REPRESENTING ACTORS, WRITERS, DIRECTORS AND AUTHORS IN FILM, TELEVISION AND BEYOND
(LAWF-4095) - 2 UNITS

This course will address issues that arise in the representation of talent who provide writing, directing, and acting services for theatrical motion pictures, episodic television, and other web-based content. We will examine the various roles that agents, managers, and attorneys play in representing their clients in the entertainment and media industries from the initial pitch to a production commitment. We will look at the development process, including the negotiation of writing and other above-the-line agreements in film, television, and digital media, how compensation is determined including upfront fees and so-called "backend" compensation, and the life cycle of films and television as they are exploited through various media and windows. We will discuss current trends in the entertainment business, like pay parity and the elimination of the "quote system," the changing business models in film and television, and the rise of streaming services and their dominance over traditional network and cable television. This course will be co-taught by two entertainment attorneys who have years of invaluable first-hand experience as senior executives at major studios and many years representing individual clients in the industry.

Some understanding of copyright law will be helpful but is not required.

Pass/Fail:
No

Prerequisites:
Contracts (LAWB-1001)