FILM / TV / CONTENT / Audiovisual sector

We advise on contracts with screenwriters, directors, actors, presenters, composers, crew members, photographers, production partners, co-producers, service providers, broadcasters, platforms and (other financiers). This covers a wide range of aspects: transfer of rights, exclusivity, credits, remuneration and revenue sharing, rights of use, merchandising, options, forms of exploitation, budgets, contributions in kind, sponsorship, product placement, holdbacks or windows, delivery and payment schedules, use of archive material and rushes, end credits, insurance, concept rights, audiovisual and non-audiovisual derivatives, initiative rights, rights to the title and the website, media communications and promotional obligations, approval of key figures such as the director or lead actors in the cast, warranties and indemnities, prequels and sequels, remakes, dubbing, use of AI, etc.

Do you use a painting in the background, a news clip, a song playing in the foreground or background of a particular scene, a visible logo or a photograph on a computer screen in your film or an episode of a series? Audiovisual content is full of material that may be subject to third-party rights.

We assist production companies with copyright clearance, music clearance, image rights, archive footage, trademarks and other third-party rights, with the aim of preventing problems by obtaining all necessary permissions. These permissions become all the more important when entering into agreements with international distributors, in which comprehensive guarantees and warranties are included. A claim from a party whose permission was not sought can prove costly. Not only can they demand the takedown of the content, but also substantial damages. In such a case, the distributor will also turn against the producer on the basis of the indemnity obligations set out in the distribution deal. Such nightmare scenarios can be avoided through a thorough mapping of all rights and timely clearance.

The same production can be exploited through cinema screenings, television broadcasts (linear or on-demand), distribution via VOD, SVOD, AVOD and FAST channels, in-flight entertainment on aircraft, and participation in festivals. We assist with licensing and distribution agreements covering territory, term, release windows, exclusivity, holdbacks, rights granted, sub-licensing, revenue shares and reporting.

From a legal perspective, television formats often lie at the intersection of copyright, contracts, confidentiality and market practices. We advise clients both on the development and exploitation of formats and when disputes arise regarding plagiarism.