YouTube Originals Production Manual
The YouTube Originals Production Manual is a useful resource to reference throughout your production. Within the various sections, you’ll find guidelines to assist your team in working with the YouTube Originals team. A summary of certain key YouTube policies can be found in the Legal & Compliance Guidelines. These guidelines do not constitute legal advice and are not exhaustive in their guidance. Please consult your agreement with Google (the “Agreement”) and your legal counsel through all phases of production if you have any questions regarding your obligations. YouTube Originals looks forward to our successful collaboration. References in this Production Manual to “Google” and “YouTube” as a company include Google LLC and its relevant affiliates. References in the Production Manual to “Producer” generally encompass the entity contracting with Google (referred to as “Provider” in the Agreement) and any third party used by that entity to meet its obligations under the Agreement (e.g., third-party production companies, subcontractors, payroll vendors).Last updated: December 2021 (Check back here for dates of when this has been updated).
General
Clearances and Releases
- General Legal Notes
- Filming with Animals
- Medical Scenes & Psychiatric Counsel
- Music Licensing Process
- Charities & Nonprofits
- Government Entities, Locations & Officials
- International Filming & Traveling
- Music Clearances: Original Music
- Music Clearances: Licensed Music
- Music Clearances: Special Considerations
- Title Clearance
- Title & Script Clearances
- Trade Outs & Brand Integrations
- Third Party Copyright & Trademarked Materials
- Stock Photos & Footage
- Music Library
Commercial References, Sponsorship, Brand Integration and Product Placement
Finance
Legal & Compliance
- Overview
- Production Counsel Requirements
- YouTube Contact List
- Anti-Corruption/FCPA
- Participation or Depiction of Government Officials or Entities
- Filming outside the US
- Donations & Charities
- Guilds
- Production Rebates, Tax Credits & Incentives
- Trade Compliance
- Delivery Specifications
- YES Delivery Specifications
PR & Marketing
Post Production: Specs & Deliverables
- Dailies & Selects
- Technical Specifications for Offline Cuts
- Audiovisual Deliverables
- M&E Guidelines
- Post Paper Deliverables
- Pilots
- Live Stream VOD Deliverables
- Ad Breaks & Mid-roll Timing
- File & Header Formatting
- Disclaimer Cards & Information/Additional Credits
- Alternate Versions
- Specs & Guidelines for Subs & Captions
- YES Additional Post Deliverables