I have to admit, I was a little nervous... I've been calling my film "Spirit Camp" ever since the first draft - but I hadn't bothered to clear the title. Actually, I didn't really know the process. I mean, I did as much research on my own as possible to make sure there wasn't a conflicting title already out there, but that was about it. At this point, my key art, DVD cover, and marketing materials are all geared toward "Spirit Camp." It would be a total bitch to have to change the name now.
One of the requirements to get E&O insurance (Errors & Omissions) is a title clearance report. I paid a research company,
Thomson Compumark, $1100 to run my title through every conceivable database for any conflicts. The US Patent & Trademark Office, The Copyright Office, along with every entertainment title, book, video game, ever created. They even searched user generated content on the web, on sites like Youtube and Myspace. What I got for my money was a 366 page booklet containing everything that referenced the name "Spirit" or "Camp" in any combination. They even printed out every web page titled with those terms as well.
I sent this "War & Peace" sized report to my attorney for her to issue an opinion, cringing on the billable hours it would induce. I anxiously awaited our conference for the results.
Everyone asks me, "When is the movie coming out... what's taking so long?" and most importantly "When's the wrap party?" But it's these little details of post production, that most people are unaware of, that can hold up a release. I certainly couldn't press 10,000 DVDs before I cleared the title.
Fortunately, my attorney says we are in great shape legally, and the title is clear for my use. I still need to get a script clearance report (which is something I should have done before filming). This is another requirement for E&O, and of course, the subject of a future post.
So, "Spirit Camp" WILL be coming soon!
