Questions to ask an Entertainment Lawyer
Writers, musicians and filmmakers have a great deal of behind-the-scenes considerations to adhere to besides just creating their works. The legal aspects of creating, copyrighting and distributing music, literary or theatrical materials can be a full time job in itself. Without stern knowledge of related laws and procedures, artists may find themselves in predicaments such as copyright infringement or experience a loss of rights to and profit from their own material. Knowing what questions to ask an entertainment lawyer can help prevent this from happening.
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Will You Shop My Script Or Music Demo?
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Many record companies will not accept unsolicited materials. Most television and movie studios, record companies and producers will not accept any original material that is not copyrighted and professionally solicited. Some will not even touch it, even in the most literal sense, if it is not offered by the hand of a professional entertainment marketer, or written on the letterhead of an entertainment attorney. Many entertainment attorneys are in the business of handling the legal and clerical aspects of their clients' needs and are not available to market original materials. If you are need of someone to "shop" your works, ask your attorney if he is available for such services and be prepared in case the answer is no. You may have to hire an agent to assist you.
What Is The Best Method Of Financing My Project?
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Seek legal assistance before signing investment contracts. Many young film makers, writers and musicians are in need of funding to make their projects come to life and help them reach the masses. Though receiving funding from various investors may initially seem like a good way to get started, the legal ins-and-outs of rights and repayments regarding the investors may be more than the artist is equipped to deal with. It is always advisable to consult with an entertainment attorney about potential investment ideas and how to go about them before accepting any funding. Signing any loan or investment documents that have not been scrutinized by your attorney can result in a loss of rights to your original creations and/or profits that may be generated by them.
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What Constitutes Copyright Infringement?
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The ins and outs of copyright law can be confusing to the artist. If you are creating music that uses melodies, harmonies or lyrics that may be considered similar to previously recorded material created by other artists, you should consult with your entertainment lawyer about copyright infringement laws. This would also hold true for scripts or books written about famous or historical characters about whom others may have written. Another example is writing original music that includes samples of older recordings. You must retain or buy the rights to such materials to execute your ideas; your attorney can assist you in avoiding any legal repercussions.
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