As a creative artist in the entertainment industry you do not need to know everything about the business in order to succeed, but you should hire people who do.
The team
The best place for you to start building your “team” of representatives is with a competent lawyer who specializes in entertainment law, which is a combination of contract, intellectual property (copyright, trademark and patent) and licensing law. Eventually, your team could possibly include a personal manager, a booking agent and a business manager/accountant.
Your lawyer can assist you in assembling your team. He may then function as the linchpin in coordinating the
activities of your team and insuring that these people are acting in your best interests.
The lawyer
A good lawyer will navigate you safely through the minefield that is the entertainment industry. Record contracts, publishing agreements and licensing arrangements can be extremely complicated. Proper negotiating and drafting requires superior legal skills as well as knowledge of entertainment business and intellectual proper ty practice. Your lawyer can explain the concepts of copyrights, trademark and patents to you and assist you in securing proper protection for your work. In addition to structuring and documenting a
deal to maximize the benefits to you, some lawyers also actively solicit deals for their clients.
What to look for
When looking for a lawyer take the time to interview a few before retaining one. Some lawyers are with large firms, but many are solo practitioners. Lawyers have various personalities and legal skills and you should seek out a situation where the “vibe” is right.
It is not necessary that your lawyer like or even understand your creation. It is more important that you feel he or she is a trustworthy and competent advisor.
When do I pay?
Keep in mind that a lawyer with other big name clients is not necessarily the best lawyer for you; if it comes down to taking your calls or those of a superstar, which do you think will get preference? A lawyer, much like a doctor, is selling services, so if you go to him for advice you should expect to pay. With the odds of success in this business being what they are, very few lawyers will agree to work for you and wait for payment until you are successful and can pay your bills. You may also find someone who will work on a contingency basis.
The cost
1. A lawyer specializing in the entertainment field usually charges an hourly fee or a percentage of the money value of your deal. Hourly rates generally run from $200 and up. Percentages are based on the “reasonable value of services rendered” and generally run around 5% of the deal. A few lawyers may charge a set fee, such as $1,000 or $1,500, to review and negotiate certain documents. Check around to see if the fee arrangement proposed is competitive.
2. Most lawyers will require a payment of money in advance or “retainer”, which can range anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. Even those who take a percentage of the deal as a fee may require that you pay a retainer. In addition to the hourly fee or percentage, you are usually required to reimburse your lawyer for his out-of-pocket costs, including long distance telephone calls, photocopies, postage, fax, etc.
3. You should realize that in retaining a lawyer you are making a contract even if your agreement is not written. In return for a fee, the lawyer promises to render legal services on your behalf. However, some lawyers may want a fee arrangement in writing (specifically in connection with a percentage deal) and/or a payment direction letter. A cautious lawyer will advise you that you have the right to seek the advice of another lawyer as to the propriety of a percentage fee arrangement.
As a general rule
You need a lawyer if you are asked to sign anything other than an autograph. Too many aspiring creative artists want to get a deal so badly they will sign almost anything that promises them a chance to do it. Even successful careers have a relatively short life span, especially in the music, movie and television business. Therefore, it is important for you to get maximum returns in the good years and not sign away rights to valuable income.
Never sign anything without having your own lawyer review it first! Do not rely on anyone else (or even their lawyer) to tell you what your contract says. Do not let anyone rush you or pressure you into signing any agreement.
There is really no such thing as a standard “form” contract. Any such contract was drafted by that party’s attorney to protect that party’s interests; your lawyer can help negotiate more favorable terms for you.
by Wallace Collins, Entertainment Lawyer
© 2010 All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.
