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Those in the entertainment world- talent, artists, actors, musicians- dedicate their lives to their work, and it should be protected. We’ve seen many eager entertainers jump into an agreement without actually reading the stipulations, something they end up regretting. The entertainment industry may seem glamorous on the outside, but signing deals and going over contract negotiations play a large role, and having the right lawyer on your team will make a difference.
What Does an Entertainment Lawyer Do?
An entertainment lawyer wears many hats— responsible for facilitating negotiations, drafting contracts, and protecting intellectual property for their clients. The entertainment industry can be cutthroat, and navigating it without counsel can be risky. If a deal goes awry, you’ll need an aggressive attorney to defend your rights and support your goals.
Facilitating negotiations: They secure talent releases, advise their clients on jobs and employment contracts, negotiate terms, and assist in ensuring that rights are respected. Along with this, a lawyer can facilitate agreements regarding performance residencies, concert tours, and musical festivals between casinos and prospective talent.
Connecting clients with other service providers: Entertainment lawyers can also serve as a liaison between talent and other professionals, such as networks and venues.
Protecting intellectual property: Much of the entertainment industry involves copyright and trademark issues. A lawyer defends their clients’ rights to intellectual property, such as song lyrics, a brand name, or design.
Overseeing union and guild membership: An entertainment lawyer may help clients join unions, guilds, and other professional associations. At Ford & Friedman, we have experience negotiating with organizations such as the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, the American Federation of Musicians, and SAG-AFTRA.
When Should You Hire an Entertainment Lawyer?
Whether you’ve recently secured your first role or you’re about to close a lucrative endorsement deal, you should have a lawyer to consult. Below are additional examples of situations that may require a lawyer:
You’re entering into or negotiating terms of a contract
Someone else has violated a contract
Someone stole your intellectual property
You’re figuring out publication or distribution rights
You’re being sued for any of the above
Las Vegas and Los Angeles Entertainment & Media Attorneys
At Ford & Friedman, our team will not only provide you with strong legal counsel but our guidance throughout your career. Whether you’ve just secured your first role or you’re close to closing a massive endorsement deal, it’s crucial that you know what you’re signing to avoid making a mistake. This industry is tough, which is why you need a legal advocate with experience in entertainment and media law to support your goals and protect your rights. At Ford & Friedman, our attorneys have nearly fifty years' worth of collective legal experience in handling disputes and transactions connected to the entertainment and media industry.
Call Ford & Friedman at (702) 904-9898 to schedule an initial case evaluation with our legal team today.