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Life Rights & Depiction Release

For a producer optioning the rights to dramatize a real person's life story — covers the option period, purchase price, depiction and fictionalization rights, releases of privacy, defamation, and right-of-publicity claims, optional sequel/remake bonuses, and the consultant role.

Drafted by a Harvard Law entertainment attorney.

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Is this the right contract for your project?

This contract is built for portraying a real person or true story on screen. It fits projects that need permission to use a life story and likeness, a release of certain claims tied to the portrayal, agreed compensation, and any consultation or approval terms.

Good fit for

  • Producers developing a film based on a true story
  • Production companies portraying a real person
  • Writers building a project around a real life
  • Real people granting rights to their story
  • Projects that need a release of certain claims

You may also need

Before you start

It helps to have these details on hand before you create your contract:

  • The person and the story covered
  • Which parts of the life story are included
  • How likeness and name may be used
  • Any option fee, purchase price, and timing
  • Whether the person has consultation or approval
  • What claims are released and how broadly
  • Credit for the person

What's Inside This Contract

Grant of option

Sets the option fee, the option period, and how the option is exercised.

Rights granted

Sets the life story, name, and likeness rights and any right to fictionalize.

Consideration

Covers the purchase price and any contingent compensation or bonuses.

Consultation, credit, and role

Covers any consulting role, fee, and credit for the person.

Creative approval rights

Sets what say, if any, the person has over the project.

Release and waiver

Sets the release of certain claims tied to the portrayal.

Representations and warranties

Confirms each side has the right to enter the deal and meet its promises.

Disputes and general provisions

Covers standard terms such as notices, how disputes are handled, and signatures.

Points Worth Negotiating

  • Which parts of the life story are covered
  • Whether the person has any consultation or approval
  • How likeness and name may be used
  • Compensation and timing
  • What claims are released and how broadly

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a life rights and depiction release?
It gives permission to portray a real person's life or story and releases certain claims tied to the portrayal.
What are life rights?
Life rights are permission from a real person to portray their life or story, with a release of certain claims such as privacy or defamation.
Do I always need life rights to tell a true story?
No, because some facts are public. A life rights agreement reduces disputes and gives access to the person's cooperation and private details.
Can the person approve the script?
The person approves the script only if the agreement gives that right. Some deals include consultation or limited approval, and others do not.
What should I have ready before creating it?
Have the person and story, which parts are covered, how likeness and name may be used, any fees and timing, any consultation or approval, and the claims released.
Should I choose the custom contract or the editable template?
Choose the custom contract to answer a few questions and have it filled in for you. Choose the editable template if you prefer a blank version with labeled fields to complete yourself.
What are common warning signs in a life rights & depiction release?

These are common issues to watch for in any life rights & depiction release:

  • Vague description of the rights granted
  • No release of relevant claims
  • Unclear scope or time limits
  • No compensation terms where expected
  • Broad approval rights that could block the project
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