Business Formation
Do I Need an Operating Agreement for My Film LLC?
Yes. And filing Articles of Organization alone isn’t enough. Most filmmakers who form an LLC for their production focus on the filing — registering the entity with their state, getting an EIN, opening a bank account. That’s the visible part of the process. What gets skipped is the Operating Agreement — the document that actually
Business Formation
The Three Elements of a Contract Every Filmmaker Should Know
Most filmmakers spend years mastering storytelling — but almost none get taught the story that governs every creative deal: contracts. Whether you’re signing your first actor agreement, negotiating a distribution deal, or just texting “confirmed” to a crew member, you’re constantly entering into contracts — sometimes without realizing it. And while Hollywood might feel like
Business Formation
What Loan-Out Companies Change About Ownership (And How to Protect Yourself)
A lot of filmmakers breathe a sigh of relief once the loan-out company signs the agreement.“Great. I’m covered. They’re a professional. They run everything through their LLC. This is clean.” Except… it isn’t.Not automatically. Loan-out companies create one of filmmaking’s most dangerous legal misunderstandings: the belief that a contract with the LLC is the same
Business Formation
Why Every Indie Filmmaker Needs an LLC Operating Agreement (Even If It’s Just Two of You)
Setting up an LLC for your film? Don’t hit record without an Operating Agreement.It doesn’t matter if you’re financing the movie with your best friend or producing your passion project on a shoestring budget—this one document can make or break your production. What is an LLC Operating Agreement (and Why Filmmakers Can’t Skip It)? An
Business Formation
How Indie Filmmakers Can Streamline Contracts Like Netflix
Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime aren’t just reshaping how we watch movies — they’re reshaping how the industry handles contracts. These streaming giants move fast, rely on automation, and don’t waste time chasing signatures. Here’s the good news: indie filmmakers can use the same playbook. You don’t need a studio-sized legal team to keep your
