In this exciting episode of Documentary First, host Christian Taylor welcomes Anne Easton, a brilliant entertainment lawyer and creative, to the team! Anne brings a wealth of knowledge and a powerhouse combination of legal expertise, creative insight, and deep industry experience to the table. In this lively conversation, they dive into the often-overlooked but crucial role of legal advice in documentary filmmaking.

From navigating contracts and rights management to understanding the importance of forming an LLC, Anne shares why filmmakers should consider legal professionals as early partners in their projects. Anne also explains key legal concepts like indemnity and how they protect filmmakers, while discussing the emotional side of working with lawyers.

With a focus on practical tips for indie filmmakers, Anne and Christian highlight how good legal groundwork can smooth the entire production process, ensuring that your creative vision stays protected. Plus, they share some must-see documentaries that perfectly capture the intersection of law and storytelling.

She is currently working on a creative non-fiction, coming-of-age book about a young woman from California moving to Saudi Arabia in the early 1980s.

DocuView Déjà Vu

• JOAN DIDION: The Center Will Not Hold, 2017, 94mins, Watch on Netflix, IMDB Link: Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold (2017) – IMDb

• Katherine Hepburn, 2019, 94 mins, Watch on Netflix, IMDB Link: Katharine Hepburn (2019) – IMDb

• The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst, 2024, Watch on HBO MAX, Series (2 seasons, 12 episodes), IMDB Link: The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (TV Series 2015–2024) – IMDb

Timecodes

00:00 Introduction to Documentary First
07:02 Understanding Entertainment Law
20:22 The Importance of Legal Agreements
28:06 Budgeting for Legal Services
34:19 Understanding Indemnity and Its Implications
45:12 Finding the Right Legal Representation
51:20 Documentary Recommendations and Insights