Entertainment Law Asked & Answered

Entertainment Law Asked & Answered episodes:

• 01.20.2022

  January 2022

  The Latest episode of my Entertainment Law podcast, Entertainment Law Update, is now available for your enjoyment. Listen here, or subscribe and download in your favorite podcast listening app.  Show notes are located at www.entertainmentlawupdate.com/141 PUBLIC DOMAIN DAY 2022 EMERGING SPLIT OF...

  
• 09.17.2020

  Asserted Truths

  The Latest episode of my Entertainment Law podcast, Entertainment Law Update, is now available for your enjoyment. Listen here, or subscribe and download in your favorite podcast listening app.  Show notes are located at www.entertainmentlawupdate.com/125 * AMC TO TAKE OVER SHUTTERED THEATERS * FALL...

  
• 08.27.2020

  Then, Now, Going Forward

  The Latest episode of my Entertainment Law podcast, Entertainment Law Update, is now available for your enjoyment. Listen here, or subscribe and download in your favorite podcast listening app.  Show notes are located at www.entertainmentlawupdate.com/124 * OLIVIA DE HAVILLAND LEGAL OBITUARY * PARAMOUNT...

  
• 11.17.2016

  Rights of Publicity and Privacy in True Crime Stories – Entertainment Law Asked & Answered

  AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: http://firemark.com Tom has a terrific question about recounting a true-crime story from long ago… Hi, I'm attorney Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I answer your entertainment law questions, to help you take your career and business to...

  
• 11.03.2016

  Music Rights in Video of Play – Entertainment Law Asked & Answered

  AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: http://firemark.com Scott asks a tricky question about music rights for video of a stage production… Hi, I'm attorney Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I answer your entertainment law questions, to help you take your career and business...

  
• 10.27.2016

  How To Get Permission to Use a Song in a Film or Video – Entertainment Law Asked & Answered

  AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: http://firemark.com Music Rights – How do you get permission to use a song in your video or film? Hi, I'm Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I answer common entertainment law questions, so you can take your entertainment...

  
• 10.20.2016

  Posting Cover Videos of Songs – Entertainment Law Asked & Answered

  AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: http://firemark.com Can you cover a song and post a video of it on your YouTube or Facebook? Hi, I'm Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I answer common entertainment law questions, so you can take your entertainment industry...

  
• 10.14.2016

  Fair Use: Presidential Debate Footage – Entertainment Law Asked & Answered

  AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: http://firemark.com Paul has a question about using clips from a presidential debate from years ago on his radio show. Hi, I'm attorney Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I answer your entertainment law questions, to help you take...

  
• 09.15.2016

  What to do about an Agent who isn’t Paying – Entertainment Law Asked & Answered

  AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: http://firemark.com What could you do if your agent is taking too long to get you your money after they've been paid. Hi, I'm Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I help you take your career and business in...

  
• 09.09.2016

  Trademark for Album Titles – Entertainment Law Asked & Answered

  AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: http://firemark.com Should you register a trademark for your album title? Hi, I'm attorney Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I answer your entertainment law questions, to help you take your career and business to the next level. So, David...

  
• 09.02.2016

  When Should You Register Your Copyrights – Entertainment Law Asked & Answered

  AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: http://firemark.com When should you register your copyrights? Hi, I'm Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I help you take your career and business in entertainment to the next level. One of the most common questions I get from clients...

  
• 08.12.2016

  Using Celebrity Guests’ Photos to Promote an Interview Show – Entertainment Law Asked & Answered

  AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: http://firemark.com Matt has a question about promoting his podcast episodes with images of his celebrity guests. I'm entertainment lawyer Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I provide answers to common legal questions, so you can take your career...

  
• 07.22.2016

  Having a Character in a Play Sing a Song (Grand Rights) – Entertainment Law Asked & Answered

  AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: http://firemark.com Elizabeth wrote in with a question about having a character in her play sing a song… I'm entertainment lawyer Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I provide answers to common legal questions, so you can take your...

  
• 07.14.2016

  How do I Know Whether an Offer is a Good One – Entertainment Law Asked & Answered

  AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: http://firemark.com Amin wrote in with a question about how to evaluate a film option that's been offered. I'm Entertainment Lawyer Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I answer your questions about the business, so you can take things...

  
• 05.27.2016

  Location Releases – Entertainment Law Asked & Answered

  AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: http://firemark.com George writes in with a question about location releases and permissions. I'm Gordon Firemark and this is asked and answered where entertainment law questions so you can take your career and business to the next level.   So, here's George's question: I am...

  
• 05.20.2016

  Using Film Clips in Movie Reviews – Entertainment Law Asked & Answered

  AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: www.firemark.com Brief Explanation of Fair Use YouTube’s Strike Policy   Tim wrote in with a question about his movie reviews channel on YouTube. I'm Entertainment Lawyer Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I answer your questions, so you can take your...

