Pre‑Production Legal Checklist

Role‑based, printable checklist for film/TV projects. Educational only; verify with counsel and applicable unions/guilds.

Replace placeholders with verified local rules, union/guild requirements, and buyer/platform specs. Keep a visible “last updated” date and change log.





Milestones & Phases

PhaseFocusDue ByStatus
DevelopmentChain of title, option/purchase, initial budget, script clearancesBefore pre‑production startOpen
Pre‑ProductionPermits, insurance, union signatories, casting releases, music plan2–4 weeks pre‑shootOpen
ProductionDaily reports, timecards, incident logs, appearance/location releasesDailyOpen
PostMusic/stock licenses, E&O, credits, deliverables, cue sheetsBefore picture lock and deliveryOpen

Producer Checklist

Chain of title verified: option/purchase agreements, writer agreements, assignments.

Entity set up and banking; insurance broker engaged (GL, WC, auto, equipment, E&O plan).

Union/guild coverage confirmed; signatory/assumption paperwork initiated.

Budget includes fringes, premiums, safety, legal, music, archive stock, and contingency.

Clear deliverables list (network/platform specs, credits, legal deliverables).

Notes

Line Producer / UPM Checklist

Permit plan: film office submissions, road closures, police/fire coordination, special effects, weapons.

Safety: risk assessments, safety bulletins, stunt/firearms protocols, medic on set.

Crew contracts and timekeeping; meal/rest/turnaround compliance workflow.

Locations: negotiated location agreements, insurance COIs, neighbor notices.

Vendors & rentals: terms, certificate requirements, loss/damage responsibilities.

Notes

Music Supervisor Checklist

Music cue list draft; identify composition vs. master owners for each track.

Request quotes for sync and master use with media, term, territory, and promo rights.

Commission original score: composer agreement, delivery schedule, ownership/splits.

Source library/licensed stock music where cost‑effective; track license terms and expiries.

PRO registrations and final cue sheet preparation for delivery.

Notes

Post Supervisor Checklist

Editorial clearances: stock footage, imagery, trademarks, artwork, and on‑screen text.

Appearance releases logged and matched to picture; minor/guardian consents on file.

Credits lock: position titles, order, guild requirements, and contractual obligations.

QC for legal: defamation/privacy risk review; sensitive content flags and blurs.

E&O insurance application materials prepared (scripts, chain of title, counsel letter if needed).

Notes

Core Forms & Releases

Talent & Locations

Appearance Release (adult)

Minor Appearance Release (guardian consent)

Location Agreement (with insurance/indemnity clauses)

Extras Vouchers / Background Releases

Music & Media

Sync License (composition)

Master Use License (recording)

Composer Agreement / Work‑for‑Hire

Stock Footage/Image Licenses

Delivery Checklist (Legal)

Credits list (final) and Main Title/End Crawl files.

Cue sheet (PRO‑ready) and music licenses with terms summaries.

Chain of title binder (option/purchase, writer agreements, assignments).

Appearance/location releases and any special approvals (e.g., product/logo).

E&O certificate; legal opinion letter if required by distributor/platform.

Embeddable Snippets (Copy & Paste)

Publishers and film offices can embed these with attribution.

Pre‑Production Legal Essentials:
• Chain of title (option/purchase, writer agreements, assignments)
• Permits & insurance (GL, WC, auto, E&O plan)
• Union signatories (SAG‑AFTRA/DGA/WGA/IATSE as applicable)
• Releases (appearance, minor, location, background)
• Music plan (sync/master, cue sheets)
Source: Pre‑Production Legal Checklist (link to canonical URL)

Cite this Checklist

Citation (blog/academic):
“Pre‑Production Legal Checklist,” [Publisher/Organization], last updated [YYYY‑MM‑DD], [Canonical URL].
Attribution required: title, publisher, last updated date, direct link.

This checklist is a general educational resource and does not constitute legal advice. Verify all items with applicable laws, unions/guilds, and contracting parties.