Independent film production

This course will provide students with real-world experience acting as legal counsel on independent film projects.

Through readings, class discussions, and assignments, students will learn about the legal aspects of financing, developing, producing, and exploiting independent films. Under the instructor's supervision, students will engage directly with filmmakers and work on multiple discrete projects. The class will consist of a weekly seminar, and may be augmented by guest lectures, screenings, and set visits (for projects filming in Indiana). The supervising instructor is Matthew Dresden of Dresden Law PLLC, in Seattle, WA. Students will meet with Prof. Dresden by videoconference during a scheduled class time (expected to be once per week for 2 hours).

The legal services to be provided may include (1) drafting and negotiating production documents, including option and purchase agreements, cast and crew agreements, location agreements, and music licenses; (2) reviewing scripts and rough cuts and advising clients regarding copyright and clearance issues such as fair use, public domain usage, right to privacy, defamation, and rights of publicity; and (3) reviewing distribution agreements and advising clients on the exploitation of projects, including the roles of CAM services, sales agents, and distributors.

Interested students should submit a resume and interest statement to the Center for Intellectual Property Research (cipr@indiana.edu) by no later than November 4. No pre/co-requisites, although Entertainment Law is recommended.