Submission Release
(Work of Authorship)

Summary

This template is a submission release for use by a writer or creator who submits a script, treatment, or other literary work to a production company for evaluation. The release outlines the terms under which the production company can review the submitted material. This template includes practical guidance and drafting notes. The release is drafted from the perspective of the production company with the objective of establishing a reasonable and equitable framework that safeguards the interests of both parties. The production company reserves the discretionary right to use or refrain from using the submitted material, and the creator retains ownership of their work unless a separate agreement is executed. The submission release also includes a waiver of liability for the production company if the submitted material resembles other projects the production company may already be developing or considering. For a collection of content related to motion picture production, see Motion Picture Production Resource Kit. For related content, see Copyright Fundamentals, Fair Use Considerations and Nimmer on Copyright § 19D.05. See also, Literary Option and Purchase Agreement (Non-fiction Book or Novel, Long Form).