FWRV - Entertainment Law

We represent authors at all stages of their careers -- world renowned ‎bestselling authors, and those who are being published for the first time.We represent some of the world’s most successful producers and creative talent, as well as owners of important films, novels and other works on which musicals and plays are based. Whether we handle a transaction in its entirety, or act as due diligence counsel, we are keenly aware of what distinguishes entertainment businesses from others being purchased or sold. We represent actors, directors, writers and other talent in all aspects of the motion picture, television, theater and digital media industries.Our attorneys are at the forefront of new developments in the production and exploitation of branded entertainment. Copyright is an essential component of almost every transaction involving creators and users of intellectual property and we provide experienced guidance. We counsel corporate clients in their business strategies, organize corporations and partnerships, and negotiate and draft a wide variety of agreements for major public corporations and privately held businesses.Our clients include documentary and other non-fiction producers; broadcasters; authors of books and writers of screenplays; digital and print publishers; playwrights and lyricists. We guide clients across the ever-changing legal and business landscape of digital content. Clients range from multinational corporations to early stage venture companies that offer news, music, satire, commentary, children's programming, and other forms of information and entertainment.Our clients produce and direct documentaries and other non-fiction series and films for broadcast and cable television; radio; web series and podcasts, SVOD and theatrical release.The firm represents executives at the highest levels of major entertainment, media, and advertising organizations. We help them structure and negotiate their employment agreements whether for new positions, the extension of existing agreements, or the structuring of settlement and separation packages. We represent clients in licensing, merchandising, and endorsements including established brands, celebrities, and authors. Our motion picture practice covers the full spectrum of the movie business. It includes advising independent film producers on financing, co-production, production, and distribution agreements; guiding directors, talent, screenwriters and distributors; and representing some of the world’s leading authors in their film rights deals with major studios. We represent recording artists, composers, major record labels and independent labels, music publishers, conductors, producers and managers.We represent presenters, producers, management companies and artists across a broad spectrum of the performing arts including theater, opera and other music.The firm's television practice covers a broad spectrum of programming across broadcast, cable, and online platforms.

SuperLawyers 2024 & Best Lawyers 2025

Nov 1 2024

Rose Schwartz a Top Woman Super Lawyer and In-Person Professor

Mar 20 2022

JESS BOOKOUT JOINS FWRV

Jan 12 2022

News / Articles

We are leaders in all areas of transactional entertainment law.

practice areas

What Effect Will New York’s New Law Providing for a Post-Mortem Righ ...

May 18 2021

What is the Significance of a “Work for Hire” Clause in a Contract ...

Mar 30 2021

If Filmmaking During the COVID-era is Inherently Risky, Can Filmmakers ...

Dec 1 2020

insights

Entertainment law runs through the veins of this firm.

— Tier 1 national ranking —
Entertainment Law – Motion Pictures, Television and music

This superb boutique … has expertise across the spectrum of film, television, music and theater [and] … is widely sought after to advise on publishing, branded entertainment and digital media.

Entertainment law runs through the veins of this firm.

— Tier 1 national ranking — Entertainment Law – Motion Pictures, Television and music

This superb boutique … has expertise across the spectrum of film, television, music and theater [and] … is widely sought after to advise on publishing, branded entertainment and digital media.

— Tier 1 national ranking —
Entertainment Law – Motion Pictures, Television and music