Script clearance in pre-production provides the necessary legal due diligence to identify and mitigate risks related to trademarks, copyrights, private rights and name conflicts before filming begins. An oversight can lead to costly reshoots or editing, licensing fees or litigation down the line.

Film & TV Clearances delivers comprehensive, meticulously researched Script Clearance Reports that empower you to proceed with confidence, knowing your creative vision is protected from potential legal challenges.

A Script Clearance Report (or ‘Neg Check’) is a meticulous scene-by-scene analysis of every element or reference in your script that could lead to a claim of defamation, privacy infringement or a breach of intellectual property rights. The elements identified include names, places, events, dialogue, businesses, artwork, props, footage or music.

The report is delivered in development or early prep, giving your team time to make necessary creative adjustments.

Character and name clearance - verifying that character names, fictional businesses and supporting roles do not infringe upon the identity or reputation of living persons or existing entities.

Trademark and brand usage - identifying all instances of named products, logos or brands to determine which require negotiation, licensing or fictionalisation.

Locations and landmarks - checking for potential privacy or proprietary rights issues related to specific, identifiable private locations or unique architectural features.

Copyrighted material - flagging all instances of visual art, music, literary excerpts or quotes that may require third-party licensing.

We understand the practical realities of productions schedules and budgets.

Our script clearance service guarantees:

In-depth scene-by-scene analysis - a meticulous breakdown of the script, line by line, flagging elements and dialogue that carry legal risk.

Risk categorisation - clear identification of elements requiring immediate action by the production team.

Actionable recommendations - we provide practical solutions, from simple name changes to negotiating necessary licences.

International database checks - our research covers databases worldwide, ensuring your clearance holds up across key distribution territories.

Integration with production clearances - seamless handover from the script report to the full production clearance phase, including managing third-party negotiations and securing final licence agreements.