By the time filming begins on a blue-light programme, many key creative and structural decisions have already been made. The format is nailed down, access is agreed, target contributors are identified, and expectations for the narrative are set with the commissioner.

It's a moment that can make true-crime producers nervous: fulfilling the Ofcom obligation to notify the family of a deceased victim that their loved one will feature in a programme.

New year, new projects crossing our desks at Reviewed & Cleared! Every year we advise on a large amount of comedy, from scripted drama and sketch shows to live records.

As fun as it sounds, comedy can be one of the most legally sensitive forms of broadcasting.

Crew are the powerhouse behind every production. Despite their importance, crew contracts often receive less attention than cast or contributor deals, which can risk costly disputes, delays, or even derailed shoots.

In the film and TV industry, co-production partnerships can unlock new resources and markets, but they require careful negotiation. Below is some practical advice on how to strike a confident, balanced co-production deal.

A title is vital to your project - it's the first thing that people see and key to drawing viewers in.  Title Reports are an integral part of the clearance process and essential for your E&O insurance policy.  They help you avoid future costly legal battles by checking that your title doesn't infringe any third party trade mark rights. 

If the person answering this question says ‘not much – someone points a camera and that’s it’ – chances are, for this individual, Apocalypse Now is not a brilliant reimagining of Joseph Conard’s novella Heart of Darkness but a boring, if noisy, search for an obese person who lives up a river and chops cows’ head off.