The chain of title in film refers to a series of contracts and documents that establish the production company or filmmaker owns and/or has a sufficient licence to use all elements of the film or television programme that are attract legal protection through copyright or other intellectual property rights.
The so-called “chain” runs from the current owner at any given time, back to the original owner of the intellectual property rights in the production. Thus, this collection of documents may continue to grow over time.

A clean chain of title is essential to obtain development or production financing; to obtain a pre-sale advance from a broadcaster; to conclude a sales or distribution deal enter into a co-production arrangement with another production company.

This seminar will explore the following topics: Financiers’ requirements in relation to chain of title Understanding copyright Copyright Registration Understanding the difference between assignments and licences The essential elements in any contract Common chain of title agreements:

• Option Agreements
• Writer Agreement / Screenplay Agreement
• Director Agreement
• Commitment from cast /key contributors- Other agreements, that may have an impact on the ownership of rights Producing a production based on a person’s life Title Reports / Copyright Reports Errors and Omissions Insurance

Tutors: Brian Gormley, Partner, Philip Lee, Solicitors Cian McElhone, Associate, Philip Lee, Solicitors

Participant Profile:
Business Matters is aimed at producers with industry experience.

How to Apply:
Deadline for applications is the 13th of November 2014. Please apply online to www.screentrainingireland.ie If you have any queries please email helen.mcmahon @ screentrainingireland.ie

Don’t miss a briefing on the new tax credit for film, television and animation production in Ireland on Tuesday 25 November, hosted by Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board.

The event, presented by the Revenue Commissioners, will commence at 9:30am at the Conrad Hotel on Earlsfort Terrace in Dublin 2.

To reserve a place please RSVP to marketing@irishfilmboard.ie by Wednesday 19 November.

Northern Ireland Screen is running a series of 25 workshops under the BFI Net.Work banner. These workshops are for new entrant and emerging filmmakers and facilitated by Laura Campbell from Dog Ears, which is a children's media company based in Derry that create quality content for kids.

Takes place from 7pm-9pm at The Cube at the Crescent Arts Centre, 2-4 University Rd, Belfast.