What Should Filmmakers Watch Out For? Legal Pitfalls in Filmmaking
24. 10. 2026 copyright film industry
Who owns the rights to a film? What should directors and screenwriters know before signing a contract with a producer? And how can legal problems be avoided during production and distribution?
Director and screenwriter Johana Ožvold and lawyer Ivan David discuss common copyright issues that filmmakers encounter throughout the filmmaking process – from project development and shooting to the release of the finished film. In the new CIRG educational video, they combine practical experience from the film industry with legal expertise, highlighting potential risks that can be avoided through well-drafted contracts.
The video is intended primarily for screenwriters, directors, producers, and film students. The video was produced as part of the project Comprehensive Research and Support for the Development of Cultural and Creative Industries in the Olomouc Agglomeration, co-funded by the Jan Amos Komenský Operational Programme.
Cirg - about
CIRG – the Cultural Industries Research Group focuses on research into cultural and media industries, particularly on current issues, challenges, and conflicts arising from tensions between intellectual property law, the business models of cultural industries, the digitalization and platformization of cultural sectors, and changing consumer habits. The group’s name is an acronym of its English title, Cultural Industries Research Group. CIRG is an informal association of experts from media studies, intellectual property law, media law, media ethics, cultural economics and cultural management, sociology of culture, and data analysis. The group operates on the basis of project-based funding through applied research projects (TAČR, NAKI, EEA and Norway Grants, OP JAK Intersectoral Cooperation), basic research projects (GAČR, ZIF Bielefeld, OP VVV Excellent Research, DFG), as well as contract research (State Cinematography Fund, Association of Audiovisual Producers).
get involved
Screen Industries in Central and Eastern Europe Research Group
SIRG
Charles University
Department of Film Studies
Lab head: Petr Szczepanik
sirg@ff.cuni.cz
PhD
We offer the opportunity to pursue doctoral study focused on developing and carrying out your own research projects in the field of cultural and media industries. The programme can be undertaken at Palacký University Olomouc, Charles University, or the Prague University of Economics and Business under the supervision of leading experts in media studies, cultural economics, digital ethics, and copyright law.
moreStudent Legal Clinic for Authors and Performing Artists
The Student Legal Clinic focuses on a wide range of legal issues, including copyright law. Supervisors overseeing the preparation of each legal opinion are always experts in the relevant field of law. The advice is provided free of charge.
more