Greenberg Glusker today announced the launch of Legal Ease, a weekly entertainment law blog targeted to independent and young filmmakers, hosted by Film Independent. Authored by Greenberg Glusker entertainment transactional attorneys Matt Galsor and Jesse Saivar, the blog addresses common legal challenges faced by those in the indie market in an easy to understand format.
“Legal Ease provides new filmmakers with valuable and much needed advice and insight,” said Carolyn Cohagan, Content Editor for FilmIndependent.org. “The style, substance and attitude fit perfectly with the artistic spirit and practical needs of today’s indie filmmaker.”
Updated each Monday with fresh content from reader-submitted questions, Legal Ease covers a wide variety of topics -- from intellectual property rights to breaking into the business -- that concern Film Independent’s members, film students and up-and-coming talent. Typical topics, along with excerpts, include :
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Rights Acquisitions. “Of course, if your idea of a good time is losing a court case and all your money, you can always go ahead without the rights and get the title of your movie in the headlines alongside The Dukes of Hazzard and Watchmen.“ Posted January 19, 2009
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Contracts. “Q: Do all contracts have to be in writing? A: I like you. No messing around, no background, just a short, straight-shootin’ question. Well, I’ve got a short, but not so straight-shootin’ answer: Not necessarily.” Posted December 22, 2008
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Options. “Q: I know that optioning my script is a good thing but if the producer is so interested, why is the option price only a dollar? A: The core of your question is: if you have garnered grown-up sized interest, why the baby-sized option price? The key here is to understand what an option is.” Posted December 1, 2008
“Through our collaboration with Film Independent we are able to share our industry experience in a way that will benefit artists shaping the future of film,” said Galsor.
About Film Independent
Film Independent is a non-profit membership organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds the audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, film industry leader, or a film lover. For more information or to become a member, visit FilmIndependent.org.