Dori Zavala - Rights, Clearances & Cash: The Roadmap to a Solid Production

Go For Production with Brandon Riley: A Filmmaking Podcast

In this insightful episode of Go for Production, host Brandon Riley sits down with Dori Zavala as they talk everything legal. With over 23 years of experience in legal, business, and finance, Dori has made it her mission to guide filmmakers through the often-overlooked yet critical world of film financing, legalities, and production clearances. She shares how her consulting practice, Open For Show Business, equips creatives with the strategic tools they need to bring a script to life—all while avoiding costly legal pitfalls. Dori and Brandon delve into the foundational steps every producer should take before cameras roll, starting with setting up an LLC to protect personal assets, establishing a business bank account, and getting key investor documents in order. They discuss essential contracts—everything from cast and crew agreements to location releases—and underscore the importance of transparency and clarity in every deal. Dori explains the complexities of copyright law, particularly for artwork and music, showing why seemingly small details can make or break a film’s distribution potential. Whether you’re an independent filmmaker piecing together a million-dollar budget or a producer looking to safeguard your project for future distribution, Dori's expertise offers invaluable guidance. Learn how to streamline your production’s legal workflow, handle complicated negotiations with agents, and ensure you have a clear roadmap for financing, music licensing, and more. By the end of this conversation, you’ll understand why having an entertainment attorney on board early can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.