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PRODUCTION TIPS: Clear the Script and Get Permission BEFORE Shooting

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There is alot wrong in this picture according to CBS/Paramount. Maybe you've heard about the Star Trek fans lawsuit? In January 2016, CBS and According to The Wrap , Paramount sued  “ producer Alec Peters of Axanar Productions for copyright infringement... The suit concerns “Axanar” and the prequel film “Prelude to Axanar,” collectively referred to as “the ‘Axanar’ Works. ”  “The ‘Axanar’ Works infringes plaintiffs’ works by using innumerable copyrighted elements of ‘Star Trek,’ including its settings, characters, species, and themes,” the complaint reads. CBS and Paramount are seeking up to $150,000 for every copyrighted “Star Trek” element present in the films. ” I admire the love, devotion and skill Peters has demonstrated with the making of the 'Axanar Works' but he doesn't seem to have a strong defense, even if he cites "fair use." The fair use doctrine would provide protection if he were making a parody like this In Living Color "Star Trek&qu

PRODUCTION TIPS: Build Your Brand by Creating A Production Company Mindmap

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Love him or hate him, Walt Disney's success can not be denied. His creativity extended beyond his artistry and into the realms of business. Behold this extraordinary mindmap attributed to Disney from 1957 (and color-coded by ZillionDesigns). Notice how varied the businesses of Walt Disney Productions are and how they intersect and compliment each other. The different business arms not only serve legal, taxation and logistical purposes BUT also marketing, branding and intellectual property purposes. For example, the TV department doesn't just meet the legal and business purposes of "paying off the cost of own film" it also "publicizes the products of the music division." Any producer out there starting a production company (even with one film) would benefit greatly from contemplating on Disney's mindmap and thinking about he or she can also map the strategy for their project in a similar way. Obviously, that indie producer's mindmap would

PRODUCTION TIPS: Get To China Through the Netherlands

If you want to reach the Chinese market, one way to do it is through the Netherlands. Here's why .

CASE STUDY: Six 2 Six (an indie feature film)

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Six 2 Six | Cassandra “Cass” Riddick (dir)   | Release date: October or November 2015   |  USA  | 90 minutes (est.)   |  Format: 2.5K (Blackmagic) The entertainment industry is a tough business that chews people up with the consistency of a meat grinder. It's no wonder that the shelf-life for many filmmakers is short. But for a brave few, filmmaking is a passion that can't be ignored. Through sheer willpower and creative talent, these brave few make their dreams come true and keep on making it. Cassandra Riddick is one of the brave few. She has that perfect combination of artistic creativity, business savvy, managerial instinct and charming personality that I would argue are the main reasons to her success. She is also someone who takes what she has learned in her past productions to be better and more efficient in her future productions.  And through it all she treats her co-producers, crew, cast and everyone else in her circle with love and respect because