Putting a Lein on a Film?

[Disillusioned]

I rented film equipment to a individual who was making a movie. I was never paid for the rental and successfully sued his company in in small claims court. (For $10K)

The problem now is collecting. I have given up hope of actually collecting from him directly, but I would like to place a lien on his film so that he or his distributor would be forced to pay me before the film can be sold/once it's sold.

What is the process of putting a lien on a film? I've been at a loss to figure out how to go about doing this and would love some direction.

Thank you for any help.

 

[army judge]

You should speak with a lawyer.
Putting a lien on anything isn't easy.
It's far more complex when it comes to intellectual property.

Even if they want 20% of what they collect, that's more than you have now. If they fail, you owe them nothing.

Speak with a couple of attorneys, ASAP.

 

[Michael Wechsler]

Good question - since you're talking about a "small" amount of money, here's one more tip -- go to the court clerk in the courthouse where you sued. Ask them about an information subpoena with restraining order and come with the address of all the banks within a short radius of this person's home. You can freeze his bank accounts for a small amount of money. Also ask about what you can do to place a lien on this particular piece of property (the film) and see what they tell you. You'd be surprised and some might be able to assist you - I'd definitely file the judgments and do whatever else they suggest you can file for in that county.