Creators Legal Documentary Option and Purchase Agreement
The Documentary Option and Purchase Agreement is to secure the option and purchase rights of Source Material for Development into a Documentary.  Source material may be a book, magazine article, podcast, or any other type of source material. This is a legal document that details the terms and conditions between a Producer and the Owner of the Source Material for development into a documentary. It covers the essential elements of the relationship such as:
  • Date of Recording
  • Ownership Rights
  • Release Date
  • Use Rights of Recording
  • And More.
This agreement can be used for either a feature, film, or episodic series-style documentary. There are two phases of the agreement. The Option and the Purchase. The first is the Option, to be able to explore the development, seek financing and/or distribution, and then the Purchase phase, if the Option is exercised to be made into a project. The Documentary Option/Purchase Contract of Source Material such as a book, magazine, or podcast is different than a Life Rights Option Agreement (which may also be necessary). Generally, when you need to use source material for the basis of a documentary, you will need to get the rights from the author/owner and possibly the subject of the documentary as well.  A good industry standard Documentary Agreement will help you secure all the rights needed for your production and help secure the Chain-of-Title for purchasers or distributors. Other names for this Document: Film Documentary Option and Purchase Agreement, Film Documentary Option and Purchase Contract, Series Documentary Option and Purchase Agreement, Documentary Option Documentary Option Agreement, Option and Literary Purchase Agreement, Option and Purchase Agreement. Approximate time to complete contract:  4-5 Minutes

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What is it?

The Documentary Option and Purchase Agreement covers the essential contract terms between a Producer and the Owner of the Source Material.

This standard Documentary contract covers:

  • The Start Date of the Agreement
  • The name of the Documentary
  • The Release of Rights
  • The Use Rights of the Recording, including promotion and advertising rights.
  • The Rights and Responsibilities of the Parties
  • Work-For-Hire Language
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution Issues, including Venue & Choice of Law

How does it work?

Use this document to explain the relationship between a Producer and the Owner of the Source Material.

 

Some things needed to build your custom Documentary Option and Purchase Agreement:

  • Names of the Parties
  • Addresses of the Parties
  • Emails of the Parties
  • Name of the Production
  • Dates of Recording
  • State for Venue and Choice Provisions

Once you have completed drafting the Documentary Option and Purchase Agreement, you will be able to save to edit further, download a PDF or send to the other party for electronic signature.

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