, are you actually directing them rather than producing? In any case, its not necessary that you have a separate company in order to deal with the apparel company. I think it might be a good idea for you to sit down with an attorney knwoledgaable in these matters and discuss your situation in more detail rather than trying to wing it.
Re: Making online commercials for an apparel company
Your questions are typical for someone who is moving to the next level of thier artistic career. It is important that you sit down with a business advisor or attorney and discuss exactly what you want to do so that you can come up with a plan. There are not simple answers to your questions because it depends on how you want to structure yourself in the long run. You may not need to form a company at this point if it is a quick assignment, but you do want to protect your rights in your creations and be compensated if the use is expanded. Feel free to email me to discuss more specifically.
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