As a screenwriter-producer, interested in securing my project's IP, and demonstrating that to equity investors, can I in my capacity as a producer for the LLC sign a contract with myself as the writer to option the IP associated with the screenplay, on behalf of the project?
As the manager of the LLC, can I sign a services agreement with myself as the producer?
How is this handled in the early days of development? Particularly when I might be wearing multiple hats on a picture?
-- Hugh
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Yes but why bother until you have a deal to complete?
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Thank you sir, for your prompt response.
I'm assuming that the first deal to complete is the closing on development funds. Aren't folks about to transfer funds into an escrow account going to want know that we own the script? If I (as manager / producer on behalf of the company) don't sign these contracts with myself (as a work-for-hire producer or a spec or contract screenwriter), who would execute the contracts on behalf of the company? I'm imagining a manager-managed LLC under Georgia law.
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No, all the documentary backup should be part of deal closing. Before that you just say you have the copyright and agree to assign it to the producing company. Show your copyright registration if you want, but that's about it. No reason to do legal and contractual maneuvers for a deal you don't have, which might want entirely different structure.
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Got it. Thank you.