As one of the most respected entertainment law firms in the United States, our offices in New York and Los Angeles provide superior legal services and strategic advice to a broad spectrum of entertainment and media clients. We represent a diverse array of clients, including those in the motion picture, television, theatre, news, podcast, radio, fashion, and music industries. Our clientele ranges from actors, writers, directors, and producers to radio, television, and podcast personalities, playwrights, composers, musicians, comedians, models, and designers. Additionally, we counsel sports organizations, executives, athletes, coaches, sportswriters, and other sports personalities.
At the heart of our practice is the commitment to servicing the diverse needs of our creative talent. This includes evaluating, strategizing, and negotiating all forms of talent agreements, as well as providing counsel on industry practices. Our transactional legal support spans from studio and network deals to independent projects, and we work closely with a client’s other professional advisors on all matters.
Key Takeaways
- Specialized legal services for the entertainment industry, including motion picture, television, theatre, music, fashion, radio, and sports
- Expertise in contract negotiation, talent representation, licensing agreements, and intellectual property protection
- Comprehensive support for creative talent and media companies, from independent projects to major studio and network deals
- Collaboration with clients’ professional advisors to provide holistic legal and strategic guidance
- Offices in New York and Los Angeles, serving as a trusted partner for entertainment and media clients nationwide
Comprehensive Entertainment Law Practice
At our firm, we take great pride in our comprehensive entertainment law services. We represent a diverse clientele across the dynamic entertainment and media landscape, catering to the unique needs of our valued partners.
Motion Picture, Television, and Theater Representation
Our attorneys possess deep expertise in the motion picture, television, and theater industries. We work closely with actors, writers, directors, producers, and other talent to negotiate lucrative contracts, protect their intellectual property rights, and ensure their media rights and licensing deals are strategically managed.
Music, Fashion, and Radio Clients
In addition to our film and television practice, we also represent a wide array of clients in the music, fashion, and radio industries. This includes composers, musicians, comedians, models, and designers, as well as the companies and executives who shape these vibrant sectors.
Sports Organizations and Personalities
Our entertainment law services extend to the world of sports as well. We provide contract negotiation and talent representation for sports organizations, executives, athletes, coaches, sportswriters, and other sports personalities, helping them navigate the complex legal landscape of this dynamic field.
| Service Area | Key Capabilities |
|---|---|
| Motion Picture, Television, and Theater | Talent agreements, licensing agreements, copyright protection, media rights |
| Music, Fashion, and Radio | Intellectual property law, media law, contract negotiation, talent representation |
| Sports | Contract negotiation, talent representation, licensing deals, trademark registration |
Personal Representation and Strategic Counsel
At our firm, we take great pride in the personal representation and strategic counsel we provide to our diverse roster of creative talent. This includes evaluating, strategizing, and negotiating all forms of talent agreements, as well as offering valuable insights on industry practices. Our legal expertise spans a wide range of transactional support, from studio and network deals to independent projects.
Talent Agreement Negotiation and Evaluation
Whether you’re an actor, writer, director, producer, or any other entertainment industry professional, we meticulously review and negotiate your talent agreements to ensure you receive the best possible terms and conditions. Our deep understanding of the entertainment landscape allows us to anticipate potential issues and advocate for your interests effectively.
Industry Practice Advisement
Beyond contract negotiations, we also serve as trusted industry practice advisors to our clients. We stay abreast of the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the entertainment industry, and we use this knowledge to provide strategic counsel that keeps our clients ahead of the curve.
Collaboration with Professional Advisors
Recognizing the importance of a collaborative approach, we work closely with our clients’ other professional advisors, such as managers, agents, and accountants, to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated strategy. This multidisciplinary partnership allows us to deliver the most effective contract negotiation and talent representation services.
Financing, Distribution, and Intellectual Property Protection
As a leader in the entertainment industry, our firm is well-versed in structuring comprehensive film and television financing agreements. From development and production to distribution and acquisition, we negotiate the complex terms that bring motion pictures and television projects to life. This includes navigating territorial pre-sale agreements, private equity investments, secured transactions, and other financing vehicles.
Film and Television Financing Agreements
Our attorneys have deep expertise in drafting and negotiating the full spectrum of film and television financing contracts. We work closely with our clients to ensure their interests are protected, whether they are seeking development, production, “negative pick-up,” distribution, or acquisition agreements.
