WORK-MADE-FOR-HIRE SHORT FORM AGREEMENT

 Updated: Nov. 1, 2025

1. What is it?

A Film Production Work Made for Hire Agreement is a contract used in the film and television industry to ensure that any creative work—such as writing, editing, cinematography, sound design, animation, or similar services—is legally owned by the production company from the moment it is created. Under this agreement, an individual (typically a freelance or contract worker) is hired to produce specific materials, and all rights in the resulting work are automatically assigned to the producer or company. This prevents any future disputes about ownership, copyright, or licensing, and secures the production’s chain of title for legal delivery and distribution.

2. Who is it for?

This agreement is essential for any film production hiring individual freelancers or contractors to create copyrightable content.

Should be used by:

·       Producers hiring editors, composers, designers, or animators

·       Directors contracting independent creatives

·       Post-production supervisors bringing in freelance specialists

·       Production companies securing deliverables for distribution

·       Legal counsel managing rights acquisition and delivery chain

·       Independent contractors creating film-related IP (e.g., posters, storyboards, VFX)

3. What does it include?

The agreement defines the scope of work, payment terms, and explicitly states that the work is a “work made for hire” under U.S. copyright law—or, if that doctrine doesn't apply, includes a broad assignment of all rights. It ensures the hiring party owns the results and can use them freely in all media and territories. It also includes representations by the worker that the work is original, not infringing, and that they will assist in executing additional documents to secure rights.

Key Terms and Paragraphs:

·       Engagement & Scope of Work – Describes the services and deliverables

·       Work Made for Hire – Declares that the work is commissioned and shall be owned by the company from creation

·       Assignment of Rights – Transfers all copyright, intellectual property, and usage rights

·       Delivery and Timeline – Specifies when work must be submitted and in what format

·       Compensation – Fee, payment structure, and conditions

·       Originality & No Infringement – Contractor warrants that the work is original and non-infringing

·       Confidentiality – Obligates the contractor to keep project materials confidential

·       Further Assurances – Contractor agrees to sign further documents to support copyright registration or ownership

·       Credit (If Any) – States whether and how the contractor will be credited

·       Independent Contractor Status – Clarifies there is no employment relationship

·       Governing Law and Dispute Resolution – Legal jurisdiction and arbitration/venue terms

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.

NOTE: The PDF's do not save while filling them out. Save your entries on a separate document and then copy and paste the text into the PDF forms. Then print them out.

Copyright © 2025 Showbiz Consultants Inc.