Rights, Camera, Action! The Entertainment Law Podcast

Important Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal advice. Entertainment and copyright law are complex and differ depending on your location. For any specific legal questions or concerns, please seek the advice of a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.  

Copyright and Entertainment Law: Fundamentals and Current Issues dives deep into the essential legal framework that governs the entertainment industry. Explore the historical evolution of copyright law, from its origins to today's digital age, and understand how it impacts ownership and use of creative content. We break down the types of works protected, unravel the complexities of copyright ownership, and address the latest challenges posed by piracy and AI-generated content. Whether you're a creator, industry professional, or simply curious about the legal side of entertainment, join us as we navigate the fundamentals and current issues shaping the industry.

Go behind the camera and into the boardroom on this deep dive into the legal and business landscape of modern film production. Discover the real-world impact of specific contract terms like the "Bethenny Frankel clause" and how the interpretation of antitrust law has evolved in Hollywood. We also break down the diverse methods of financing, securing distribution, and leveraging state tax credits to get a film made and seen. A must-listen for producers, filmmakers, and anyone interested in the business of entertainment.

From local news to primetime hits, what are the invisible rules that govern what you see on TV? This episode unpacks the legal and business framework of the television industry. Learn about the crucial relationship between networks and local stations, the powerful role of the FCC in regulating content and station ownership, and the lucrative business of TV syndication. We also cover the production pipeline, from pilot season to the showrunner's role, and dive into the unique legal minefield of reality television.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.

Every song you hear has two copyrights. Understanding them is the key to navigating the music industry. This episode breaks down the labyrinth of music law, starting with the crucial difference between the rights to a song (the composition) and a specific recording (the master). We demystify common recording and publishing deals, explaining key terms like advances, cross-collateralization, and 360 deals. Learn which licenses—mechanical, sync, master use, or public performance—are needed for different uses, and explore the legal complexities of sampling. A must-listen for artists, songwriters, producers, and managers.

From actors (SAG-AFTRA) and writers (WGA) to directors (DGA) and crew (IATSE), unions are central to entertainment. This episode provides an overview of these key players, their fight for workers' rights, and focuses on their current strategies (April 2025) for navigating the impacts of streaming residuals and the integration of Artificial Intelligence through tough negotiations and new contract enforcement.

The entertainment industry thrives on collaboration, relies on copyright, and is structured by unions. But how does this work with digital infringement and AI? We explore the benefits and challenges of creative partnerships, copyright application in film, TV, music, & publishing, and the powerful role of unions/guilds in advocating for creators amidst technological shifts. Understand the framework needed for a sustainable creative future.

Navigate the complexities of getting published in a changing industry. We explore the financials of traditional publishing, including typical author royalties and costs. Dive deep into standard publishing agreements, decoding crucial clauses like advances, royalty calculations, termination rights, and reserves. Understand the role of agents and gain insights into negotiating your contract effectively.

Important Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal advice. Entertainment and copyright law are complex and differ depending on your location. For any specific legal questions or concerns, please seek the advice of a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.  

This episode covers three critical areas of entertainment rights. First, understand Moral Rights for visual artists under VARA and how they can be protected or waived. Second, navigate the politics and rules of Credit in film/TV, including guild roles and Lanham Act issues. Third, unpack the Right of Publicity, exploring its modern challenges with social media, digital likenesses (avatars), posthumous rights, and the complex interplay between state laws and free speech.

Name, Image, Likeness: it's a legal minefield where personal rights, brand protection, and free speech collide. Join us as we unpack the distinctions between the Right of Publicity and Trademark law in the context of NIL. We'll look at pivotal court cases, the tests judges use to navigate First Amendment challenges, and the emerging issues surrounding look-alikes and sound-alikes in an era of rapidly advancing technology. Understand the nuances of this evolving area of entertainment law.

Important Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal advice. Entertainment and copyright law are complex and differ depending on your location. For any specific legal questions or concerns, please seek the advice of a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.  

Dive into the multifaceted legal world of the entertainment industry. This episode explores foundational copyright law – what makes something protectable and the crucial difference between an idea and its expression. We dissect the four factors of fair use, particularly for documentary creators, and examine how to legally protect ideas using contract law, including implied-in-fact contracts. Understand the interplay between federal copyright preemption and state law, and grapple with the challenges of licensing content for evolving digital platforms and the importance of accurate credits under the Lanham Act.