Backing the Vision: Chris Perez on Financing & Distribution in Independent Film

EPISODE SUMMARYIn this episode of The Filmmaker’s Legal Lens, we sit down with Chris Perez, partner at the entertainment law firm Donaldson + Callif + Perez, to unpack the financial and legal realities of getting your film made and distributed.Chris brings deep insight from years of working with independent producers, helping them navigate equity raises, tax credits, debt financing, and investor negotiations—while also planning ahead for deliverables, rights clearance, and distribution readiness.You’ll hear how to avoid common traps, like giving away too much backend too early, failing to budget for legal review, or structuring deals that disincentivize distributors from getting involved. This episode is packed with strategy—not theory—for filmmakers at any stage of production.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODEPreparing for Distribution – Legal & Practical Strategy

• Why distribution needs to be baked into financing discussions
• What buyers and streamers look for in your chain of title and deal memos
• The legal deliverables checklist: what you need before you sell
• Why lack of legal planning kills good projects in post-production

Next Episode:Coming up: Dale Nelson, partner at Donaldson Callif Perez and expert in fair use law, joins us to discuss how to protect your right to tell the story that needs to be told—especially when it's controversial, sensitive, or legally risky.Subscribe & Share:

• Website: https://donaldsoncallifperez.com

• Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
• Rate & review to support legal literacy in the creative community.