Private Placements and Crowdfunding Guidance
Beyond traditional financing, we also advise on the structure and documentation for private placements to raise funds for individual motion pictures, television projects, live stage productions, and slate financing for film and theatre producers and investors. Additionally, we guide clients through the regulatory landscape when utilizing crowdfunding models, whether they are seeking donations or investment capital for their projects or companies.
Copyright, Trademark, and Defamation Review
Safeguarding intellectual property rights is paramount in the entertainment industry. Our team develops and protects copyright, trademark, publicity, and other intellectual property rights for our clients. We also meticulously review screenplays, films, television shows, and online content to identify and mitigate risks related to defamation, infringement, and other legal concerns.
Ancillary Revenue Exploitation
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, savvy content creators and media companies must look beyond traditional revenue streams to maximize their earning potential. At our firm, we excel at identifying and exploiting a diverse range of ancillary revenue opportunities, including international television format sales, branded entertainment and sponsorships, as well as strategic merchandising and licensing programs.
International Television Format Sales
In an increasingly globalized media industry, the sale of successful television formats to international markets has become a lucrative source of ancillary revenue. Our team negotiates these complex agreements, ensuring our clients secure the best possible terms and maximizing the value of their intellectual property across borders.
Branded Entertainment and Sponsorships
The convergence of entertainment and advertising has given rise to dynamic branded entertainment opportunities, where brands seamlessly integrate with content. We help our clients navigate this evolving landscape, crafting strategic partnerships and sponsorship deals that generate meaningful ancillary revenue streams.
Merchandising and Licensing Programs
From apparel and toys to gaming and mobile apps, we work closely with our clients to develop comprehensive merchandising and licensing programs that extend the reach and profitability of their intellectual property. Our deep industry knowledge and global connections ensure our clients maximize the value of their brands through innovative ancillary revenue initiatives.
Entertainment Law Services
As a leading entertainment law firm, we take great pride in our diverse expertise and the exceptional services we provide to clients across the industry. From production and financing counsel to children’s entertainment and merchandising, as well as guild dispute resolution, our team of experienced attorneys is equipped to handle the full spectrum of legal matters facing entertainment professionals.
Production and Financing Counsel
I am proud to serve as production and financing counsel for a wide range of projects, including feature films, television motion pictures and series, news and sports programming, and theatrical productions. My deep understanding of the entertainment industry allows me to navigate the intricate legal landscape and ensure my clients’ interests are protected every step of the way.
Children’s Entertainment and Merchandising
Over the years, I have developed extensive experience in handling film, television, video, publishing, animation, theatre, and merchandising projects intended for children and young adults. I work closely with my clients to develop innovative strategies for bringing their visions to life while adhering to the unique legal and regulatory requirements of the children’s entertainment space.
Guild Dispute Resolution
As an advocate for my clients, I have a proven track record of successfully resolving disputes with the Writers Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild, and Directors Guild of America, as well as other labor-related issues. My expertise in navigating the complex web of guild rules and regulations allows me to protect the rights and interests of my clients, whether they are talent or production entities.
Wealth Management and Tax Planning
As media, entertainment, and sports figures continue to amass wealth, it becomes increasingly important to ensure their assets are properly managed and their tax obligations are optimized. This is where my expertise comes into play. I assist these high-profile clients with all areas of estate planning, helping them analyze their financial situation and implement strategies to protect and grow their wealth.
One of the key services I provide is tax planning. I work closely with my clients to identify opportunities for tax planning and optimization, ensuring they are taking full advantage of deductions, credits, and other tax-saving measures available to them. This not only helps preserve their hard-earned wealth management but also positions them for long-term financial stability and growth.
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Estate Planning | Comprehensive estate planning, including wills, trusts, and asset protection strategies. |
| Tax Planning | Detailed analysis and implementation of tax-saving measures, ensuring clients maximize their wealth management opportunities. |
| Financial Consulting | Guidance on investment strategies, retirement planning, and overall financial well-being. |
By addressing the unique wealth management and tax planning needs of my media, entertainment, and sports clients, I’m able to help them safeguard their assets, minimize their tax burden, and confidently plan for their financial future. It’s a privilege to be a trusted advisor in this highly specialized field.
Industry Associations and Conferences
As a leading entertainment law firm, my colleagues and I are proud to be members, officers, and directors of key entertainment industry associations. This includes prestigious organizations like the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the National Television Academy, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc., the International Radio and Television Society, The Creative Coalition, New York Women in Film and Television, the Association of Independent Commercial Producers, and the Art Directors Club, among other important industry groups.
