If you are currently working or considering a career in the entertainment industry, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with a trusted entertainment lawyer. Consider these three reasons you may need an entertainment lawyer when deciding whether to hire one.
1. You Are Negotiating a Deal
Many jobs in the entertainment industry do not come with a fixed salary. Instead, the amount of money you earn will depend upon the deal you negotiate before signing a contract. An experienced entertainment lawyer, such as John Branca, can help you secure a better deal than you are likely to be able to negotiate for yourself, particularly if you are new to the industry.
2. You Are Working With a Partner
It is very common for writers, musicians, filmmakers and others to collaborate with other people on their projects. Before you begin a collaborative project, it is a good idea to have a written agreement that outlines how expenses and revenues will be split and other issues that may result in disputes. Additionally, if you are working with a union member, you will need to make sure you are not in violation of any union rules. If you are operating as a business, it can be a good idea to consult a corporate lawyer to ensure your business is compliant.
3. You Need the Rights to Someone Else’s Work
If you want to incorporate someone else’s intellectual property into your project, you need to get their permission first. This usually involves compensating the rights holder in some way. An entertainment lawyer can help you secure the rights and make sure you are fully compliant with the law.
Entertainment attornies can be an invaluable resource for anyone working in the entertainment industry. If one of these three situations applies to you, consider hiring one.
