Final Cut
The contractual right to approve a film's ultimate creative decisions without studio override.
Definition
Final cut privilege means a director (or sometimes producer) has the last word on a film's creative decisions—editing, music, visual effects, even length—without the studio being able to override those choices.
Few directors have true final cut; it's typically reserved for filmmakers with proven commercial track records and significant leverage.
Why It Matters
Final cut represents the ultimate creative control in filmmaking. Studios rarely grant it because they're investing tens of millions with commercial expectations.
Understanding who has final cut explains why some films feel like coherent visions while others seem compromised.
Examples in Practice
A veteran director's contract guarantees final cut, allowing them to release a three-hour film despite studio concerns.
A first-time filmmaker discovers the studio has final cut and must accept changes to their ending.
A producer negotiates to share final cut with the director, requiring both to agree on any changes.