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Michael Hamilton · July 17th, 2006, 09:35 PM

I found a freelance journalist online who wants to help me with a documentary. There is no money yet, but it seems like it could turn out to be profitable.
I don't want to get started on it before we both are clear about who gets what and who owns what.
What kind of contract is appropriate for this?
All the work I've done before this time has been on a job as an employee or subcontractor but I'm on my own now and see that I really need to brush up on my business skills.

Michael

Chris Owen · July 18th, 2006, 11:34 PM

Hi Michael,

I'm sure you'll get several different responses on this and a lot of opinions, but it is ultimately worth the money to actually consult an attorney on this type of issue. I cannot address this specific type of contract and its contents from experience as I have not had to deal with anything lke that, but the attorney I hired to draw up my standard design contract was VERY thorough (he thought of a LOT that I hadn't) and was very reasonably priced (I paid $500 for it then a few years ago). While it may be a bit hard to choke down that cost at first if you are just getting started, I can assure you it can (and probably will) save you a lot of hassle and frustration down the road.

Michael Hamilton · July 20th, 2006, 10:50 AM

Chris,

Thanks for the advice. I'll check out some lawyers.

Michael

July 17th, 2006, 09:35 PM	#1
Michael Hamilton Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Location: Falls Church Virginia Posts: 61	Contracts I found a freelance journalist online who wants to help me with a documentary. There is no money yet, but it seems like it could turn out to be profitable. I don't want to get started on it before we both are clear about who gets what and who owns what. What kind of contract is appropriate for this? All the work I've done before this time has been on a job as an employee or subcontractor but I'm on my own now and see that I really need to brush up on my business skills. Michael

July 18th, 2006, 11:34 PM	#2
Chris Owen Regular Crew Join Date: May 2006 Location: Monroeville, AL Posts: 68	Hi Michael, I'm sure you'll get several different responses on this and a lot of opinions, but it is ultimately worth the money to actually consult an attorney on this type of issue. I cannot address this specific type of contract and its contents from experience as I have not had to deal with anything lke that, but the attorney I hired to draw up my standard design contract was VERY thorough (he thought of a LOT that I hadn't) and was very reasonably priced (I paid $500 for it then a few years ago). While it may be a bit hard to choke down that cost at first if you are just getting started, I can assure you it can (and probably will) save you a lot of hassle and frustration down the road. __________________ Achtung! Das camera ist nicht fur der fingerpoken und mittengrabben. Ist easy schnappen der springenwerk, blowenfusen und popencorken mit spitzen sparken. Das camera ist diggen by experten only. Ist nicht fur gerwerken by das dummkopfen. Das rubbernecken sightseeren keepen das cottenpiken hands in das pockets. Relaxen und watchen das blinkenlights.

July 20th, 2006, 10:50 AM	#3
Michael Hamilton Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Location: Falls Church Virginia Posts: 61	Chris, Thanks for the advice. I'll check out some lawyers. Michael