WORK-MADE-FOR-HIRE DEAL MEMO

1. What is it?

A Work Made for Hire Deal Memo is a short-form agreement used in film and television production to quickly and clearly confirm the key terms of engagement between a producer and a crew member. It acts as both a summary of employment terms and a legal acknowledgment that all work produced is owned by the producer from inception, securing intellectual property rights. This document simplifies onboarding for short-term hires or freelance crew, providing clarity around dates, compensation, responsibilities, and rights without requiring a lengthy full agreement.

2. Who is it for?

This document should be used by any production hiring crew or creative personnel who are not contracting through a loan-out company, especially on low- to mid-budget productions or tight timelines.

Should be used by:

• Independent producers hiring freelance crew

• Line producers coordinating short-term hires

• Directors assembling skeleton crews

• Unit production managers (UPMs) needing quick agreements

• Freelancers seeking to confirm payment, credit, and IP terms

• Attorneys needing short-form documents to support chain of title

3. What does it include?

This deal memo includes identification and crediting details for the crew member, defines start and end dates, outlines compensation terms (including box/kit/equipment rentals), and documents any agreed travel, accommodations, and per diem arrangements. The memo asserts that the work is a work made for hire, assigning full rights to the producer, and includes waivers of moral rights and publicity claims. It reinforces at-will employment and makes clear that the producer holds global, perpetual ownership of all results of the crew member’s services.

Key Sections and Legal Terms:

• Project Title / Crewmember / Position – Identifies the production and the person being hired

• Contact Information & SSN – Used for payroll and tax purposes

• Credit Preference – States how the crewmember wants to be credited (if applicable)

• Start and End Dates – Work period for scheduling and payroll

• Compensation – Daily, weekly, or fixed fee plus equipment/kit rental rates

• Box/Kit/Equipment Clauses – Shifts responsibility to the crew unless loss is producer’s fault

• Travel / Per Diem / Other Terms – Additional negotiated benefits or expectations

• At-Will Language – Employment can be ended at any time by either party

• Work Made for Hire Clause – Declares the work owned by producer from creation

• IP Assignment and Moral Rights Waiver – Secures all rights and avoids future disputes

• Publicity Rights Release – Grants the producer rights to use name, likeness, voice, etc.

• Assignment Rights – Producer may assign contract rights freely

DISCLAIMER: 

• This document template is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Use at your own risk. 

• Use of this document does not create an attorney-client relationship, privilege, or confidentiality. 

• You are responsible for customizing this template to your own needs. 

• You should consult with a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction to satisfy your specific legal needs. 

• We do not provide advice specific to your situation. 

• This document is for a single business use only.

• The content of this document is the copyrighted property of Showbiz Consultants Inc. and any copying, distribution, resale, public posting in whole or in part, modification with intent to redistribute, or exploitation without consent is illegal and may subject you to copyright infringement, breach of contract and other legal claims resulting in monetary damages to you.