In recent weeks, I’ve begun to see more and more independent filmmakers and theatre producers using forums, chat rooms, and other internet-services to seek out investors for their projects. In most cases, these inquiries are couched in plain language: “Seeking investors for independent film” or similar. Unfortunately for these producers, their use of the internet…
The LA City Council is once again contemplating changes to the City’s location permit rules that stand to make much more difficult for Location Managers, especially those working on short timelines. The agenda for the March 31 Council meeting includes consideration for new rules would impose longer lead-times for permit requests to be submitted to…
L.A. approves incentive package: “Runaway Production: City aims to keep film, TV productions in town — There’s no tax credits in there yet, but the Los Angeles City Council has approved a package of incentives aimed at keeping film and TV productions in Los Angeles .“ (Via Variety.com – Runaway Production.) Tweet
In recent weeks, I’ve had a number of clients express their view that the current down economy means that they won’t be able to find investors to finance their films and/or shows. As a consequence, they’re sitting back, waiting things out.. not trying to make it happen. Meanwhile, I’ve had others tell me that investors…
Further follow up to my post on Wednesday regarding YouTube’s automated audio-muting of user-generated videos containing unlicensed music….. According to this piece at the Hollywood Reporter.. YouTube is taking things a step further… allowing users to REPLACE offending music in video soundtracks with pre-cleared music…. (automatically?) I ask you again… does this kind of filtering…
This is the final installment of a 3-part series on the importance of collaboration agreements for every writing or other creative team. In Parts 1 and 2, I analyzed some of the important provisions found in properly negotiated and drafted collaboration agreements. Here, I’ll continue that discussion, and explain the advantages of using entertainment lawyer…
Music is an integral part of any filmmaker’s toolbox. Proper selection of music can help tell a story, set a mood, and build suspense. For most independent productions, however, music is either under-budgeted or not budgeted at all. Even when there IS a music budget, it’s often re-allocated to more pressing expenses during production. This…
3 years ago, partially in response to runaway production, Congress developed tax incentives which gave independent filmmakers tax breaks on films up to $15 Million. In a ruling earlier this month, the IRS imposes new requirements that will eliminate this incentive for many independent films Under th American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, domestically made…
3 years ago, partially in response to runaway production, Congress developed tax incentives which gave independent filmmakers tax breaks on films up to $15 Million. In a ruling earlier this month, the IRS imposes new requirements that will eliminate this incentive for many independent films Under th American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, domestically made…