SPEC COMMERCIALS - LEGALITY FEEDBACK

[Nick Morrison]

Hey guys.

What are the legal ramifications of doing SPEC COMMERCIALS? If you make a SPEC for well known brand and you clearly label it as a SPEC do you still get sued? How does this work?

Also, have you guys had success submitting specs to festivals? How do you get them seen, beyond finding traffic on YOUTUBE/VIMEO (if you are lucky)?

THANKS!!!

 

[Alexis Hanawalt]

Legally, you're fine as long as you're not aggressively putting it out there as though it's a real commercial. If it goes on Youtube, just make sure it's got a tag on the end with your contact info or whatever.

 

[Derek Devine]

hmmmm be careful there. I wouldn't touch it. Why not enter one of those contests. Tons of well known companies are trying to get commercials made for nothing. Or better yet find a local business, there are a bazillion businesses out there that want a commercial but don't want to pay. Just stay in control of the process (and do your own casting ha ha). When I look at reels, fake Coke spots don't really do much for me, but I get why people make fake spots and I'm ok with it. Make a fake spot about a fake product. That might show some creativity.

Look at me I'm assuming you're trying to do this for you reel. You might have a very different reason. Apologies.