Director work-made-for-hire Agreement Standard Template (non-loanout)

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DIRECTOR WORK-MADE-FOR-HIRE AGREEMENT (NO-LOANOUTS)

Updated: Nov. 1, 2025

1. What is it?

A Film Director Agreement (No Loan-Out) is a legal contract between a production company and an individual director, outlining the terms of the director’s engagement on a film, series, or similar audiovisual project. It establishes the director’s creative authority, services, compensation, credit, delivery expectations, and legal responsibilities. This agreement is critical in confirming ownership of the director’s work product, securing the right to use their name and likeness in marketing, and avoiding disputes over authorship, control, or credit. When no loan-out company is involved, the director is contracting in their personal capacity, which may have liability and tax implications.

Non-loanout means the director is contracting themselves as an individual and not through their "loanout" company.

2. Who is it for?

This agreement is for use when hiring a director as an individual, rather than via their corporation or loan-out.

Used by:

· Independent producers hiring a director without a formal loan-out company

· Emerging directors who are not yet incorporated

· Production companies preparing for legal delivery and needing clear work-for-hire terms

· Short films, indie features, or early-stage development projects

· Legal counsel drafting production-side agreements for direct hires

3. What does it include?

The agreement covers the full scope of the director’s engagement—from pre-production through delivery—and includes clauses addressing work-made-for-hire, ownership of results and proceeds, and director's credit. It specifies what decisions require mutual agreement, and what falls under producer or financier control. It may include a kill fee or replacement provision, depending on budget. The agreement also includes representations from the director that they are free to work on the project and that their contributions will be original and non-infringing.

Key Terms and Sections:

Clause	Description
Parties	Names of the production company and the individual director
Engagement	Confirms the director is hired to direct a specific project (by title)
Term of Services	Outlines period of engagement—typically pre-pro, principal, and post phases
Director's Duties	Lists all expected responsibilities, including casting input, directing on set, supervising post
Compensation	Fixed fee or tiered payments tied to milestones (e.g., pre-production, principal, delivery)
Credit	Specifies on-screen credit (e.g., “Directed by [Name]”) and where it must appear
Creative Approval	Details what decisions the director can control vs. what is subject to producer or financier approval
Work Made for Hire	Declares that all results and proceeds are work-made-for-hire for the producer
Name & Likeness	Grants producer rights to use director’s name and image for advertising and promotion
Expenses & Per Diem	Notes whether the director is reimbursed for travel, meals, lodging, etc.
Guild Compliance	Optional—used if subject to DGA or international guilds
Insurance & Liability	May include director’s obligations regarding behavior or legal compliance
Warranties & Representations	Director confirms they are free to sign and will not violate third-party rights
Termination & Remedies	Grounds for termination and any remedies if director is replaced
Indemnity	Director indemnifies producer against breaches of contract or representations
Governing Law	Jurisdiction for legal disputes
Signature Block	Execution by the individual director and the production company rep

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.

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