In addition to our active involvement in these entertainment industry associations, we regularly attend and participate in major conferences and markets that shape the entertainment landscape. This includes attending events like NATPE, MIFED, and MIPCOM, as well as leading film, television, and comedy festivals around the world. We also serve as counsel to influential organizations such as the Independent Feature Project, the Tribeca Film Festival, and the International Television Academy.
My firm’s attorneys are deeply engaged in the entertainment industry, both through our legal work and our participation in key professional associations and conferences. This keeps us at the forefront of the latest trends, issues, and opportunities facing our clients in the entertainment industry associations and entertainment conferences.
| Key Entertainment Industry Associations | Major Industry Conferences |
|---|---|
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By actively participating in entertainment industry associations and conferences, my team and I stay at the forefront of the latest trends, issues, and opportunities facing our clients in the entertainment industry. This deep industry involvement allows us to provide our clients with the most informed and strategic legal counsel to navigate the dynamic entertainment landscape.
Navigating Technological Disruption
The technological revolution continues to impact every industry – pushing businesses to adopt new technologies, develop new distribution models, and learn to leverage digital content and platforms. Whether you are an established entity or a start-up looking to disrupt the traditional model, you need experienced advisors to guide you and help you find new revenue opportunities amidst the change.
AdTech and Digital Marketing Counsel
Reed Smith’s AdTech Dictionary for Lawyers and Privacy Practitioners decodes all the jargon (spanning industry as well as legal terms from the US, Europe and Asia) in one place to ensure you are on top of the latest in adtech. Digital marketing is evolving at a rapid pace with companies increasingly using new technologies to focus marketing campaigns, create consumer-relevant content, and reinforce consumer reach. Advertising technology is laden with complex regulatory and compliance issues around content and brand safety, data privacy legislation, data rights and ownership, and allocation of risk and responsibility when negotiating agreements. These issues raise real concerns that can affect the performance of advertising campaigns, as well as an advertiser’s bottom line.
Social Media and Emerging Platforms
The explosion of social media and emerging digital platforms has transformed how brands engage with their audiences. We help clients navigate this dynamic landscape, leveraging the unique opportunities these platforms present while mitigating legal risks around content, data privacy, and compliance.
Data Privacy and Compliance Solutions
With increasing global data privacy regulations, such as the EU’s GDPR and the California Consumer Privacy Act, companies must ensure robust compliance measures are in place. We provide comprehensive guidance on data rights, ownership, and management to help our clients protect consumer information and avoid costly penalties.
| Key Considerations | Adtech and Digital Marketing | Social Media | Data Privacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Compliance | Content and brand safety, data privacy | Content moderation, influencer marketing | GDPR, CCPA, data rights and ownership |
| Revenue Opportunities | Targeted advertising, personalized content | Influencer partnerships, social commerce | Responsible data monetization |
| Risk Mitigation | Negotiating agreements, allocating responsibilities | Platform policies, content review | Data security, breach response |
Conclusion
Content is king, and content is intellectual property. Every player in the entertainment industry lives or dies on the content they create, own or handle. Success lies in fostering the creation of these intangible assets with an eye toward carefully protecting, managing and promoting them. As a firm renowned for our expertise in intellectual property law, media law, and entertainment law services, we at Lee & Hayes are uniquely positioned to support our clients in navigating the complexities of the ever-evolving entertainment landscape.
For over 20 years, intellectual property has been at the core of our practice, and our attorneys serve as strategic advisors from both a business and technology standpoint. By serving our clients at the intersection of business, law, and technology, we help them develop strong portfolios and protect their most important media rights, licensing agreements, copyright, and trademark assets. With changes in the intellectual property field dramatically affecting the entertainment and media industry, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive litigation support, contract negotiation, talent representation, and rights management solutions to our diverse range of clients.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, Lee & Hayes remains at the forefront, ready to guide our clients through the ever-changing landscape of defamation litigation, royalty disputes, and copyright infringement challenges. By combining our deep industry knowledge with cutting-edge legal expertise, we empower our clients to thrive in the dynamic world of entertainment and media.
FAQ
What types of clients do you represent in the entertainment industry?
How do you service the diverse needs of your creative talent clients?
What types of financing and distribution agreements do you handle?
How do you help clients protect and exploit their intellectual property rights?
What types of production and financing counsel do you provide?
How do you assist your clients with estate planning and tax optimization?
What industry associations and conferences are you involved with?
How do you help clients navigate the technological disruption in the industry?
Source Links
- https://fkks.com/practice-areas/entertainment
- https://www.reedsmith.com/en/capabilities/industries/entertainment-and-media
- https://www.leehayes.com/entertainment-media