Television & Film Lawyers in TX & GA
Professional Entertainment Attorneys Serving Houston, Atlanta & More
The film and television industry has undergone dramatic changes due to the array of media platforms available to deliver content such as cinema, TV shows, sports, and news. Today, more than ever, production companies and distributors need business savvy to structure effective deals. Similarly, actors and screenwriters are faced with new legal challenges in obtaining fair compensation for their work.
The Hay Law Group works with actors, producers, screenwriters, directors, and more on a wide range of issues related to television, film and Internet production. We have extensive experience with business entity formation, the state incentive process, guild compliance issues, copyright registration, rights clearance and negotiating talent agreements. We also serve as legal counsel to production companies by negotiating and preparing critical contracts that can help move a project forward in a manner that is consistent with the production budget.
Are you in the TV or film industry and are in need of an experienced lawyer in Houston or Atlanta? Contact the Hay Law Group today!
What Do TV & Film Lawyers Do?
While the practice of entertainment law encompasses a variety of legal services related to intellectual property, contracts, as well as business, labor, and employment law, much of this field concerns entertainment transactions and litigation. Our professional attorneys are able to assist with:
Television & Film Business Entities
Forming a film production company depends on a number of variables such as the structure of the company’s operations, its exposure to legal liabilities, as well as the filmmakers and investors involved in the production. We work with a variety of clients in selecting business organizations, particularly limited liability corporations (LLCs), in order to limit personal liability and maximize return on investment.
Guild Compliance Issues
If your production involves working with members the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), the Writer’s Guild of America, or the Directors Guild of America, our experienced attorneys are well-versed in compensation, benefits, and work condition requirements under collective bargaining agreements, as well as issues related to distribution and production rights.
Rights Clearance
In order for television and film producers to successfully distribute their work in certain territories across multiple media outlets, it essential to obtain clearance rights to use copyrighted material such as music, recordings, clips of moving images as well as talent. We have experience negotiating and preparing a variety of licensing agreements as part of a comprehensive clearance strategy.
Contracts
Whether you are an actor, producer, screenwriter or director, protecting your rights demands having a well-designed contract in place. We routinely review and prepare a variety of contracts, including:
- Work for Hire Agreements
- Location Agreements
- Master Use Licenses
- Producer Agreements
- Extra Releases
- Composer Agreements (Film/TV Score)
- Director Agreements
- Writer Agreements
- Merchandising Agreements
- Product Placement Agreements
- Personal Appearance Releases
We also negotiate and prepare agreements related to the production and distribution of film and television content. In addition, we provide development services related to obtaining rights to existing stories, such as books and scripts, through option agreements. Similarly, we arrange work for hire agreements for adaptations by screenwriters and secure depiction rights for stories based on real people and actual events.
Given the complexities of the contemporary media landscape, it is essential to engage the services of an experienced entertainment attorney. In light of the budget constraints of independent productions, we design affordable legal packages that may include flat-fee contract review and preparation.
The Hay Law Group—Houston’s Premier Entertainment Lawyers
Call Today for Professional TV & Film Attorneys in the Houston Area
At the Hay Law Group, our top priority is to secure your rights and protect your brand. We work with recording artists, music publishers, managers, television and film producers, directors, writers, performers, and more. We combine business savvy with a cost-effective approach to design strategies that are well-suited for your entertainment needs.
We believe the practice of law isn’t simply a transactional relationship between the attorney and the client. Our attorneys pride themselves on fostering relationships with our clients, making them more than just a case number.
The Hay Law Group leverages its legal know-how and business experience in order to protect the interests of a wide range of clients in the television and film industry. Contact us to get started today!