BUSINESS & LEGAL AFFAIRS FOR ALTERNATIVE/REALITY TV PROGRAMMING AND DISTRIBUTION
(LAWF-4037) - 2 UNITS

Reality-based television programming has established itself as a staple alongside sitcoms and dramas for broadcasters and over-the-top services (e.g., Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime), and is the bread and butter for many cable networks. Whether it be "The Voice," "The Bachelor," "Survivor," "The Real Housewives of (Fill in the Blank)" or "Nailed It!," the ins-and-outs of acquiring formats, developing and ultimately producing this type of programming is critical to becoming a successful agent, business or legal affairs executive in the television business today.

In addition, the ever changing landscape of the digital world has Hollywood trying to keep one step ahead or just keep up. The production and distribution of content on platforms outside traditional broadcast (e.g., via mobile devices, VOD, SVOD, EST, etc.) has Networks and Studios feverously trying to figure out how to manage these rights and the revenue streams they could represent. This course will examine and provide a practical look into the business, legal and financial aspects of what has become two of the fastest-growing areas in the television business today. Class sessions will be augmented with television industry professionals who will share their practical knowledge and "real-life" experiences. By participating in a negotiation exercise, students will be given the unique opportunity to apply and further understand how the business affairs negotiator and agent ultimately "close the deal." The following subjects, among others, will be studied: the current TV ratings system; negotiation of format, concepts and on-screen talent deals; the financial aspects to the Network, Studio and content creator; contestant releases/background checks/risk management; vetting a production for safety and insurability; game shows and the FCC; talk and variety shows; docu-dramas; hidden cameras; and the various lawsuits that arise in connection with reality-based programming and the production and distribution of new media and how to try to prevent being sued.

Pass/Fail:
No

Prerequisites:
None