This is educational material, not legal advice. Consult qualified counsel and current guild, platform, insurer and local materials.
Four compliance priorities for 2026 • SAG-AFTRA: a Verticals Agreement now covers serialized vertical projects (public material describes chapters of three minutes or less; trade reporting cites a sub-$300,000 budget ceiling). Use the official workflow and forms. • E&O insurance: policies typically address copyright, defamation, privacy, publicity, chain of title, music and content claims. E&O is separate from physical production insurance. • AI likeness and voice: synthetic likeness use is drawing disputes and regulatory attention. Get consent that is specific about the model, purpose, media, term, territory, compensation, revocation and transfer. • Platform music: YouTube's September 24, 2026 change affects active Content ID claims on new Shorts longer than one minute; unresolved claims can still affect visibility and monetization. Check platform music policies at the time you publish.
Chain-of-title packet Keep, in one place: underlying IP rights; writer agreements; options or purchases; work-for-hire documents; performer and location releases; artwork and trademark clearances; stock and archive licenses; sync and master music rights; composer agreements; AI tool terms and asset provenance; title and script clearance; and assignments to your production entity. Build it during production, not after a buyer asks.
Contract issue spotter Vertical deals raise questions traditional contracts often miss. Bring these to counsel: • Episode splitting, paywall edits, ad clips and compilations • Horizontal recuts and dubbing • Territories, windows, sequels and remakes • Merchandising, promotion and credit • Data access, accounting and audit rights • Takedowns, morals clauses and synthetic reuse