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.

Independent Film

COVID-19 Message to Our Clients

Mar 18, 2020 Firm Insights

What Key Factors Should be Considered When Evaluating Ex-U.S.A. Production Incentives for Documentary Productions?

Feb 19, 2020 Documentary Toolkit

It’s Tempting to Take Photos and Excerpts of Clips from Seemingly Non-Professional Sources That Have Been Uploaded to YouTube and Other Internet Sites, and Use Them in a Documentary as a “Fair Use.” But is it Legal?

Feb 18, 2020 Documentary Toolkit

If a Nonfiction Story in a Newspaper or Magazine Inspires Me to Do a Documentary or a Nonfiction Podcast Serial or TV Series on the Same Subject, Do I Have to Ask the Author or Publisher for Permission?

Nov 12, 2019 Documentary Toolkit

Why is the Insurance Concept of “Voluntary Parting” a Problem for Equipment Owners in Peer-to-Peer Rentals?

Nov 8, 2019 Documentary Toolkit

Should Documentary Producers Be Concerned About Copyrights in Wildlife Footage in Light of the “Monkey Selfie” Dispute?

Sep 24, 2019 Documentary Toolkit

Are All Works by the U.S. Federal Government in the Public Domain, and If So, Why Would a Documentary Maker Pay an Archive for Them?

Sep 17, 2019 Documentary Toolkit

My Documentary Has a Celebrity Host and We’ll Be Filming in a Remote Location. What Now?

Sep 10, 2019 Documentary Toolkit

HBO’s Unlicensed Use of Painting in “Slenderman” Documentary is Too Ambiguous to Avoid Infringement Lawsuit

Sep 3, 2019 Documentary Toolkit

Court Agrees: Use of “Super Bowl Shuffle” in Documentary is Fair Use

Jun 4, 2019 Documentary Toolkit

Memorializing Relationships Early Pays Off Later Part 3: What Other Types of Agreements Should Filmmakers Make in the Early Stages of Documentary Productions?

Mar 12, 2019 Documentary Toolkit

Memorializing Relationships Early Pays Off Later Part 2: Does a Film Producer Make a Mistake By Not Entering Into Work For Hire Agreements with Film Crew, Talent, Writers and Other Independent Contractors Whom She Hires?

Mar 5, 2019 Documentary Toolkit

Memorializing Relationships Early Pays Off Later Part 1: How Can a Documentary Filmmaker/Producer Manage Investor Relationships and Avoid Conflict?

Feb 26, 2019 Documentary Toolkit

Fair Use Doesn’t Shield Unlicensed Use of a Personal Photo – Even When the President Crashes a Wedding

Jan 8, 2019 Documentary Toolkit

Public Domain Safety Zone Advances a Year

Jan 2, 2019 Documentary Toolkit

A Practical Discussion of Appearance Releases Part 5: What Should You Do If You Discover in Post-Production That Your Team Neglected to Obtain an Appearance Release from an Interview Subject?

Dec 25, 2018 Documentary Toolkit

A Practical Discussion of Appearance Releases Part 4: Can an On-Camera Verbal Release Substitute for a Written Release?

Dec 18, 2018 Documentary Toolkit

A Practical Discussion of Appearance Releases Part 3: What Is an “Area Release” and What Purpose Does It Serve?

Dec 11, 2018 Documentary Toolkit

A Practical Discussion of Appearance Releases Part 2: Why Might Documentary Producers Obtain Appearance Releases Even Though They Don’t Have To?

Dec 4, 2018 Documentary Toolkit

A Practical Discussion of Appearance Releases Part 1: What Does a Documentary Appearance Release Typically Contain?

Nov 27, 2018 Documentary Toolkit

The Ins and Outs of Educational Distribution Part 1: What Are Educational Rights and How Are They Monetized?

May 21, 2018 Documentary Toolkit

E&O Part 1: What is E&O Insurance?

Nov 21, 2017 Documentary Toolkit

Foreign Sales Agreements: Key Terms for Independent Filmmakers

Sep 19, 2017 Documentary Toolkit