Forms and contracts located at: http://kurtlancaster.com/contracts-and-forms

I want to thank Andrew Hutcheson of Zandrak for providing contracts as models for this book’s readers for education purposes. Stillmotion provided a call sheet, which is useful for scheduling each day’s shoot with the crew and talent. Modify them as needed. It is your responsibility to hire a lawyer to make sure the contracts meet your needs. The author of this book makes no legal claim or recommendations about any of these contracts. They’re provided solely for educational purposes.

1. Location Release Form
   In most—if not in every—case, you will want permission to shoot on location. This form provides it. It also emphasizes that the location is not liable for the production—which is why the production must have liability insurance, and the insurance will go a long way in securing permission from the property owner.
2. Production Agreement
   The sample production agreement contract provides a strong foundation of protection, understanding, and scope of what a project could entail with a client. If you don’t have a limit on the number of edits, for example, a client could keep taking advantage by asking for too many edits. But agreeing on three edits, with new charges for additional edits, protects you from a project that never ends. In either case, you will want to put this material in a contract.
3. Independent Contractor Agreement
   The parameters of a person’s role on a job. Use this if you’re hiring someone for a particular task. You can also use it as the basis for a freelance job.
4. Performer Agreement
   Similar to the Standard Release Form (which covers everyone appearing in your project, including extras and other nonspeaking roles), the Performer Agreement lays out the specifics for performers you hire for your projects, such as actors. It’s tailored for their duties, expectations, and what their expectations are as to schedule, meals, travel, and so forth.
5. Standard Release Form
   This is key for any documentary interview or any shot that captures a recognizable person in the background of a shot. Get permission from anyone you shoot, so that there are no hassles when it comes to finishing the project. If you don’t have a person’s permission, you may run into legal issues, especially if you’re using it for film or broadcast distribution. When Zandrak produced “Still Life” in New York City, Charles Frank and Jake Oleson shot great-looking footage. Andrew Hutcheson followed in their footsteps, going up to every person they shot and getting a release form signed.
6. Production Quote Form
   Zandrak’s quote sheet. Use when submitting an estimated budget to a client and include it in your bid.
7. Budget Form
   A standard film budget. Use it to show what you need to run the budget of a particular project. Some material may not be needed, but it’ll cover nearly every type of role in a production.
8. Call Sheet
   Provided by Stillmotion, this template allows you to set your daily shoot schedule, contact information, and location for your talent and crew.
9. Budget Expense Worksheet
   This will allow you to calculate your monthly expenses and so determine the cost of doing business. Amend the Excel spreadsheet as needed.