Theater Production Agreements are specialized contracts regulating relationships between parties involved in creating a performance. Unlike general theater law, which covers broad regulations, this service focuses on the internal workings of a specific production: budget allocation, creative decision-making ownership, and profit-sharing schemes. This is critical for both state and private independent theater companies to avoid conflicts before the premiere.
The service involves drafting and negotiating the following types of agreements:
- Director's Agreement: Defining fees, rehearsal schedules, casting authority, and the future of the production (revival/remount rights).
- Set and Costume Designer Contracts: Deadlines for sketch submission, budget control, and intellectual property rights over designs.
- Co-production Agreements: Collaboration between multiple theaters or festivals, sharing costs and revenues.
- Sponsorship Agreements: Relationships with private companies regarding ad placement in exchange for production funding.
- Technical Rider and Logistics: Contracts with crew (lighting, sound) and equipment rental.
In practice, disputes often arise between the director and producer (or theater manager) regarding creative freedom. For example, can the manager replace an actor without the director's consent? This must be stipulated in the contract. Copyright on the staging is also problematic: does the director own the "mise-en-scène"? Under Georgian law, a play is a product of co-authorship, requiring clear rights delineation in the agreement.
The legal framework relies on the Civil Code (works, services) and the Law on Copyright and Related Rights. It is also important to consider the Labor Code if the team is hired under employment contracts. Partnership agreements are used for independent projects.
The lawyer works with the producer from the budgeting stage. They ensure everyone is "contracted" so that no unexpected claims arise on premiere day. Legal.ge offers lawyers with experience in theatrical production.
A play's success depends on teamwork, and teamwork requires clear rules. Sign the right contracts with the help of Legal.ge.
Updated: ...