QUestion from a first time filmmaker (documentary): DOes it make sense for my partner and I to incorporate to protect ourselves from any lwasuit during filming or after release? Would love to hear any advice. Thanks.
Incorporate or no?
- Thread starter jakethesnake
- Start date
How much is it to incorporate in Ohio? Keep in mind that you have to follow corporate formalities or your corporation will be nothing more than a bump in the road when people try to sue you personally. There's other expenses too. Separate phone line, Turbo tax software, Statement of Information fee, etc.
How much $$ do you have to sue for if someone wanted to go after you. People don't sue broke people.
You could insure your shoots instead, to protect against people getting hurt / killed while working on your shoot.
How much $$ do you have to sue for if someone wanted to go after you. People don't sue broke people.
You could insure your shoots instead, to protect against people getting hurt / killed while working on your shoot.
Save the money and time and headaches...
It's a lot more inexpensive just to get a good contract, have a lawyer look it over and insure your production than to go through all the hassle and money involved in incorporating. Unless you are creating several pieces on a regular basis, there's just no reason to go through all the hassle.
It's a lot more inexpensive just to get a good contract, have a lawyer look it over and insure your production than to go through all the hassle and money involved in incorporating. Unless you are creating several pieces on a regular basis, there's just no reason to go through all the hassle.
The "model", even for (especially for) the major studios and production companies, is to create an LLC for each individual production. For example, XYZ Productions, Inc. creates "Film 1 Productions, LLC", Film 2 Productions, LLC", etc. This protects the parent corporation - you don't have to incorporate yourself, however - from the liabilities associated with the production of the the individual projects. So if there was a lawsuit instigated due to an accident on the set of "Film 2 Productions, LLC" the plaintiff cannot sue for funds that belong to XYZ Productions, Inc., "Film 1 Productions, LLC", etc.
For the best legal advice you should consult with an experienced entertainment attorney.
For the best legal advice you should consult with an experienced entertainment attorney.