I like the script, I like the director(s), I like the other actors, all good. It's a non-SAG Indie, no money involved.

But nothing's been signed. If this film "goes somewhere", do I have any rights of any kind relating to it? Is anyone even obligated to put my name in the credits?

I'm mainly doing it for the experience and because it's a good part.

Should I worry about this kind of stuff?

You definitely shouldn't worry about this stuff, but it won't hurt to ask the Second AD about a contract.

If it's non-SAG, chances are there will be no money, but you should always be credited.

Sometimes it takes awhile for contracts to be signed. For my first feature film, I didn't have a signed contract (we had agreed on all the terms) from my lead actor until after he was off working as the lead in an HBO series. That's because, agents are very busy getting their actors new work, and tend to procrastinate on some of the rest.

As for movie productions, there's just so much to do; and, right or wrong, getting out contracts can be back burned.

But again, no harm in asking.

Congrats on the film, and good luck!

Best,

Ron

Technically, you're not supposed to start work without a signed contract. It's an excellent way to protect yourself, because, once they have your work "in the can," there may be less motivation to follow through.

Things like whether you're entitled to anything on the back end, or how (or if) you're credited are normally worked out in the negotiating phase.

I know all this can be difficult if you're doing your own negotiating, but these are normal, expected business discussions, so don't be timid.

Along with what Michael says, don't make the mistake of thinking contracts are for paying gigs only. The contract might just say you agree to let them use your image and they agree to give you a copy of the film and credit in the film. They need this too--often a simple release is used for this (it should say that you give your image for the "valuable consideration of..." and then you guys fill in the blank.)

On a different note, this is why you should never ever agree to work on a non-union film. With or without a contract, you have absolutely no protection. Thanks to all the new budget categories at SAG, there is absolutely no reason for a producer not to use union talent. Even a kid out of film school producing his first film for eighty thousand dollars can afford to run his project through SAG!

That said, union or non-union, Michael Kostroff (a brilliant improvisor) is absolutely right - you should always have a contract.

But here's the good news. The odds are slim to none that this movie will ever go further than the director's home office. So consider this a lesson learned and stick to SAG movies!