Who We Serve
Independent Filmmakers
Bonfire Legal helps independent filmmakers protect their creative work, secure clean chain-of-title, and navigate financing and distribution with confidence. From early development through release, legal structure plays a critical role in whether a film reaches its audience. We provide practical, production-aware legal guidance so filmmakers can focus on storytelling while knowing their rights, agreements, and ownership are protected.
The Bonfire Legal Approach
Strategic Legal Counsel for Filmmakers
Bonfire Legal understands that independent film operates under tight budgets, compressed timelines, and high creative stakes. We approach each project by first understanding the scope of the production, financing structure, distribution goals, and long-term plans for the film.
Bonfire Legal specializes in assisting:
Independent feature and documentary filmmakers
First-time directors and producers developing their debut project
Production companies building a slate of films
Creators preparing for festival submissions or distribution
Filmmakers seeking investor funding or private financing
Producers who want clean chain-of-title before sales or acquisition
We explain what is standard in the industry, where negotiation leverage exists, and how specific terms affect ownership, backend participation, creative control, and future opportunities. Our approach prioritizes clarity over complexity, thoughtful structuring over recycled templates, long-term rights protection over short-term convenience, and responsiveness that matches the pace of active productions.
We aim to protect both the project and the people behind it.
Independent Filmmakers
How We Support Creatives
We help filmmakers build strong legal foundations behind their projects — protecting ownership, managing risk, and preparing films for financing, festivals, and distribution.
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Clear agreements with cast and crew are essential to avoid disputes and protect ownership. We draft and review agreements covering compensation, work-for-hire provisions, credit, backend participation, and IP assignment to ensure the production company maintains proper rights.
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Unsecured locations or missing releases can prevent distribution. We prepare and review location agreements, appearance releases, production releases, and essential documentation that distributors and insurers expect to see.
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Distributors, sales agents, and completion bond companies require a clean chain-of-title. We review underlying rights agreements, option agreements, assignments, and contributor contracts to confirm the production company owns — or properly licenses — every element of the film.
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Raising capital for an independent film requires careful structuring. We draft and review private placement documents, investor agreements, LLC operating agreements, and profit participation structures that align expectations and protect producers from future disputes.
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Distribution agreements often determine whether a film becomes financially viable. We negotiate and review distribution and sales agent agreements, focusing on rights granted, territory, term length, expense recoupment, reporting obligations, and revenue splits.
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Music rights are one of the most common sources of legal risk in film. We assist with music licenses, composer agreements, synchronization rights, and copyright registration to protect the film’s long-term value and avoid infringement issues.
Independent Filmmakers
Frequently Asked Questions
Independent productions move quickly, but distribution and financing partners require precision. These FAQs offer clarity, not shortcuts. Every production has unique risk factors, financing structures, and creative goals.
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Yes. Informal agreements create uncertainty that can derail distribution or financing later.
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It’s the documented proof that your production company owns or properly licenses every creative element in the film.
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Ideally after completion, but planning early ensures all assignments are secured properly.
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Pay close attention to rights granted, expense recoupment structure, reporting transparency, and contract term length.
Legal Clarity for Independent Productions
Protect the Film Before It’s Finished
The legal structure behind your film affects financing, festival eligibility, sales opportunities, and long-term revenue. Getting it right during development and production is significantly easier than repairing issues after completion. If you’re developing, producing, financing, or preparing to distribute a project, Bonfire Legal is here to help protect your work and position it for success.