Terms & Conditions

These Terms & Conditions ("Agreement") govern the relationship between you ("Filmmaker", "Licensor", "User", or "you") and BlueCrown Motion Pictures LLC, operating the CrownPlay platform ("CrownPlay", "we", "our", or "us"), regarding the submission, licensing, and distribution of audiovisual content through the CrownPlay platform and associated services.

By creating an account, submitting content, or otherwise using the CrownPlay platform, you agree to these Terms & Conditions. You must be at least 18 years of age to use this platform. If you do not agree or do not meet the age requirement, you must not use or submit content to CrownPlay.

1. Grant of Rights

1.1 Non-Exclusive License

By submitting audiovisual content ("Content") to CrownPlay, you grant CrownPlay a non-exclusive, worldwide, sublicensable license to:

• Encode, reproduce, store, and transmit the Content digitally.
• Market, advertise, and promote the Content using titles, trailers, key art, and approved names.
• Distribute and sublicense the Content to third-party platforms, including but not limited to OTT streaming services, FAST channels, and other distributors.

1.2 No Transfer of Ownership

You retain all ownership rights to your Content. CrownPlay only obtains the right to distribute and market the Content for the term of this Agreement.

2. Deliverables and Content Requirements

2.1 Required Materials

You agree to provide:

• A high-quality master file (minimum 1080p, MP4 or MOV format).
• Vertical poster (minimum 2100 x 2700 pixels, JPEG or PNG format, high resolution).
• Optional landscape image (1920 x 1080 pixels, 16:9 aspect ratio).
• Trailer link and metadata (title, genre, cast, year of release, IMDb link if available).
• Territory rights available (U.S., Worldwide, or specified regions).
• Proof of rights clearance for all elements (music, footage, talent releases, trademarks).

2.2 Poster Restrictions

Posters must not include:

• Credits, ratings, company logos, or release dates.
• Version labels or other promotional text, except for the film title and allowed cast names.

2.3 Rejection of Materials

CrownPlay reserves the absolute right to reject any submission that:

• Does not meet technical requirements specified herein.
• Contains prohibited, infringing, defamatory, obscene, violent, or illegal content.
• Violates any third-party intellectual property rights.
• Contains unlicensed music, footage, or other copyrighted material.
• Does not comply with applicable content rating standards.
• In CrownPlay's sole discretion, does not meet quality or commercial viability standards.

2.4 Content Standards

All submitted content must:

• Be original work or properly licensed material with full rights clearance.
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations in territories where distributed.
• Not contain any material that violates platform content policies of major streaming services.
• Include proper credits and acknowledgments for all contributors.

2.5 BlueCrown Motion Pictures Intro Logo

All content distributed through CrownPlay will include the BlueCrown Motion Pictures intro logo at the beginning of the content, unless otherwise agreed in writing. By submitting content to CrownPlay, you agree to the addition of this intro logo and acknowledge that:

• The BlueCrown Motion Pictures intro logo serves as a brand identifier for distributed content.
• The logo will be professionally integrated into your content without altering the core creative work.
• This branding requirement applies to all distribution channels and platforms.
• Specific arrangements for logo exclusion must be negotiated separately and documented in writing.
• The intro logo does not affect your ownership rights or creative control over the underlying content.

3. Revenue Share and Payments

3.1 Net Proceeds Split

CrownPlay shall remit 85% of Net Proceeds to you, retaining 15% as a distribution fee. "Net Proceeds" means Gross Receipts actually received by CrownPlay from third-party platforms, minus direct third-party platform fees or distribution expenses paid to external parties. CrownPlay's own internal operating costs are not deducted from Net Proceeds.

3.2 Payment Schedule

Payments are issued quarterly, approximately 45 days after the close of each quarter, provided that aggregate earnings meet the minimum payout threshold of $100. Earnings below the threshold will roll over to the next payout period.

Important Payment Timing Disclosure: Revenue from streaming platforms is only remitted to CrownPlay after the platforms themselves receive payment from advertisers or subscribers. Many ad-supported platforms (such as Tubi, Pluto TV, and similar services) operate on a "quarter-in-arrears" payment cycle, meaning:

• Revenue earned in Q1 is typically reported and paid to CrownPlay in Q2.
• Your first royalty payment may not be issued until approximately 4–6 months after your content begins generating views.
• This delay is standard industry practice for ad-supported streaming platforms and is outside CrownPlay's control.

