LOGISTICS: MATERIALS: CLEARANCES

Clearances in materials means the process you go through to get permission, you need permission for; any sets used, the cast starring in your film, music if it is not copyright free, stock film, art posters, any brands mentioned or seen in the film, books, broadcasts, computer programs (if any has been used), dramatic works, and photographs. 

Clearances need to be done when making a film so you do not get legally in trouble, your trademark isn't taken down and you have all the insurance needed when making your film. 

For a review, you need to go to the attorney. When doing this you need to provide the script. When providing the script, you need to make sure everything is written clearly and in detail, the script needs to include, characters, places, events and nothing you believe is important in the storyline. 

 

The attorney will then look at your script and decide what type of clearances you need when making your film. 

The types of clearances are; property, people and locations. You need to consider all of these types of clearances when making your film. 

Property is important because it contains anything you need to use that wasn't created by a film maker. Some of the most popular and important ones are music, stock film, books or plays (that are film based). 

When waiting to use music in your film you need to get permission and legal rights from the record label and the musical publisher. 

For books, plays and anything written that you may want to use, you need to get the permission and legal rights from the publisher of the product. This is also the same for any videos or photographs that you may want to use. 

For computer software's if they are not in the name of a public domain, then you need to get legal permission from the software publishers. However, if there is a software that is under a public domain with no company named then you can use it without any legal rights. 

Everyone featuring in your film need to get a clearance. To do this you need to go to the person directly but you have to contain that the producer can make changes with anything to do with the film. This is including character changes, deleting any scenes, and changing the order of scenes. If you are making a documentary or any sort of fact based product, then you need to consider the persons rights. The main right is privacy and the public eye they might get. When doing clearances for the cast you also need to do clearances for the crew. This is in case of any backstage footage that may be released. 

The last is locations. Before you cannot shoot in certain places before you get clearances on a location. To obtain a permit, you will need to provide proof of insurance, and there may be additional fees if you plan to use public property. You should also obtain location agreements from the owners of the specific property where you plan to shoot. There are two parts that make up the location agreement. First you must have a lease or a rental agreement for actual use of the property. Second you must obtain a written consent to photograph the property and use these photographs in the film. However, if background is non-distinctive, a location release may not be necessary. 

When contacting a company, it will take about 10 days. If you are worried about the company contacting you then you should contact them within the 10 days you first spoke to them. 

To get all of the clearances for songs the owner will need: 

 1. The timing of the song you are using, and what will be going alongside it; whether that be visuals or writing. 

 2. Where the production will be published and where it will be seen. 

 3. If you are going to use other songs, then they need to be mentioned. 

 4. The budget that you are working at, if there is one. The owner of the song will often like it if you state a price because they will then know how much you value the song. 

 5. Lastly, add all contact details so they can reply to you, or ask any questions if they have any. 

For other products that you may want to use the owner may have different rules. However, they will always go around these areas; 

 1. Timing of how long their product is featuring in your film. 

 2. Accompanying the property. 

 3. Where your production will be distributed and seen, also how long it will be shown for. 

 4. Lastly, add any details so the owner of the product can contact you and ask any questions if needed. 

What part of clearances does not require a licence? 

Anything that is available to the public or under a public domain you will not need a license. You always need to be careful when it comes to songs. This is because the song may be under a public domain the actual song that was recorded may not be public. This also applies if you are using a video with a song playing in the background. The rules are always changing as to what you need a license to, therefore you should always check with an attorney to make sure you do not get into trouble with any companies.