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.

Jesse M. Bookout

Jesse M. Bookout

Jesse joined Franklin Weinrib in 2021. He has a broad range of legal experience in transactional entertainment and other intellectual property matters, including in film, television and digital media. Jesse regularly negotiates complex transactional issues on behalf of financiers, actors, writers, directors and producers at all stages of development and production.

Prior to joining Franklin Weinrib, Jesse served as an associate at Bruns Brennan & Berry PC, where he advised studios, networks and production companies.

Jesse began his legal career as an intern for FilmNation Entertainment and later served as a summer associate at Gray Krauss Sandler Des Rochers LLP. During law school, Jesse’s publication, “A Brief Introduction to Digital Art & Blockchain,” appeared in Vol. 37. of Cardozo’s Arts and Entertainment Law Journal where he served as an Associate Editor.

Jesse was recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2023 and 2024. While at Cardozo, Jesse was a member of Cardozo’s Indie Film Clinic (now known as the Filmmakers Legal Clinic) and a student member of the New York City Bar Association’s LGBTQ Committee.

Representative Work

Acting as production counsel for feature films and television series.
Advising senior studio executives with respect to talent deals, content acquisition, employment agreements distribution.
Representing directors, writers and actors in connection with television, digital media and film projects.
Representing best-selling authors in connection with option purchase and other acquisition agreements for television, digital media and film projects.