How does the Documentary Film Program work?
A documentary filmmaker who agrees to, and does, comply with Best Practices can submit a rough cut of the film to the Fair use Project, along with a detailed clip log of all copyrighted material used without permission. If the film is accepted into the Program, the Fair Use Project or other Approved Counsel participating in the Program will review the accepted film, and determine whether, in the opinion of counsel, the film complies with Best Practices. Once compliance is certified, the filmmaker will have access to the favorable errors and omissions insurance offered by Media/Professional. In addition, the Fair Use Project may commit to providing a pro bono defense to copyright claims arising out of the film’s use of copyrighted material under Fair Use. If the Fair Use Project does not commit to providing a pro bono defense to copyright claims, other Approved Counsel participating in the Program may commit to providing that defense at a reduced hourly rate.
