Chain of Title
Definition
The documented history of ownership for a film's underlying rights, proving that the filmmaker has the legal right to produce, distribute, and sell the film. Chain of title includes option agreements, writer contracts, life rights agreements, and any assignments of rights. Distributors and platforms require a clean chain of title before they will license your film. Gaps or missing documents can block distribution entirely.
Example
Your film is based on a novel. Your chain of title includes the option agreement with the author, the exercise of option letter, the screenplay work-for-hire agreement, and the producer's rights assignment. A distributor reviews all of these before signing a deal.
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