First Look Agreement
(Director) (Motion Picture)
Summary
This template is a director's first look agreement that enables a production company to have the first opportunity to become involved in a director's next projects and establishes parameters for any such projects. It can be modified if the director does not have a loan-out company. This template includes practical guidance, drafting notes, and alternate and optional clauses. The objective of the first look agreement is to establish parameters for the director's projects if the production company decides it wants to move forward with any of them. The first look agreement provides benefits to both parties. It provides the production company with an opportunity to select among the director's next projects, and it provides the director with a potentially committed source of financing for the director's next film. Even if the production company elects to pass on the proposed project, the director retains the ability to set up the project with a third party. For an employment agreement between a director and a production company, see Director Employment Agreement (Theatrical Motion Picture). For general information on motion picture production documents, see Motion Picture Production Agreements and Documents.