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Monthly Archives: December 2013

20 ways to use your entertainment lawyer in the new year.

20 ways to use your entertainment lawyer in the new year.

Are you missing opportunities because you're not using your entertainment lawyer?

If you're like most people, you don't think much about having a lawyer on your side until you need advice, or to make or defend against some kind of threat. But having an experienced entertainment lawyer on your team can do much more for your career or business in the entertainment industry if you take advantage of all the ways you can use your lawyer. Here, in no particular order, is a list of ways you might not have thought about to use your lawyer to full effect:

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

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, independent consultation with an attorney selected to advise you after a full investigation of the facts and law relevant to your matter. We will not be responsible for viewers'’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature.

 

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CLIENT ALERT! – California Business Organizations – Changes in the Law

Important

Did you know?

On January 1, 2014, California corporate and LLC laws are changing. The new rules may require that existing companies update their governing documents to ensure that their operations are not affected by these changes.

New LLC Act

The most significant change is implementation of a new LLC Act. The new act, known as the Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act (“RULLCA”), replaces California’s existing Beverly-Killea Limited Liability Company Act and includes a number of improvements to the law. However, some of the default rules in the new law vary significantly from the old default rules. As a result, existing LLCs may see their existing operational arrangements restructured unintentionally.

Limits on Manager Authority?

For example, under the new default rules, manager-managed LLC's may see significant limits on the manager's authority to act without a vote or consent of all members, before engaging in certain transactions. Other default rules can result in members losing voting and other rights upon the occurrence of certain dissociation events, such as a member's bankruptcy, or termination of a trust.

In most cases, the company's Operating Agreement governs things, and can supersede the law's default provisions. But, since the new default rules didn't exist when those documents were drafted, their language may fail to clearly express intent to supersede the default rules.

What you should do.

So, I am urging my clients who have formed California LLCs to consult with counsel as soon as possible. Ideally, prior to January 1st. We can review existing operating agreements, identify inconsistent provisions, and take the necessary actions to update your Operating Agreement to avoid problems.

Call me today to consult on this important issue!

Entertainment Law Update Podcast #46 – Top Ten Stories of 2013 – Forecast 2014

In this episode of Entertainment Law Update, Entertainment lawyers Gordon Firemark  Tamera Bennett and Peter Kaufman review the ten most significant  cases and controversies in the entertainment industry for 2013, and forecast what we’ll be seeing in 2014.. Entertainment Law Update is brought to you by Clio, the best way to manage your practice online. Clio… Continue Reading

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

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 is intended as general information only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.… Continue Reading

Asked & Answered – How do I use a pseudonym on my work

Asked & Answered – How do I use a pseudonym on my work

In this video, I answer a question about using pen-names. This is intended as general information only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It is not a substitute for a private, independent consultation with an attorney selected to advise you after a full investigation of the facts and law relevant to your matter. We… Continue Reading

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