  
• 05.13.2016

  Is it ok to offer screen credit? – Entertainment Law Asked & Answered

  AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: www.firemark.com Blake is wondering about whether he can promise a producer credit to someone in exchange for bringing in some talent to a project. Hi, I'm entertainment lawyer Gordon Firemark. This is asked and answered where I help you learn what...

  
• 05.06.2016

  Featuring real people in a fictional work – Entertainment Law Asked and Answered

  AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: www.firemark.com Fair Use – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlIXcqnVM50 Can you mention famous people in your book, play or movie? I'm Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I answer entertainment law questions like this so you can take your career in entertainment to...

  
• 03.16.2016

  Using short clips in educational video – Entertainment Law Asked & Answered

  AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: www.firemark.com A fellow attorney wrote in with a question about using short film clips… Hi, I am Gordon Firemark and this is asked and answered, where I take your entertainment law questions so you can take your career and business in...

  
• 03.11.2016

  Favored Nations – Entertainment Law Asked & Answered

  AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: www.firemark.com Blog Reader “Bob” wrote in with the question about what sometimes referred to as a favored nations cause. I'm Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered. My answer is just a minute away.     Blog Reader “Bob” wrote in with this...

  
• 02.18.2016

  Can I Name my Characters after Famous Characters from Old Book – Entertainment Law Asked & Answered

  AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: www.firemark.com Will you get in trouble if you name your characters after famous characters from an older book or film? Hi, I'm entertainment lawyer Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I answer common entertainment law questions, so you...

  
• 02.13.2016

  Is Copyright Registration Required Before Licensing – Entertainment Law Asked & Answered

  AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: www.firemark.com Does a song have to be registered with the copyright office before you can obtain a license to use it in your film or other project? Hi, I'm entertainment lawyer Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I...

  
• 02.05.2016

  Interview Releases – Entertainment Law Asked & Answered

  AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: www.firemark.com Do you need permission to write a book based on your interviews with public figures? Hi, I'm entertainment lawyer Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I answer common entertainment law questions, so you can take your career...

  
• 01.28.2016

  Which Country’s Law – Entertainment Law Asked & Answered

  AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: www.firemark.com Carlos wrote in with a question about which country's law will apply to his film. I'm Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked & Answered… where I answer entertainment law questions from industry professionals so you can take your career and...

  
• 01.21.2016

  When is a Parody a Parody? – Entertainment Law Asked & Answered

  AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: www.firemark.com When is a parody a parody? Hi, I'm Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I answer your burning entertainment law questions, so you can take your career and business to the next level. Bob wrote me an email...

  
• 09.18.2015

  Entertainment Law Asked & Answered – Licensing Music For Kids Performance School

    AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: www.firemark.com Entertainment Law Asked & Answered – Grand Rights and Sound Recordings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9ZVN8HT4uo Jamie wrote in with an interesting question about music licensing in theatre… Hi, I am Gordon Firemark and this is asked and answered, where I take your entertainment law...

  
• 07.24.2015

  Entertainment Law Asked & Answered – Copyright Renewals?

    AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: www.firemark.com A reader wrote in with a question about whether copyrights need to be renewed. Hi, I'm attorney Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I answer your entertainment law questions, to help you take your career and business...

  
• 07.18.2015

  Can You Use Real Places Names in a Story that is Fictional but Inspired in a News Article?

    AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: www.firemark.com Can you use real place names and businesses in a story that's fiction, but inspired by a news article or report? I'm Entertainment Lawyer Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I answer your burning questions, so you...

  
• 07.10.2015

  Have you filed your DMCA Agent designation?

    AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: Are your websites and online businesses properly protected against  lawsuits by the DMCA Safe Harbor? Hi everyone… Entertainment Lawyer Gordon Firemark here, with a quick tip for anyone who has a presence online. You've probably heard about the DMCA before.   You...

  
• 05.22.2015

  Entertainment Law Asked & Answered – Does an Actor’s Agent have an Obligation to Tell the Actor about all Job Offers?

  In this Asked & Answered video, I answer a common question if an actor's agent have an obligation to tell the actor about all job offers. AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: Does an actor's agent have an obligation to tell the actor about all job offers? Hi,...

  
• 04.23.2015

  Entertainment Law Asked & Answered – Do I Need a Release from My Podcast Guest

  In this Asked & Answered video, I answer a common question about the need for a release from podcast guest interviewees. AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: One of the most common questions I get from new media producers, especially podcasters, is “do I really need...

  
• 04.13.2015

  Entertainment Law Asked & Answered – Model Release

  In this Asked & Answered video, I answer questions about Model Release. AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: In this installment of Asked and Answered, I'll explain the rules for taking and using photographs or footage of people in your blog, videos, and other media.  And...

  
• 02.20.2015

  Entertainment Law Asked & Answered – Filming the Audience?

  In this Asked & Answered video, I answer questions about Filming the audience. AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: A reader wrote in… I purchased your Podcast Blog and New Media Producer's Legal Survival Guide a while back, and found it to be an invaluable guide to...

