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Sunday, June 2, 2013

Lessons from the Experts; What Entertainment Law Podcast can Teach you!


Finding podcasts that are related to your industry or industry of choice can help you stay updated and informed on the current events and industry standards. Being informed and updated also helps you mold yourself to what is current in the industry. For the entertainment industry I have listened to three podcast, which was informational to the film industry and me. The two podcasts that I enjoyed were Entertainment Law Update and the ARC Law Group. These podcasts were fun to listen to and educational.
            The first podcast I listened to was about copyright issues and how much authority your lawyer has when consenting to the transfer of copyright. The story was on the recent lawsuit between MVP Entertainment and Mark Frost. The issue at hand was when MVP discussed what was needed for the transfer of the copyright with Frost’s lawyer. At the end of the email communication the lawyer ended with “Done thanks”. After this communication MVP proceeded to make content for a new film. Frost later sued for copyright since they did not have the approval to proceed. The topic of discussion was did the lawyer have authority to transfer the copyright? It was discussed that when transferring copyright it needs to be in writing by the owner of the rights. Therefore the lawyer did not have the authority and also did not express this in writing. Entertainment Law Update discussed this topic and this podcast can be found at http://firemark.com/2012/11/16/episode-36-faulkner-einstein-superman-and-talent-managers/.
            The second podcast that I listened to was about the case that was just settled between the producers of Spiderman: Turn off the Dark and their previous Director. The show decided to fire the shows director and she then sued for royalties. The settlement for this case was kept confidential but the hosts of this podcast were intrigued with what was involved and how this move will affect the relationship with the director and the content of the show. The host’s speculated about why the settlement was reached. They spoke of the cautioned that if this went in to deep that production rights would be involved. They speculate that this is why the producers were quick to settle. This podcast was also found on Entertainment Law Update and can be found http://firemark.com/2013/05/03/entertainment-law-update-podcast-episode-40/.
            Lastly, the final podcast that I listened to was about working with children in the entertainment industry. The issues that were discussed on this podcast included contracts with minors and restrictions that a production studio can face if hiring children is needed. First, when dealing with contracts and minors it is stated that since the child is not of legal age the parent should sign any contracts. They suggest having both parents sign the contract so there is no issue if a divorce occurs. Another issue that was brought up is child labor laws and union restrictions. Due to child labor laws a child has time restrictions on when they can work. This takes more work for the director to schedule appropriately. If there is a union restrictions for a child can be having a tutor or instructor available if the child is still at the age of being in school. This can make working with children difficult but if it is called for then one must know what is needed. This podcast was presented by ARC Law Group and can be found at https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-entertainment-sports/id513764391.


            

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