**No-Budget Filmmaking Podcast - Episode #3: Contracts with "Vinnie Mancini"**

**Host:** Dan Miller **Guest:** Vinnie Mancini (Fictional Entertainment Attorney from New Jersey)

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### Episode Summary: In this unique and fun episode of *No-Budget Filmmaking*, host Dan Miller takes an entertaining yet educational dive into the world of contracts with his fictional character, Vinnie Mancini. Vinnie is a hard-talking, no-nonsense "entertainment attorney" from New Jersey who offers essential contract advice to no-budget filmmakers. Together, they discuss the ins and outs of legal agreements in filmmaking, touching on everything from distribution deals to back-end points and performer agreements. Whether you’re just starting or deep into your indie film journey, this episode is packed with practical tips to protect your project legally.

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### Subjects:

– Welcome to the Show: Introduction to today’s topic: contracts for no-budget filmmakers. – Meet Vinny Mancini: Dan introduces his fictional guest and explains the purpose of using a character for education and entertainment. – Why Contracts Matter: Vinnie explains the importance of contracts in independent filmmaking and why a simple template might not always be enough. – FilmTracks.com: Using online resources for basic contracts and when to get an attorney involved. – Common Filmmaker Mistakes: Vinnie dives into common mistakes filmmakers make when it comes to contracts. – The Danger of Verbal Agreements: Dan and Vinnie discuss the famous *Gone Girl* case, where a location dispute turned into a lawsuit. – Distribution Deals: How to protect your film when negotiating with distributors. – Back-End Points and Profit Sharing: A deep dive into how back-end points work, including a look at the Peter Jackson and *Lord of the Rings* legal case. – Performer Agreements: Vinnie lays out the must-have clauses in every actor's contract. – Intimate Scenes and Consent: A discussion on legal and ethical obligations for filming intimate scenes, featuring the Maria Schneider case from *Last Tango in Paris*. – Crew Agreements and Safety: Essential tips for working with crew members and the tragic *Midnight Rider* case highlighting the importance of safety on set. – Final Thoughts: Wrapping up with key takeaways for no-budget filmmakers. ---

### Key Points:

- **Always Get It in Writing:** Contracts are essential, even on no-budget films. Don’t rely on verbal agreements. - **Template Contracts vs. Custom Contracts:** Template contracts can be useful, but custom contracts are crucial when more money or rights are involved. - **Back-End Deals Can Be Tricky:** If you're offering cast or crew a percentage of profits, make sure the terms are crystal clear. - **Performer Agreements:** Make sure you own the rights to their performance and get explicit consent for intimate scenes. - **Crew Agreements:** Include work-for-hire clauses and clarify payment, job duties, and safety responsibilities. - **Distribution Deals:** Protect yourself from sneaky language that could tie up your film's rights for years. - **Safety on Set:** The *Midnight Rider* case is a stark reminder of why crew safety should never be compromised.

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### Guest Bio: **Vinnie Mancini** is a fictional character created by Dan Miller for the *No-Budget Filmmaking Podcast*. While Vinnie is not a real attorney, his advice is based on real-life legal issues that affect filmmakers, presented in a fun, engaging way.

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### Feedback: Did you enjoy this episode's format? Do you want more episodes featuring characters like Vinnie? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment or review.

Episode 2: Franklin Correa

In this episode of the *No Budget Filmmaking Podcast*, host Dan Miller is joined by award-winning filmmaker and fight choreographer Franklin Correa. Known for his extensive work in martial arts, acting, and no-budget filmmaking, Franklin shares his journey, starting from a dream of becoming an actor to ultimately creating his own films. The two discuss the challenges of making movies with little to no budget, the importance of using the resources available (even if it's just a phone or an old camcorder), and how to creatively navigate the filmmaking process.

Franklin provides valuable insights into how he writes scripts, often drawing inspiration from dreams, and how his martial arts background has influenced his work. He also talks about his experience with indie film distribution, collaborating with non-union actors, and his approach to fight choreography on set.

Whether you’re new to filmmaking or an experienced creator looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with practical advice on how to turn your passion into reality—without the need for a Hollywood-sized budget.

Crowdfundr for upcoming action thriller Witness

LESS IS MORE...MORE IS LESS by Franklin Correa "The honest truth to making your no budget film" on Amazon Books.

IMDb for Franklin Correa

Facebook Group: THE ALL NEW STRICTLY NO BUDGET FILM GROUP by Franklin Correa.

Episode 1: Chain of Title

In this debut episode of the *No-Budget Filmmaking Podcast*, host Dan Miller dives into the essential topic of **chain of title** and why it's crucial for securing rights in your no-budget film, even if your budget is under $10K. Dan explains what a chain of title is—a series of legal documents that proves ownership of the film’s screenplay, music, and other intellectual property—and breaks down how to properly organize and document your film’s assets.

Dan also shares practical tips on using tools like Kanban boards to stay organized and discusses real-life cases where poor chain of title management led to costly legal battles, from *The Terminator* to *Night of the Living Dead*. Whether you're just starting out or deep in pre-production, this episode will help you understand the importance of protecting your film’s rights for future distribution. Join Dan as he learns the ins and outs of no-budget filmmaking and shares his journey with you!