You acknowledge that CrownPlay cannot pay royalties until we receive corresponding payments from distribution platforms, and payment timing varies by platform.

3.3 No Guarantees

CrownPlay makes no guarantee that your Content will be accepted by any particular platform or that your Content will generate any revenue.

4. Platform Exclusivity and Non-Circumvention

For the duration of this Agreement, you agree not to directly contact or attempt to distribute to any platforms introduced by CrownPlay for the same Content outside of CrownPlay's arrangement. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Direct submission to streaming platforms that CrownPlay has existing relationships with.
• Soliciting or accepting direct distribution deals that bypass CrownPlay for the licensed content.
• Sharing contact information or business relationships developed through CrownPlay.

Post-Termination: Following termination of this Agreement, this non-circumvention restriction survives for a period of twenty-four (24) months with respect to any specific platforms, distributors, or contacts introduced to you by CrownPlay during the term. After this 24-month period, you are free to approach such parties independently.

Violation of this clause constitutes a material breach and may result in immediate termination and monetary damages.

5. Representations and Warranties

You represent and warrant that:

• You are at least 18 years of age.
• You are the rightful owner or have full authority to license the Content to CrownPlay.
• The Content does not infringe on any copyright, trademark, or intellectual property rights.
• There are no pending claims, liens, or disputes related to the Content.
• All residuals, guild payments, and third-party obligations have been paid or will be paid by you.

6. Indemnification and Liability Protection

6.1 Filmmaker Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless CrownPlay, its affiliates, and distribution partners from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from copyright or trademark infringement, breach of representations and warranties, payment disputes with third parties, or content-related claims or legal issues.

6.2 Content Buyer and Third-Party Protections

All users who register on the CrownPlay platform — including content buyers, distributors, and affiliates — agree to the following by accepting these Terms at registration:

• Platform Role: CrownPlay acts as an intermediary and is not a party to deals struck between buyers and filmmakers.
• Content Liability: Disputes over licensed content are matters between you and the content owner. CrownPlay is not liable for such issues.
• Business Risk: CrownPlay cannot guarantee the commercial success or suitability of any content.
• Technical Issues: CrownPlay is held harmless for technical interruptions, downtime, or data loss.
• Financial Limitation: CrownPlay is not liable for financial losses, lost profits, or consequential damages.
• Legal Disputes: Disputes over content usage or licensing agreements are resolved between involved parties; CrownPlay excluded unless legally required.

6.3 Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, CROWNPLAY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, OR USE, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH DAMAGES WERE FORESEEABLE OR WHETHER CROWNPLAY WAS ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

7. Term and Termination

7.1 Term

This Agreement begins upon acceptance and active distribution of your Content by CrownPlay and continues for an initial term of three (3) years, renewing automatically unless you provide written notice of termination 60 days prior to the renewal date.

7.2 Early Termination

CrownPlay may terminate this Agreement immediately if you breach these Terms or if your Content violates laws or third-party rights. Upon termination, CrownPlay will remove your Content from active distribution, subject to third-party platform timelines.

7.3 Surviving Platform Licenses

Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, any sublicenses already granted to third-party streaming platforms prior to the termination date shall remain in effect for the duration of those existing platform agreements. CrownPlay will continue to collect and remit your share of royalties from such pre-existing platform licenses at the rates specified in Section 3.1, even after the Agreement has otherwise terminated. This obligation survives termination.

7.4 CrownPlay's Continuing Right to License

Regardless of whether you cancel your subscription, close your account, or otherwise cease use of the CrownPlay platform, CrownPlay retains the full right to continue exercising all distribution licenses, platform agreements, and sublicenses covering your Content that were in place at the time of cancellation or account closure. This includes — but is not limited to — the right to:

• Maintain and fulfill any active agreements with streaming platforms, broadcast networks, or other licensees for the full remaining term of those agreements;
• Collect all revenue generated from your Content on those platforms during the remaining license term;
• Remit your applicable royalty share to you at the agreed rate under Section 3.1, provided your banking information remains current;
• Deliver, re-deliver, or update technical assets to platform partners as required under those agreements; and
• Enforce CrownPlay's rights under platform agreements in its own name, including protection against unauthorized reproduction or distribution.

Cancellation of your account or subscription does not constitute termination of any active platform license. Those licenses run to their natural expiration date as defined by the applicable distributor agreement. After account cancellation, CrownPlay's obligation to remit your royalties continues only for Content actively licensed at the time of cancellation, at the rate agreed upon in this Agreement, and is contingent on you maintaining valid payment information on file.

