07/23/2019
WHY YOU NEED AN ENTERTAINMENT LAWYER
Question:
Many people that are new to the entertainment industry wonder: why do I need an attorney – I just want to do create my art – whether it be a song, a film, a play or a myriad of other artistic fields?
A creative artist needs to build a team to help initiate and cultivate their career. The first and foremost person to put on that team is an entertainment law attorney. The other members of the team will be an agent, a personal manager and a business manager.
Discussion:
Nothing is as important as protecting your intellectual property. In music, intellectual property can consist of any number of things, including your song (lyrics, music, or both combined), and various marketing items. The same goes for filmmaking: there can be a copyright in the script, the actual print of the movie, and versions for other mediums like streaming.
Another concern is that of creating a business entity for the artist. An attorney can help form the business to maximize such factors as formalities, taxes, investment, control and flexibility. Also, be careful in raising money for your project. An entertainment attorney will be able to help avoid securities violations in approaching people for support.
The entertainment attorney should be the first of the team because many rights can be given away unless an attorney can review any agreements that are presented to the artist. A personal manager or agent may want to attach themselves to the artist but before signing anything, the artist should have any agreement reviewed by an experienced entertainment attorney. And, beware – many claim to do entertainment law but their experience and background will not support their assertion. Look for an attorney that has experience in entertainment – not just any attorney that asserts their ability to do this area of law.
I am always available to provide more information at (480) 215-6305.
