The First Port

Before an original universe crosses borders, who protects its creators?

— Je ne vous ai pas entendu arriver.
— It's such a peaceful morning. I didn't want to disturb you.

— Je poursuis une expertise. Certaines créations doivent être protégées avant de voyager.
— Stories, characters, music, technology… especially when one creation becomes many things.

— Regardez… un vaisseau apparaît dans la brume. Mais où est son équipage?
— I don't see anyone. Yet the gangway is lowering.

A gong sounds.

— On dirait une invitation.
— We still have a choice.

— La confiance ne remplace pas la prudence.
— Nor should it.

— Alors… allons voir.
— After you, madam.

They cross the silent deck and enter a vast room.

— Une table. Des places vides. Pour qui?
— An IP lawyer to protect the work. A pipeline TD connecting Blender and Unreal. An Unreal artist building living environments. A Blender artist modelling, rigging and animating. A sound and music specialist. A screenwriter. A production manager. An accountant.

— Huit expertises. Mais qui garantit que chacune sera reconnue?
— Clear rights, fair agreements and responsible decisions. That foundation needs someone who understands the whole production.

— Vous comprenez le français… Je vais parler anglais désormais.
— Please do.

The map lights up: Montréal, Spain, Italy, Vietnam, Hong Kong, San Diego, Brazil and Nassau.

Beyond them, a star.

— Before we leave, we need to know who owns what—and what we are asking people to commit to.
— Then the first crossing begins here, before the ship moves.

A line lights up between Montréal and Spain.

For IP and entertainment lawyers: what should a creator clarify before the first international collaboration?