This Section 7.4 survives termination, cancellation, or expiration of this Agreement.

8. Subscription Services and Payment Terms

8.1 Subscription Plans and Billing Terms

By subscribing to any paid plan, you agree that:

• Flexible Subscriptions: All paid subscriptions (Indie, Pro, and Studio plans) are billed monthly and can be cancelled at any time from your dashboard.
• No Refunds: Subscription fees are non-refundable. Upon cancellation, you retain access to paid features until the end of your current billing period.
• Auto-Renewal: Your subscription renews automatically each month at the then-current rate unless you cancel.
• Plan Changes: You may upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time. Changes take effect at the next billing cycle.

8.2 Payment Failure and Royalty Deduction Policy

After Missing More Than 2 Payments:

• Automatic Royalty Deduction: CrownPlay reserves the right to automatically deduct outstanding subscription fees from your royalty payments.
• Deduction Amount: Each royalty check will have the equivalent of one month's subscription fee deducted (up to a maximum of 50% of each individual royalty payment) until all outstanding subscription fees are paid in full. Once the outstanding balance is fully repaid, deductions stop.
• Loss of Subscription Benefits: Upon missing more than 2 payments, you will immediately lose access to all subscription benefits including advanced analytics, priority review and support, discounted add-on services, and additional submission slots.
• Benefit Reinstatement: To regain access, you must make 3 consecutive on-time payments. Any remaining unpaid balance continues to be recovered from future royalties at the standard deduction rate until the balance reaches zero.
• Email Notifications: You will receive notification after each missed payment and a final warning after the 2nd missed payment.

Payment Recovery Steps:

1. 1st Missed Payment: Email notification sent; account remains active with full benefits.
2. 2nd Missed Payment: Final warning email sent; account on probation.
3. 3rd Missed Payment: Benefits suspended; royalty deduction begins at next quarterly payment.
4. Recovery Phase: 3 consecutive on-time payments required to reinstate benefits.
5. Full Reinstatement: Benefits restored; remaining outstanding balance continues to be deducted until fully cleared.

8.3 Account Management

CrownPlay reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts for violations, remove policy-violating content, modify platform features with reasonable notice, require additional verification, and deduct outstanding fees from royalties as outlined in Section 8.2.

8.4 Privacy and Data Protection

Your use of CrownPlay is governed by our Privacy Policy, incorporated into these Terms by reference. Financial information is collected solely for payment processing and tax compliance. All data handling complies with applicable privacy laws including CCPA and GDPR where applicable.

8.5 DMCA and Copyright Policy

CrownPlay maintains a DMCA-compliant takedown process. To report infringing content, submit a notice to: acquisitions@bluecrownmotionpictures.com. Users who repeatedly infringe copyrights will be permanently banned.

9. Affiliate and Representative Program

Approved CrownPlay affiliate representatives ("Reps") are subject to these Terms in addition to any separate Rep Agreement. Reps agree that:

• Commission earnings (5% of referred filmmaker royalties) are paid quarterly subject to the same payment timelines in Section 3.2.
• Reps may not misrepresent CrownPlay's services, guarantees, or revenue potential to prospective filmmakers.
• Rep status may be revoked at CrownPlay's discretion for violation of these Terms.
• The non-circumvention obligations in Section 4 apply equally to Reps.

10. Errors and Omissions Protection

10.1 E&O Liability

YOU AGREE TO INDEMNIFY, DEFEND, AND HOLD HARMLESS CROWNPLAY FROM ANY CLAIMS ARISING FROM: content errors or inaccuracies; failure to obtain proper rights clearances; chain of title defects; copyright infringement; trademark violations; defamation; privacy violations; or false information provided during registration or submission.

10.2 Industry-Standard Distributor Protections

CrownPlay is not liable for: technical quality issues in original submissions; platform rejection or removal decisions; revenue performance; delivery delays due to platform requirements; content miscategorization based on filmmaker-provided metadata; geographic restrictions; or distribution of competing content.

10.3 Legal and Regulatory Compliance

You are solely responsible for: accurate content rating; compliance with all applicable laws in all distribution territories; SAG-AFTRA, DGA, WGA, or other union agreement compliance; export control compliance; and all tax obligations including international tax compliance.

