In this episode of The Screen Lawyer Podcast, Pete Salsich breaks down the real-world copyright risks filmmakers face when using AI tools. With no final court rulings yet on AI training and copyright, and the Copyright Office denying protection to fully AI-generated works, filmmakers must tread carefully. 

Pete discusses a candid conversation with a filmmaker navigating these issues and offers practical advice on how to protect your work through substantial human authorship and smart contract language. If you're using AI in your creative process, this is a must-listen.

Original Theme Song composed by Brent Johnson of Coolfire Studios.
Podcast sponsored by Capes Sokol.

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In this episode of The Screen Lawyer Podcast, host Pete Salsich talks with filmmaker and former teacher Eric Norwine, co-founder of Covered Bridge Studios. Eric shares his journey from St. Charles, MO, to LA’s film scene (Funny or Die), and back home to build a Midwest production hub. He discusses his mental health struggles, the power of Missouri’s film tax credit, and his latest documentary Queen of the Base, about an Afghan refugee turned U.S. military translator. 

Original Theme Song composed by Brent Johnson of Coolfire Studios.
Podcast sponsored by Capes Sokol.

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In this episode of The Screen Lawyer Podcast, Pete Salsich chats with Dallas-based filmmaker King Hollis about his path through the film industry, from early projects to navigating the realities of independent filmmaking.

They cover storytelling, representation, creative problem-solving, and the business side of bringing ideas to life. Whether you're a filmmaker, creative, or just curious about how films get made, there's something in this episode for you.

Original Theme Song composed by Brent Johnson of Coolfire Studios.
Podcast sponsored by Capes Sokol.

Learn more about THE SCREEN LAWYER™ TheScreenLawyer.com.

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In this episode of The Screen Lawyer Podcast, host Pete Salsich welcomes Cole Payne, a Missouri-based film producer and co-founder of Traverse Media, who played a pivotal role in enacting Missouri’s film tax credit. Cole shares his journey from growing up in Russellville, Missouri, to studying entertainment management in Springfield, and eventually moving to Los Angeles to pursue a film career. The episode dives into his motivation for returning to Missouri, the significance of Missouri's new film tax credit, and how it's reshaping the state’s film landscape. It offers an inspiring look at how homegrown talent can thrive and give back to their roots through legislative advocacy and creative development. 

Original Theme Song composed by Brent Johnson of Coolfire Studios.
Podcast sponsored by Capes Sokol.

Learn more about THE SCREEN LAWYER™ TheScreenLawyer.com.

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The hip-hop world has been on fire with the ongoing feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, but this battle has now spilled out of the recording booth and into the courtroom. While rap beefs typically play out through diss tracks, Drake has taken an unprecedented step by filing a federal defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG).

In this episode of The Screen Lawyer Podcast, Pete Salsich unpacks the legal drama behind Drake’s lawsuit, breaking down what defamation really means, how the law treats public figures differently, and the potential impact this case could have on the music industry.

Original Theme Song composed by Brent Johnson of Coolfire Studios.
Podcast sponsored by Capes Sokol.

Learn more about THE SCREEN LAWYER™ TheScreenLawyer.com.

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In this episode of The Screen Lawyer Podcast, host Pete Salsich kicks off 2025 with a look at the bustling film scene in Saint Louis and the Midwest. He highlights the impact of the Missouri Motion Media Tax Credit, which has energized local film production, and previews exciting developments for the year ahead.  

Pete discusses upcoming cases involving AI, copyright, and TikTok, and teases a stellar lineup of guests slated for the spring. From legal trends to creative opportunities, this episode sets the stage for a dynamic year in media law and filmmaking in St. Louis.”

Original Theme Song composed by Brent Johnson of Coolfire Studios.
Podcast sponsored by Capes Sokol.

Learn more about THE SCREEN LAWYER™ TheScreenLawyer.com.

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In this episode of The Screen Lawyer Podcast, host Pete Salsich interviews Mary Kay Sheets, the Executive Director of Saint Louis Filmworks, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting emerging filmmakers in Saint Louis. 

They delve into the organization's origins and mission, which began in 2020 with the goal of centralizing local creative talent and promoting Saint Louis as a film industry hub. The episode also explores the benefits of filmmakers partnering with a fiscal sponsor for fundraising, the concept of finishing grants for post-production, and an accelerator program designed to mentor filmmakers, enabling them to focus on their strengths and collaborate more effectively.

Original Theme Song composed by Brent Johnson of Coolfire Studios.
Podcast sponsored by Capes Sokol.

Learn more about THE SCREEN LAWYER™ TheScreenLawyer.com.

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In this episode of The Screen Lawyer Podcast, host Pete Salsich dives into the controversy surrounding the use of music in political campaigns, particularly focusing on the Trump campaign's repeated use of copyrighted songs without proper permissions. He discusses the legal complexities of blanket licenses from organizations like ASCAP and BMI, the rights of artists to exclude their music from political campaigns, and notable cases like Neil Young and Eddy Grant’s lawsuits against the Trump campaign. The episode also explores broader issues of copyright, artist rights, and the potential for false endorsement claims under the Lanham Act.

Original Theme Song composed by Brent Johnson of Coolfire Studios.
Podcast sponsored by Capes Sokol.

Learn more about THE SCREEN LAWYER™ TheScreenLawyer.com.

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In this episode of The Screen Lawyer Podcast, host Pete Salsich sits down with Tim Breitbach, founder of Optimal Entertainment, to discuss his journey from a creative director in San Francisco to a filmmaker and entrepreneur in St. Louis.

Tim shares his experience co-founding Content Films and directing "Dopamine," which premiered at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival. He also discusses his move to St. Louis, where he collaborated with the local production company, Coolfire Studios. After founding Optimal Entertainment, he produced the documentary "The Final 19," which chronicles the story of his cousin, one of the final 19 POWs to be released from Vietnam . Tim also talks about his latest project, developing a media franchise around Robert Stroud, the notorious "Birdman of Alcatraz."

Original Theme Song composed by Brent Johnson of Coolfire Studios.
Podcast sponsored by Capes Sokol.

Learn more about THE SCREEN LAWYER™ TheScreenLawyer.com.

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In this episode of The Screen Lawyer Podcast, host Pete Salsich interviews Saint Louis filmmaker Bruce Carlton Cunningham Jr., who shares his journey from actor to independent filmmaker. Cunningham discusses the challenges of wearing multiple hats in low-budget productions, the importance of marketing, and the complexities of film distribution. He highlights his experiences with his film Un-Resolved, from production to its local theatrical release, and delves into the trial-and-error process of using social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok for film promotion. 

Original Theme Song composed by Brent Johnson of Coolfire Studios.
Podcast sponsored by Capes Sokol.

Learn more about THE SCREEN LAWYER™ TheScreenLawyer.com.

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