Editor

The Independent Film & Television Alliance has released a new edition of the IFTA® Model International Licensing Agreements 5th Edition 2010, the longtime benchmark for licensing international rights of motion pictures and television programming. The latest set of model agreements tackles licensing in the digital and online era, providing definitions and deal terms that will be in use for years to come.

When the IFTA® Model International Licensing Agreements (“MILA” or “IFTA® Forms”) first appeared in 1986, and were updated in 1994, 2000, 2005 and 2007 (with an Internet and Wireless Rider), the IFTA® Forms established a reputation for clarity and completeness. However, over time, form agreements require adjustments to account for developments in the licensing environment resulting from the emergence of new technologies, digital distribution platforms and models.

The MILA 5th Edition represents a comprehensive update to the IFTA® Forms, with
the International Multiple Rights Distribution Agreement completely updated to incorporate the definitions and provisions necessary to license all rights and authorized uses.

“The IFTA Legal Committee and the IFTA Legal Department have spent considerable time and effort to create the best possible model agreements,” said IFTA President-CEO Jean Prewitt. “The MILA 5th Edition is a step forward in the rapidly evolving landscape of motion picture and television licensing. We sincerely hope it will continue to act as a helpful model for our members and the industry at large.”

IFTA put the agreements into service at AFM 2010. The general public may access .pdf versions of the IFTA® International Standard Terms and IFTA® International Schedule of Definitions, and purchase the IFTA® MILA™ 5th Edition Binder with a disc containing all model agreements and attachments in Microsoft Word® format, at www.ifta-online.org.

About The Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA)
The Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) is the global trade association of the independent motion picture and television programming industry. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the organization represents and provides significant entertainment industry services to more than 150 member companies from 23 countries, consisting of independent production and distribution companies, sales agents, television companies, studio-affiliated companies, and financial institutions engaged in content finance.

Collectively, the Independent Film & Television Alliance’s members produce more than 400 independent films and countless hours of television programming each year and generate more than $4 billion in distribution revenues annually. The organization’s premiere event, the American Film Market, held in conjunction with AFI FEST, takes place every year in November in Santa Monica.

As the voice and advocate for the independent film and television industry worldwide, the Alliance speaks out on matters of critical importance and, where appropriate, actively lobbies governments around the world in regard to measures directly affecting the independent industry. For more information on IFTA and the American Film Market, please visit www.ifta-online.org.