  
• 02.15.2015

  Entertainment Law Asked & Answered – How to Protect Your Brand with Trademark Registration?

  In this Asked & Answered video, I answer questions about trademark registration. AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: You've spent a lot of time, energy, and maybe money to build a brand for your business. You've landed on a name or logo that captures the true essence...

  
• 02.05.2015

  Entertainment Law Asked & Answered – Grand Rights and Sound Recordings?

  In this Asked & Answered video, I answer a question about licensing sound recordings for use in a live-stage production. AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: We all know you need a grand rights license to use a song in a play, but do you also need...

  
• 02.05.2015

  Entertainment Law Asked & Answered – What are Separated Rights?

  In this Asked & Answered video, I answer a question about separated rights.   AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: Hi, I'm attorney Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I answer your entertainment law questions, to help you take your career and business to the...

  
• 01.30.2015

  Asked and Answered: Copyright Renewals

  In this Asked & Answered video, I answer a question about whether you need to renew copyright. AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: A reader wrote in with a question about copyrights needing to be renewed. Hi, I'm attorney Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I...

  
• 01.17.2015

  Asked and Answered: Appearance Releases. Why you might not need one, and why you should get it anyway.

  In this Asked & Answered video, I answer a question about whether we need appearance releases when shooting documentaries or more commercially oriented stuff. AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: Jamie is a documentary filmmaker who called to ask me about the need for appearance releases. Hi, I'm attorney...

  
• 01.10.2015

  Asked and Answered: Can I get old podcast episodes taken down if I no longer want to be associated with the show I co-hosted?

  In this Asked & Answered video, I answer a question about whether a podcast co-host who has left the show can get old episodes taken down from the internet. AUDIO: Hey, if you like these videos, please subscribe. It's easy. And by all...

  
• 12.15.2014

  Asked and Answered: Do I need permission to base a fan film on a video game?

  In this Asked and Answered video, I respond to Guy's inquiry about whether permission is required for a fan film based on a video game. AUDIO:   This is intended as general information only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It...

  
• 09.12.2014

  What is an Active Investor, and why does it matter?

  In this video, Entertainment Lawyer Gordon Firemark examines the implications of having an “Active” Investor in your film or theatre production's financing. AUDIO: Hey, if you like these Q&A; videos, please subscribe. It's easy. And by all means share, Plus, like or...

  
• 03.15.2014

  How to protect a concept for a film when making an oral pitch?

  In this video, Entertainment Lawyer Gordon Firemark answers a question about how to protect a concept for a film when making an oral pitch. http://youtu.be/94dcNiTrdN8 AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: I'm Gordon Firemark, and this is Asked and Answered, where I answer questions from entertainment industry...

  
• 03.07.2014

  Can choir instructor photocopy purchased sheet music?

  In this video, Entertainment Lawyer Gordon Firemark answers a question about the rights to copy sheet music for use in a school setting. http://youtu.be/ENdZHm7IVX8 AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: I've got a quick one for you today. It deals with the rights to copy sheet music for...

  
• 02.14.2014

  Can I name names in a true-crime screenplay?

  In this video, Entertainment Lawyer Gordon Firemark answers a question about whether it's OK to name names of real people in a true-crime drama. http://youtu.be/dOpp_owefOc And…a small correction AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: Mary has some questions about her true-crime screenplay, and whether it's ok to name...

  
• 02.09.2014

  Changing Titles of Works Registered for Copyright

  In this video, Entertainment Lawyer Gordon Firemark answers a question about changing titles of works once registered for copyright protection. AUDIO: This is intended as general information only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It is not a substitute for...

  
• 01.12.2014

  Asked & Answered: Movie line as a song lyric?

  In this video, Entertainment Lawyer Gordon Firemark answers a question about using a line from a movie in a songs lyrics. This is intended as general information only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It is not a substitute for...

  
• 12.20.2013

  Asked & Answered – How to license film and video clips?

  In this video, Entertainment Lawyer Gordon Firemark answers a question about licensing film and video materials for online use. This is intended as general information only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It is not a substitute for a private,...

  
• 12.07.2013

  Asked & Answered – How to license music for low budget film

  In this video, Entertainment Lawyer Gordon Firemark answers a question about licensing music on a shoestring. Is it wise to get a “Festival only license?” Or, should filmmakers get more comprehensive licenses. And, how the licensing request is made.   AUDIO: This...

  
• 11.06.2013

  Asked & Answered – Can I use another film’s title or scenes in my screenplay?

  Q: Cat asks whether it's practical to mention other films' titles, and to quote dialogue or include a clip of a scene from another movie in her screenplay, or will it deter producers from getting interested in her project. A: My...

  
• 10.18.2013

  Asked & Answered: should I register multiple copyrights together!.

  Q: Angel asks about registering his multiple copyrights under a single folio of works. This video provides my answer: AUDIO: TRANSCRIPT: A:   The short answer is yes, it's often possible to register multiple works together as a folio. But, it's not always a very good...