Blair Whitman

Legal Advisor

Movimenti Production • Full time

Aug 2012 - Aug 2021 • 9 yrs

For Movimenti Production, I served as legal counsel across the business side of filmmaking and audiovisual production, particularly where creative decisions created ownership, financial, or contractual consequences. My involvement was designed to keep projects legally usable throughout their commercial lifespan. Financing and production arrangements often required careful allocation of rights between producers, investors, creative professionals, and outside partners. I reviewed funding conditions, participation interests, production commitments, revenue arrangements, and contractual controls affecting how projects could be completed or subsequently exploited. Rights clearance was handled as an ongoing production function rather than a final check. Scripts, performances, music, archive footage, photographs, locations, artwork, and commissioned material were examined to establish permission for intended uses and prevent gaps in the project’s chain of title. I also dealt with agreements for cast, directors, production personnel, composers, editors, vendors, and other contributors. Negotiations addressed fees, expenses, credits, deliverables, intellectual property, confidentiality, scheduling obligations, publicity permissions, and consequences when agreed services were not completed. After completion, I advised on licensing and monetization across broadcasters, digital platforms, distributors, festivals, and international markets. Where conflicting rights, contractual defaults, payment problems, or infringement allegations surfaced, I assessed the documentation and pursued an appropriate resolution. The position required safeguarding Movimenti Production’s ability to control, distribute, license, and derive continuing value from its creative catalogue.