Emerging Issues in Film and Television Law
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Film and Television Law course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Emerging Issues in Film and Television Law Glossary #
Emerging Issues in Film and Television Law Glossary
A #
A
Adaptation #
The process of transforming a pre-existing work, such as a book, play, or article, into a film or television show. This process involves obtaining the necessary rights from the original creator or copyright holder.
B #
B
Blockchain #
A decentralized, digital ledger technology used in the film and television industry to securely track and manage rights, royalties, and transactions. Blockchain technology can help prevent piracy and ensure fair compensation for creators.
C #
C
Copyright #
A form of intellectual property law that grants exclusive rights to creators of original works, such as films, television shows, scripts, and music. Copyright protects the expression of ideas, not the ideas themselves.
Contract #
A legally binding agreement between two or more parties that outlines the terms and conditions of their relationship. In the film and television industry, contracts are used to establish rights, obligations, and compensation for various aspects of production.
D #
D
Distribution #
The process of making films and television shows available to audiences through various platforms, such as theaters, television networks, streaming services, and DVD. Distribution deals involve licensing rights to distribute content in exchange for payment.
E #
E
Exhibition #
The public display or screening of films and television shows in theaters, festivals, museums, or other venues. Exhibition agreements govern the terms of how and where content will be shown to audiences.
F #
F
Fair Use #
A legal doctrine that allows the limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright owner for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. Fair use is a defense against copyright infringement.
G #
G
Guild #
An organization that represents and protects the interests of professionals in the film and television industry, such as writers, directors, actors, and crew members. Guilds negotiate collective bargaining agreements, enforce industry standards, and provide support to their members.
H #
H
Intellectual Property #
Creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and images, that are protected by law. Intellectual property rights include copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets.
I #
I
Independent Film #
A film produced outside of the major studio system, often with a lower budget and more creative freedom for the filmmakers. Independent films are typically distributed through film festivals, art-house theaters, and streaming platforms.
J #
J
Joint Venture #
A business arrangement in which two or more parties collaborate to pursue a specific project or venture. Joint ventures are common in the film and television industry for co-producing, financing, or distributing content.
K #
K
Key Grip #
A crew member responsible for setting up and operating equipment, such as cranes, dollies, and rigging, to achieve the desired camera movements and shots on a film or television set. The key grip works closely with the director of photography.
L #
L
Licensing #
The process of granting permission to use intellectual property, such as copyrighted material, trademarks, or patents, in exchange for payment of royalties or license fees. Licensing agreements specify the terms and conditions of use.
M #
M
Merchandising #
The practice of licensing the rights to use a film or television show's characters, logos, or other elements on products, such as toys, clothing, games, and collectibles. Merchandising can be a significant source of revenue for content creators.
N #
N
Non #
Disclosure Agreement (NDA): A legal contract that prohibits parties from disclosing confidential information shared during a business relationship. NDAs are commonly used in the film and television industry to protect sensitive information, such as scripts, casting decisions, and financial details.
O #
O
Option Agreement #
A contract that grants a producer or studio the exclusive right to purchase the film or television rights to a literary work, such as a book, play, or article, within a specified timeframe. Option agreements give producers time to develop projects before committing to full production.
P #
P
Producer #
A key creative and business role in the film and television industry responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of production, from development and financing to filming and post-production. Producers can be involved in creative, financial, and legal decisions.
Q #
Q
Quota System #
A government policy that requires a certain percentage of content broadcast or exhibited in a country to be produced locally. Quota systems are used to promote domestic film and television industries, protect national culture, and limit foreign influence.
R #
R
Release Form #
A legal document signed by individuals who appear in a film or television show, granting permission to use their likeness, voice, and performance in the production. Release forms are essential for obtaining the necessary rights and avoiding legal disputes.
S #
S
Screenplay #
The written script of a film or television show, including dialogue, action descriptions, camera angles, and other details necessary for production. Screenplays are written by screenwriters and serve as the blueprint for the visual and auditory elements of a project.
T #
T
Trademark #
A recognizable sign, symbol, word, or logo used to distinguish and identify goods or services of a particular source. Trademarks are protected by law to prevent unauthorized use by competitors and confusion among consumers.
U #
U
Union #
An organization that represents and advocates for the rights and interests of workers in a particular industry, such as actors, writers, directors, and crew members in the film and television industry. Unions negotiate collective bargaining agreements, enforce labor standards, and provide support to their members.
V #
V
VOD (Video on Demand) #
A distribution model that allows viewers to access and watch films, television shows, and other video content at their convenience through digital platforms, such as streaming services, pay-per-view, and rental. VOD services offer a wide selection of content for a subscription fee or individual purchase.
W #
W
WGA (Writers Guild of America) #
A labor union representing screenwriters in the film, television, and new media industries in the United States. The WGA negotiates contracts, enforces industry standards, and advocates for the rights and interests of its members.
X #
X
Xenon Arc Lamp #
A type of high-intensity discharge lamp used in film and television production to provide bright, flicker-free lighting for indoor and outdoor scenes. Xenon arc lamps are more energy-efficient and longer-lasting than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Y #
Y
Yield #
The return or profit generated from an investment in film or television production. Yield is calculated as a percentage of the initial investment and can vary based on box office performance, distribution deals, and ancillary revenue streams.
Z #
Z
Zoom Lens #
A camera lens with variable focal lengths that allow filmmakers to adjust the magnification and field of view during shooting. Zoom lenses are versatile for capturing different types of shots, such as wide-angle, medium, and close-up, without changing lenses.