Professional License Template for United States

A Production Agreement spells out how two or more parties will work together to create something - from movies and TV shows to manufactured goods and software. It lays out who's responsible for what, how costs and profits will be shared, and sets clear timelines for getting the work done.

These contracts protect everyone involved by addressing key issues like intellectual property rights, quality standards, and what happens if things go wrong. In the U.S. entertainment industry, Production Agreements often follow guild guidelines and union requirements, while manufacturing versions typically include specifics about materials, quantities, and delivery terms under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Use a Production Agreement any time you're partnering with others to create something substantial - especially when multiple parties share creative control, financial stakes, or production responsibilities. This applies to film productions, manufacturing runs, software development projects, and creative collaborations where clear roles and expectations matter.

The agreement becomes essential when significant money, intellectual property, or reputational risks are involved. For example, indie filmmakers need one before shooting begins, manufacturers require one before starting a new product line, and tech companies use them when outsourcing development. Having it in place early prevents costly disputes about ownership, quality standards, and profit sharing.

• Film Production Agreement: Used for movies and TV shows, covering creative rights, talent compensation, and distribution terms
• Music Production Contract: Focuses on recording rights, studio time, and royalty arrangements between artists and producers
• Video Production Contract: Tailored for commercial videos, covering deliverables, revisions, and usage rights
• Hire Purchase Agreement For Machinery: Addresses equipment financing, maintenance, and ownership transfer terms
• Exclusive Distribution Agreement: Covers product distribution rights, territories, and sales targets

• Production Companies: Take the lead role in managing the project, providing funding, and coordinating all parties involved
• Creative Talent: Artists, directors, musicians, or manufacturers who contribute their skills and intellectual property
• Legal Counsel: Draft and review Production Agreements to ensure compliance with industry regulations and protect client interests
• Investors: Provide financial backing and often require specific terms about profit sharing and return on investment
• Distributors: Handle the finished product's market release and sales, with defined territory rights and revenue splits
• Industry Unions: Ensure agreements comply with labor standards and member protections in entertainment and manufacturing

• Party Details: Gather full legal names, addresses, and authorized signatories of all involved parties
• Project Scope: Define specific deliverables, quality standards, and timelines for the production
• Financial Terms: Document budget allocation, payment schedules, and profit-sharing arrangements
• Rights Management: Clarify ownership of intellectual property, usage rights, and licensing terms
• Risk Allocation: Outline liability limits, insurance requirements, and dispute resolution procedures
• Compliance Check: Review industry-specific regulations and union requirements that may affect terms
• Document Generation: Use our platform to create a legally sound Production Agreement that includes all essential elements

• Parties & Purpose: Clear identification of all parties and detailed description of the production project
• Scope of Work: Specific deliverables, timelines, milestones, and quality standards
• Financial Terms: Payment amounts, schedules, profit sharing, and expense allocation
• Intellectual Property: Rights ownership, licensing terms, and usage restrictions
• Production Control: Decision-making authority, approval processes, and creative control
• Risk Management: Liability limits, insurance requirements, and indemnification provisions
• Termination Rights: Conditions for ending the agreement and handling unfinished work
• Dispute Resolution: Mediation, arbitration, or litigation procedures and jurisdiction details

A Production Agreement differs significantly from an Agency Agreement in several key ways, though both involve business relationships and service delivery. Let's break down the main differences:

• Primary Purpose: Production Agreements focus on creating specific deliverables or products, while Agency Agreements establish ongoing representation relationships
• Duration: Production Agreements typically end when the project is complete, whereas Agency Agreements often continue indefinitely until terminated
• Control Structure: Production Agreements detail specific creative and technical requirements, while Agency Agreements focus on authority to act on behalf of another party
• Payment Terms: Production Agreements usually involve project-based budgets and milestone payments, while Agency Agreements often use commission structures or retainer fees
• Intellectual Property: Production Agreements emphasize creation and ownership of new IP, while Agency Agreements focus on representing existing rights or interests