Say I have a script that somebody from the east coast is interested in, somebody from the west coast is interested in and somebody from the UK is also interested in. I'd like to give all three permission to make it. Would all three be able to enter festivals worldwide (and perhaps even compete against each other) or would they need to stick to their own parts of the world?

If nobody knows, I'll try and find out. I just haven't got time tonight... and, just like magic little shoe-fixing elves, I may log in and the answer will be before my eyes without having to lose any time searching.

As far I know you can assign the rights to as many people as you want. This is unusual, but it's hardly illegal.

Obviously most film makers want the exclusive rights. Many want them forever, despite their own mortality. You shouldn't give them up for more than a year, two at the most. They are making a short film, not building a cathedral.

I doubt festivals would be interested in a film that's been made by multiple film makers. Unless of course you made this a selling point and each film took a fairly different approach to the ideas in it, Say by female and male roles being reversed. Now there's an idea.

Good luck with it.

Yeah, it's the festival thing that's making me think. At least two of them want to take it to festivals. As a student project, then anyone can make the film... as a festival project, then I think there can only be one. The others must have their heads cut off.

Quoted from DustinBowcot Yeah, it's the festival thing that's making me think. At least two of them want to take it to festivals. As a student project, then anyone can make the film... as a festival project, then I think there can only be one. The others must have their heads cut off.

Bit drastic.  ;D

Be good to see which one delivers the better film - wonder if you could put a provisional clause in the agreement i.e., see the final product first. I dunno, perhaps wishful thinking, be nice though wouldn't it?

Nice script btw, I will be posting on it soon.

And, congrats! Tis a good feeling when more than one's vying for it. :)