Rights and clearances for AI films
A festival entry usually asks you to warrant that you have the rights to everything in the film. That warranty is broader than many first-time AI filmmakers expect.
The assets you actually need to clear
Check music, voice, likeness, locations, artwork, logos, stock footage, fonts, scripts and any source images used as references or inputs. A generated image does not automatically clear the rights in what it resembles.
For recognisable people, obtain a release or use a clearly non-identifiable performance. For real brands or characters, do not assume that a model output avoids trademark or copyright issues.
Read the platform terms
Most AI tools grant broad licences to inputs and outputs, but the details vary. Save the terms that applied when you generated the work, especially for commercial or festival use.
If a tool’s terms are unclear, ask the organiser in writing before submission. Do not rely on a social-media summary.
Understand the festival licence
Some calls ask for a screening licence only. Others ask for marketing, social-media, trailer or distribution rights, sometimes for 12–24 months. Read the grant separately from the entry fee.
If the licence is broader than you can accept, ask whether it can be narrowed or withdraw before the deadline.
This is not legal advice
Rights depend on jurisdiction, contracts and the specific assets. For a film with commercial partners, real performers or a broadcaster, get a lawyer to review the chain of title.
Checklist
- Music and voice cleared
- Likeness releases obtained where needed
- Source images and references documented
- Platform terms saved
- Festival screening licence read
- Broad distribution grant flagged