11. Limitation of Liability and Damages

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW: (a) CrownPlay's total liability shall not exceed the amount paid to you in the twelve months prior to the claim; (b) CrownPlay shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, punitive, or special damages, including loss of profits, data, opportunity, business interruption, loss of goodwill, or reputation damage; (c) CrownPlay is not liable for force majeure events, third-party platform actions, data loss, or service interruptions. Some jurisdictions do not allow limitation of implied warranties, so these limitations may not apply to you.

12. Comprehensive Indemnification

12.1 Full Indemnification Obligation

YOU AGREE TO INDEMNIFY, DEFEND, AND HOLD HARMLESS CROWNPLAY, BLUECROWN MOTION PICTURES LLC, AND THEIR OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AND AFFILIATES FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DAMAGES, LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES (INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEYS' FEES), FINES, PENALTIES, THIRD-PARTY CLAIMS, REGULATORY ACTIONS, AND BUSINESS INTERRUPTION ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM OR YOUR SUBMITTED CONTENT.

12.2 Specific Industry Risks Covered

This indemnification specifically includes claims arising from: distribution disputes; platform rejections; advertising standards violations; content standards violations; technical failures; revenue disputes; rights conflicts; union violations (SAG-AFTRA, DGA, WGA); international territory disputes; and data protection violations.

12.3 Defense Obligations

• You must provide immediate written notice of any claims or potential claims.
• You agree to assume full control and cost of defense through qualified legal counsel.
• CrownPlay may participate in defense at your expense if it chooses.
• You may not settle any claim without CrownPlay's prior written consent.
• This obligation continues after termination of this Agreement for any pre-existing issues.

13. Dispute Resolution

13.1 Binding Arbitration

Any dispute arising from this Agreement shall be resolved through binding arbitration in Franklin County, Ohio, under the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding.

13.2 Class Action Waiver

You agree to resolve disputes individually and waive any right to participate in class action lawsuits or class-wide arbitration against CrownPlay.

14. Modifications and Updates

14.1 Right to Modify

BlueCrown Motion Pictures LLC ("CrownPlay") reserves the right to update or modify these Terms & Conditions at any time. We are committed to being reasonable in any changes we make — our goal is to protect both you and us, not to change the spirit of our working relationship. We will not make changes that are arbitrary, unreasonable, or designed to unfairly disadvantage filmmakers already in distribution with us.

14.2 How You'll Be Notified

When these Terms are updated, we will send an email notification to the address on file with your CrownPlay account. That email will summarize what changed and when the updated Terms take effect. You do not need to re-accept the Terms every time they are updated — your continued use of the platform after the effective date constitutes your acknowledgment and acceptance of the revised Terms.

For routine or minor updates (such as clarifications, formatting, or non-material changes to existing provisions), a single email notification will be sent at least 14 days before the changes take effect.

For major or material changes — including but not limited to changes to royalty structures, term lengths, rights granted, dispute resolution, or any provision that meaningfully alters your obligations or our obligations — we will:

• Send a dedicated, clearly labeled email (subject line will identify it as a "Material Change Notice");
• Post a prominent notice inside your CrownPlay dashboard; and
• Provide at least 30 days' advance notice before the material change takes effect.

CrownPlay will do its best to communicate all changes in plain, straightforward language so you always know exactly what is being updated and why.

14.3 Existing Distribution Not Affected by Unfavorable Changes

Any update to these Terms will not retroactively alter the royalty rate, term length, or territorial rights applicable to content that was already in active distribution at the time the change takes effect, unless otherwise required by applicable law or agreed to in writing by both parties.

14.4 Your Options

If you do not agree with any updated Terms, you may terminate this Agreement by providing written notice as described in Section 7. Your content will remain in distribution for the balance of any active platform license periods, and you will continue to receive your royalty share from those pre-existing licenses in accordance with Section 7.3.

15. Governing Law

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Ohio, United States, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any legal action must be brought in Franklin County, Ohio.

16. Severability and Entire Agreement

If any provision of this Agreement is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force. This Agreement, together with the Privacy Policy, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements.

17. Surviving Clauses

The following sections survive termination: §4 (Non-Circumvention, 24-month post-term period), §5 (Representations and Warranties), §6 (Indemnification), §7.3 (Surviving Platform Licenses), §10 (Errors and Omissions), §11 (Limitation of Liability), §12 (Comprehensive Indemnification), §13 (Dispute Resolution), and §15 (Governing Law).

18. Electronic Consent

By clicking "I Agree" or by creating an account, you acknowledge that you are at least 18 years of age, you have read and understood these Terms & Conditions, and this Agreement is legally binding as if signed in writing.

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