Production & Project Advice
It starts as moodboard, a pitch, a first draft, a demo track… some make it to prime time or bookstore shelves, others live online as short-form content or radio programming. But getting there isn’t always straightforward, especially when sensitive budgets (or egos) are involved. I help structure the legal side so the creative side can actually happen.
In addition to advising on using AI in productions, I’m regularly asked to consult on business models, payment flows, and IP. I also help clients resolve tensions in business relationships before they escalate into formal disputes; things like disagreements between co-founders, writers and publishers, or talent and agents.
Pressure points
Every project has its own rhythm, but these are the areas that usually demand the most attention:
TALENT & RELATIONSHIPS
Talent contracts, publicity rights, digital replicas, endorsement deals, and keeping relationships between performers, agents, and producers steady.
PLATFORMS & PARTNERSHIPS
Interpreting AI tool terms, broadcast restrictions, and the use of locations or assets in digital environments, while safeguarding confidentiality.
RIGHTS & OWNERSHIP
Clarifying copyright, joint authorship, and revenue-sharing frameworks so that rights, credit, and payments flow how and where they should.
CONTRACTS & CLARITY
Structuring deals, negotiating fair terms, ensuring transparency and labelling obligations are met, and preventing disputes before they start.
SelectedProjects
Designed bespoke framework for ScreenSkills to assess the pros and cons of using AI across 15 use cases for film and TV productions, ranging from AI-generated scripts and beat boards to synthetic voice or image use in post-production.
The legal analysis combined a practical understanding of various production phases together with a nuanced approach to the various work carried out by freelancers, talent, and executives.
Conducted a full legal risk review of terms and conditions for AI tools (including Adobe Firefly, Runway, Artlist, Midjourney, and Filmusage) for a UK-based creative content studio. Analysis covered terms of use, IP ownership, indemnities, and commercial exposure - all presented in a way that translated the fine print into tailored, practical insight.
Drafted AI-specific clauses and Codes of Practice for Film London members to use in film location agreements, to include advising on enforceable terms to help restrict unauthorised scanning, replication, and re-use of content for AI training.
Advised a production company on using AI-generated voiceovers and deepfakes in a true crime documentary. Work included assessing the copyright and performer rights implications of using archive films, police interviews, public domain content, and viral media. Guidance covered ownership, moral rights, ethical use, and broadcaster requirements.