Film Services
With our expertise in entertainment law and a deep understanding of the film industry, we assist producers, financiers and other film professionals in navigating the legal complexities of this dynamic and constantly changing industry. We offer a fully array of services, including negotiating and drafting all agreements, intellecutal property protection, merchandising and licensing, film tax credits, guild signatory applications, and all of the services described in more detail below:
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Development
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Development: Proper development of entertainment projects and properties is absolutely essential to their eventual success. Development is an inherently creative process and it is not unusual for creators to place legal and business concerns on the back burner while they brainstorm and collaborate. However, when the creative urges have been quenched and it is time to start thinking about financing and producing the film or program, it is critical to have all of the paperwork in order. If the right contracts and business documents are not in place, then it will be difficult (and sometimes even impossible) to deliver a clean chain of title and prove the feasibility of the production plan. We don't let that happen. We provide producers and financiers with guidance and assistance during the development process to be sure that all rights are being captured and all decisions properly documented. This assures that there will be no embarrassments or delays in getting those amazing ideas from the drawing board to the board room to the set and onto the screen. Vertical Divider
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Financing
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Financing: The film business provides opportunities that make money - sometimes lots of money. Surprisingly, the key to making money in entertainment is not the ability to predict which movie is going to be a hit. Try as you might, it's impossible to know what audiences want. Rather, the essential element for success in the entertainment industry is the ability to identify and control risk. This means having a deep understanding of a very complex business - a level of understanding that only Hollywood insiders can obtain. It comes not only from years of experience, but from knowing who's who and what's what. Who can be trusted, who can perform, what's happening behind the scenes and what might happen next week. We have decades of experience in financial transactions in a wide variety of industries. We also have relationships with key players and access to information that only insiders would know. Our senior partner started his legal career as a corporate lawyer, and still undertakes high level corporate transactions on behalf of our business clients. We understand money. We understand the role that money plays in the film industry, and we know how to finance films. |
Production
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Production: In order to provide outstanding production legal services, it is important to have a complete understanding of the production process. It requires the ability to solve 100 different problems - and this means immediately recognizing and understanding each problem, and knowing the most expedient and effective solution. All of that comes from experience - the answers are not found in a book or on a website. You just need to have spent years in the trenches on 100's of films and TV shows and commercials until it becomes second nature. We take pride in our ability to handle production legal services efficiently and effectively. We work side-by-side with the producers, director, line producer, production manager and coordinator, production designer, art director, music supervisor and the rest of the production team to make sure their questions are answered, the contracts are done and there are no delays resulting from potential legal issues. We have real hands-on production experience that we bring to each assignment in order to support the crew in every way possible. Vertical Divider
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Distribution
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Distribution: Once the hard work of creating and producing has been completed, the challenge of getting that work in front of an audience begins. As experienced entertainment professionals, we have a deep understanding of how projects are distributed, marketed and monetized in order to gain maximum exposure and the best returns for investors. This is especially important and challenging work as the distribution landscape changes on almost a weekly basis. There are new markets, new platforms and new technologies that impact how films, television programs and other content are viewed and experienced. We endeavor to stay on top of all of these developments so that we can give our clients the best advice and negotiate deals that reach into the future to provide sustained success. |
Legal Delivery
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Delivery: The legal delivery process can be complex and time-consuming, but it is essential to ensure that the film can be distributed and exhibited without legal impediments, protecting the filmmakers' rights and interests while adhering to applicable laws and regulations. Our team has the expertise and experience to guide filmmakers through this process. It involves confirming that the legal aspects of the film are in order and all necessary materials are properly delivered to the Distributor. This can include:
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