How to Fill Out Your NDA Template

Make what you dream of making. That’s an essential attitude for creatives in the creative industry. Ideas are currency—but their true value only shines when they can be used in mutually beneficial agreements.

At Blauw Films we are developing a variety of Worlds (IPs) parallel to each other. Different projects are at a different stage of development. And sometimes it’s important to share sensitive information with a potential partner.

A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is your first line of defense in protecting sensitive information. Whether you’re dealing with concept art, scripts, production details, or business negotiations, this document ensures a base level of confidentiality between the parties involved.

Before we start, have you already Downloaded the NDA Template?

This guide walks you through the key sections of an NDA and how to tailor it to your needs.

‍

Identify the Parties

An NDA is an agreement between two or more entities. Define them clearly:

• Disclosing Party: The individual or company sharing confidential information
• Receiving Party: The individual or company agreeing to keep information confidential
• Mutual NDAs: If both parties share confidential info, specify that in the agreement

Remember, always use the legal names of individuals or registered business entities, not informal names or abbreviations.

‍

Define the Confidential Information

Be specific about what the NDA covers:

• Creative concepts, storylines, and scripts
• Business strategies, financials, and internal operations
• Unreleased footage, design documents, and technical data
• Any information labeled as “Confidential”

For every project there will be different dependencies involved. Keep this section broad enough to cover all sensitive materials, but precise enough to avoid ambiguity. 

‍

Outline the Obligations of the Receiving Party

This section explains what the receiving party can and cannot do with the confidential information. Usually the NDA outlines that they:

• Cannot disclose the information to third parties
• Cannot use it for their own benefit
• Must take reasonable steps to protect confidentiality

In certain projects that require an additional layer of protection, you can add specific security measures, such as encryption, password protection, or physical storage requirements.

‍

Set a Timeframe

In most cases a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) does not last forever. The NDA is based on the expected period in which confidentiality will be required. Define:

• The period during which information is shared (during negotiations for example)
• The confidentiality obligation duration (often 2-5 years or indefinitely)

Again, this is on a case by case basis. If your project involves technology or long-term strategic planning, a longer NDA term may be necessary.

‍

Define what is Excluded

Not everything can be kept confidential. And not everything should be kept confidential. It’s important to define for your project what are the most important aspects that require strategic confidentiality. Common exclusions include:

• Information already in the public domain
• Knowledge the receiving party already had before signing
• Details disclosed through legal means (e.g., court orders)

This section protects both parties from accidental conflicts over widely known information.

‍

Define Consequences for Breach

If someone breaks the NDA, what happens next? Common strategies include:

Injunctions – A court order stopping further disclosure
Damages – Financial compensation for any harm caused
Legal Fees – The breaching party covers litigation costs

Be clear about the consequences you would enforce. This is a mutually beneficial clause that establishes the importance of the project for both parties.

‍

Sign and Execute

An NDA isn’t enforceable until it’s signed. Digital or physical signatures work, as long as:

• Both parties sign and date it
• A witness or notary is present (only if required by jurisdiction)
• Copies are securely stored by both parties

If you are dealing with bigger projects that require multiple NDAs across multiple departments, I’d recommend using a contract management tool or a well organized Google Sheets.

‍

Customizing Your NDA

An NDA should fit your specific situation. Consider these customizations:

Jurisdiction – Specify which country’s or state’s laws apply
Third-Party Access – Define whether contractors or freelancers can access confidential info
Non-Compete Clauses – Prevent the receiving party from using knowledge gained against you

If your project is high-stakes, consult a legal expert to refine the agreement.

‍

Conclusion

Protecting intellectual property and/or key parts of your operational strategy is a foundational part of any creative business. Fill out your NDA with care and attention, customize it to your needs, and don’t hesitate to enforce it when necessary :)

Need a solid NDA template for the Creative Industry? Be sure to Download the Free NDA Template from our Resources page!

‍