Can anyone help me out to correct my statement letter?

Can anyone help me writing a contract letter with a camera person for my travelogue?

• I am going to make a travelogue based on a travel story of 14 people going to the great himalayas. The location is on the altitude of 18,000 ft. Risk factors are high & the temperature in the nights goes less than -10 degree celcius. My camera person is ready to go there and work. But I want to make him sign a contract letter. No Idea how to start. Can anyone help me for this? The letter must include the copyright of the footages collected. We won't bear insurance too, neither personal nor camera's. Tips appreciated. Sample letter would be great!! Thanks!

• Answer:

  First, you need to carefully consider your "relationship" with the photographer: is he an employee, partner, independent contractor? The answer will automatically dictate who owns the copyright of his works. Once you have that figured out, your contract can clearly specify who will own what, when all is said and done (e.g., ".. shall be deemed works made for hire (WMFH) and to the extent they do not qualify as WMFH, photographer transfers all right title and interest in and to any copyright and any copies to Expedition." You will certainly need an attorney to work out your statement of work, release, indemnification, etc, so you are not left holding the bag when the camerman ends up injured (or worse) due to something you or your staff or other contractors (sherpas) have done...