The Rights Checklist
A theater showing your film to a paying audience is a public performance. Before you book one, make sure you actually have the rights to everything on screen and in the soundtrack. This is a plain checklist, not legal advice; if anything is unclear, ask an entertainment lawyer.
1. Music
Every piece of music needs two permissions: the song itself (the composition, from the publisher) and the specific recording (the master, from whoever owns it). A festival-only license may not cover a paid theatrical screening, so check the wording of every license for "theatrical" or "public performance". Music written for your film by a composer should come with a signed agreement that gives you those rights. Library music is fine if its license covers theatrical use.
2. Archival Footage And Images
News clips, old films, photos, artwork and anything from the internet need a license unless you shot it or it is in the public domain. Keep the license or the source showing it is public domain. A "fair use" argument is something to discuss with a lawyer, not assume.
3. People And Places
Keep a signed release from every actor and identifiable person on screen, and location agreements for private property. Crew deal memos should make clear that you own the work.
4. Logos, Brands And Artwork
Recognizable trademarks, posters, paintings or clothing logos in shot can cause trouble. Blur them, replace them, or have permission.
5. The Script And Story
If the film is based on someone else's book, article, life story or script, you need the rights in writing.
6. Errors And Omissions Insurance
E&O insurance covers claims that you used something without permission. Most small theaters do not ask for it for a one-night screening, but distributors and some venues do. Ask the theater early, and keep your paperwork in order so a policy is easy to get if you need one.
7. Keep A Rights Folder
One folder with every release, license, composer agreement and location agreement. When a programmer or distributor asks, you can answer in minutes.
When you post a film in the Screening Room, you confirm that you own or control these rights, including music cleared for public performance. See the Delivery Checklist for what a theater needs from you before the night.