FlashProcutionRights
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- hulja
I was wondering if anyone here retains their FLA files for Flash projects? I generally provide only the SWF when I deliver a product and sell the FLA at an extra rate. My thinking is that the FLA is the equivilant of a negative for a photographer. Once the client has it, they can do what they want to it and call it theirs.
So is what I do pretty normal for a freelancer or do most FLA designers/developers here provide the FLA to their clients?
- obey460
Same goes with all source files. I state in my contract that I own the rights to those source files and if they want them, then we'll negotiate on the terms of use.
- mrdobolina0
I never give up the FLA's unless it was agreed upon.
- loahn0
Same here, my .fla files are my own - i delivery a finished product and not a blueprint unless otherwise agreed.
- GeorgiePorgie0
is that like 'Shock'wave... get it? ha ha
- Mimio0
Are you subcontracting or working for the client directly?
- hulja0
Thanks for all the feedback. I'm subcontracting. I've been doing this for several years, but every now and then, you have a client demanding the FLA of the project, trying to convince me that it's standard to provide everything I make.
The last time I had this problem, I agree to sell the FLA separately, but made them sign an agreement not to use the source code or contents of the FLA for anything outside the project (like that's easily controllable!)
Anyway.. just doing a reality check. When there is a discussion about this with a client, it's good to rethink, recheck with peers to make sure you're not insane.
- nosaj0
Most of my clients don't know the difference between .swf and .fla files. In the rare case where someone has asked for them I have let them have it.
- brozilla0
Good question.
I just signed a contract that states the following:
"any product(s) developed through this contract shall become the property of (xzy client)..."
that leaves much room for ambiguity.
how would you interpret this in relation to the .fla?
- mrdobolina0
add language like:
excluding any source files, fonts etc.
- jkosoy0
...I'm not lawyer, but it could be argued that the product developed thru the contract is the SWF. The FLA is simply the means to said product.
- brozilla0
..I'm not lawyer, but it could be argued that the product developed thru the contract is the SWF. The FLA is simply the means to said product.
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ya, I agree. kinda a mute point right now, but if push comes to shove...
*knocks on wood
just shows that you need to pay attention to everything.
- hulja0
It's good to lay out in a Terms and Conditions what you are not handing over.
I make a list from "Applications used" to "source code" to "illustrations".. etc. And then I state in deliverables that I will pass over the rendered Flash file only (the swf). Handing over the FLA is asking to get stepped on. And I learned this the hard way a while back. I thought I was being 'right' to please a client and give him what he asked for. He just made a few tinker changes and put my work on his portfolio claiming it was his. And to top that off, he used some of my code for techniques I saw in other works.So if a client hassles you for the FLA, a good way to explain the situaion is that this is obviously standard practice not to deliver the FLA unless agreed upon. That's normal practice in photography with the print vs. the negative. I don't see why it's always that crystal clear in this industry.
- derek20050
i dont hand over source files