A production agreement establishes who owns the finished content and on what terms crew and contributors are paid. The producer usually owns copyright in the finished film. Separately, underlying rights (script, music) must be cleared.

• Producer typically owns copyright in the finished film
• Underlying rights: script, music, locations must all be cleared separately
• PACT/Equity agreements apply to union productions
• Chain of title: important for distributors and broadcasters
• E&O insurance: required by most broadcasters

Legal reference: Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988; PACT agreements