Highly recommend it.

I have directed two documentaries that were affiliated with academics and we relied heavily on the research and expertise of the professors and other scholars. For some grants we had to get scholars on the team just to be considered for funding.

As for contract negotiations, rights, licensing, creative control, etc...
You should always be upfront from the beginning with what you wish to have control over; and as the director or producer will usually get what you want. Get it in writing. Some scholars will disappear and use the opportunity for name on the credits. The remaining scholars will be excited to be in an interview or share their research materials.. and unless they are funding the film or end up taking over as a producer role should not expect to maintain any copyrights. They will however throw their two cents in on how the story should be told or film should be made, which is good, because they have fresh eyes and whether you except their input is up to you.

Other perks, I sold two short edited documentary pieces to a sociology department outside of the feature documentary. They gave me specific direction as to what they were looking for and I used the media accumulated for the film. Extra income is good while making a documentary.

Even better, if you can affiliate the film/tTV department within that university then you may be able to attain extra hands on set from film students. Which often leads to lasting working relationships with energetic young filmmakers.

Also, this affiliation can lead to a screening at the university. Which is good because when the film is done it will need as many outlets as possible... and having a university sending out PR about your film across the state is another good thing.

These are all experiences I've had working with academics.

Shoot me some specifics if you want to know more.

best,
Zack

www.seedswapdocumentary.com
www.mediasatchel.com