Do I Need An Entertainment Lawyer?
When new clients contact our firm, they often ask: “What is an entertainment lawyer and more importantly, why do I even need one?” The terms “entertainment lawyer” and “entertainment law” are extremely broad. In the entertainment industry, no two situations are the same, every deal is unique and individuals working in the entertainment industry will have different needs. That is why it is important for those of you just getting started in your careers to choose an entertainment lawyer who is a good match for you and your goals.
If you’re a creative about to embark on an entertainment project and wondering whether you need an entertainment lawyer, the answer is that you should probably consider it. In this blog, we outline a few things you should know about entertainment lawyers:
1. What can an entertainment lawyer help me with?
From intellectual property rights to immigration law to contracts and agreements, entertainment law covers a wide variety of legal needs. Entertainment lawyers can help you with the drafting, negotiating and reviewing of contracts. They can also handle copyright and protection issues, acquire rights to literary properties, negotiate deals and protect an individual’s personality rights in order to keep the individual’s public image in good standing. Some entertainment lawyers will engage in agency work and help clients package and pitch their creative work.
2. If I work in television one month and in the theatre the next, does that change how an entertainment lawyer will work with me?
Yes! Film, television, the digital space, publishing, the theatre, and the music industry are all different worlds with their own way of doing things. Therefore, it is important to find an entertainment lawyer that understands the industry that you are working in. When choosing your lawyer, ask them if they are used to working in the platform that you will be showcasing your content on.
3. Is there ever a situation where I do NOT need to hire an entertainment lawyer?
At Quantum Law Group, we believe that individuals working in the entertainment space should always have an entertainment lawyer either on retainer or within their professional network. In the event that you need help with a legal issue you will have someone to reach out to quickly.
4. Does my entertainment lawyer need to be a ‘shark’?
Not necessarily. We always recommend that individuals choose an entertainment lawyer who is on the same page as them in terms of negotiating style and who is just as passionate about your projects as you are! It’s all about finding the right fit and the person you feel most connected to in order to push your career on the right path.
5. Where do I start if I want to hire an entertainment lawyer?
If is important to meet for a consultation with different entertainment lawyers to see which one is the best lawyer for you. Talk with people in your industry to see if they have a connection that you can meet with to discuss your career goals.
We understand that every creative project in unique. If you require assistance with your legal needs, we would love to hear from you. Contact us by clicking here.