FILM/MEDIA OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES 

Typically, any Film/Media project (“Project”) created by Pepperdine University (“University”) students, whether created in fulfillment of a class assignment or for non-academic purposes, and whether created on the University’s premises or elsewhere, is owned by the students who created it. However, the University may be a co-owner of the Project when it provides significant resources, such as staff, equipment, or funding. The University may be the sole owner of the Project if it is a “work-for-hire” commissioned by the University. If the Project is a work-for-hire, the rights of all parties will be established and agreed to prior to the beginning of the Project. 

When the University is not a co-owner or the sole owner of the Project, any income from the distribution of a Project shall be the property of the students who created it. Students retain the right to distribute a Project for profit and to enter it into film and video festivals. All prizes belong to the students. 

All students who create or participate in the creation of a Project are jointly and severally responsible for the Project. Students should ensure that the Project does not violate or infringe on any copyright, any right of privacy, or any other right of any person, and that the Project is not libelous, obscene, or otherwise contrary to law. Students should obtain any necessary permission for the use of any copyrighted materials included in any Project. 

Each student who creates or participates in the creation of a Project agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the University, its governing board, regents, attorneys, officers, faculty, staff, employees, agents, contractors, and volunteers, from and against any and all claims, costs, losses, damages, liabilities, expenses, demands, judgments, court costs, attorneys’ fees, and any settlement paid, which may arise out of, or relate to, the preparation, creation or production of the Project, including, but not limited to, any material in such Project that infringes or violates any copyright, right of privacy, or any other right of any person, or is libelous, obscene, or contrary to law. 

The University reserves a non-exclusive, irrevocable, royalty-free, world-wide, perpetual license to use all Projects created by students for a class assignment, filmed on campus, or that utilizes significant University resources, in any medium known or later devised, provided that the use is in furtherance of the University’s educational mission. Permissible uses of student Projects include, but are not limited to, educational, promotion, publicity and fundraising efforts by the University through reproduction, the Internet, the making of derivative works, public screenings, public display, and distribution of compilation videotapes, DVDs, and digital media files. If so requested by the University, the student owner(s) of a Project shall credit the University, or a University donor, in a manner satisfactory to the University or donor. Students may not enter into any other exclusive agreement that conflicts with this Policy.