Hillary Bibicoff
Partner

Transactional Entertainment

D: 310.785.6823
F: 310.201.2330

Profile

Hillary Bibicoff is a partner in the transactional entertainment department.  She represents both established and "up and coming" actors, hosts, directors, writers, authors and independent producers. 

In addition to talent deals, Ms. Bibicoff has negotiated book, screenplay and life story agreements, as well as various film finance and distribution deals and studio term deals.  She also handles licensing, merchandising, endorsement and spokesperson deals for both traditional entertainment companies and those whose main business is outside of the entertainment industry.  She has been involved with audits of major studios conducted on behalf of talent with gross profit participations.  She represented the two largest investors in the $500 million 25 picture film finance deal between Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros and recently represented Toho Co., Ltd. in the sale of the rights to a Godzilla feature to Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros.

Ms. Bibicoff is an IFTA Arbitrator.  She serves as Secretary of Women in Film and on the Advisory Committee for the UCLA Entertainment Law Symposium.  She is a member of the Executive Committee of the Professional Representatives Section of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, as well as a member of the Independent Film Project and the Los Angeles Copyright Society.  In addition, Ms. Bibicoff is Co-Chair Emeritus of the Women’s Entertainment Network. 

Ms. Bibicoff’s several years as an executive at motion picture production and distribution companies, first at LIVE Home Video and then as Vice President of Theatrical Business & Legal Affairs at Rysher Entertainment, give her practical business perspective and a strategic advantage in negotiations.  She started her career in the transactional entertainment and corporate departments at Cooper, Epstein & Hurewitz.

Entertainment Experience

  • Represented 24 Hour Fitness in connection with its agreement to sponsor “The Biggest Loser” and its agreement with Magic Johnson for 24 Hour Fitness Clubs by Magic Johnson, as well as in connection with various spokesperson deals.
  • Represented Banc of America Capital Investors and M/C Venture Partners, the largest investors in Legendary Pictures, in connection with their $500 million 25 picture film finance deal with Warner Bros.
  • Represented Kathy Bates in connection with her series deal with Warner Bros. for "Harry’s Law."
  • Represented Bobby Bowman, executive producer of “My Name Is Earl” in connection with his ABC deal for “White Van Man” and his prior overall deal at Fox.
  • Negotiated James Cameron and Earthship Productions’ financing, production and distribution agreements for the 3D large format films "Ghosts of the Abyss" and "Aliens of the Deep” the Discovery Channel specials "James Cameron’s Bismarck" and "Titanic Live ’05" and the cave diving thriller "Sanctum."
  • Represented Pam Fryman in connection with her agreements to direct and executive produce “Three Sisters" "Just Shoot Me" and "How I Met Your Mother," as well as multiple pilot directing agreements.
  • Represented Hawaii Film Partners as production counsel in connection with their upcoming film “You May Not Kiss the Bride
  • Represented Thomas Horn in connection with his acting deal with Warner Bros. for “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close”
  • Represented Jesse James, including in connection with his show "Monster Garage,"  his overall deal with Spike TV and various specials, merchandising, sponsorship and other agreements.
  • Represented Jim Lampley in connection with his overall broadcasting and first look agreements with HBO.
  • Represented Prime Focus in connection with various conversion and special effects agreements.
  • Represented Toho Co., Ltd. in connection with its 2010 sale to Legendary Pictures of the right to produce the next "Godzilla" feature.
  • Represented Rip Torn, including in connection with his deals for “Men In Black II” and “Dodgeball”  as well as various other films and television appearances.
  • Represented Vaupen & Baker and Dan Staley in connection with their executive producer agreements for “Good Luck Charlie.

Speaking Engagements

  • Speaker, "Transactional Entertainment Law for the Independent Filmmaker," Women In Film networking breakfast event, June 2008
  • Panelist, “Pitch Like a Pro: Selling Your Idea To Film Or Television,” Women In Film Entertainment Forum, October 2007
  • Guest Lecturer, Chapman University Film School, March 2007, March 2009 & April 2010
  • Panelist, “Writers - How to Protect Your Rights,” Women In Film Entertainment Summit, October 2006
  • Guest Lecturer, UCLA Producing Class, October 2004
  • Panelist, “Team Behind the Stars… When and How Do You Get Them?,” September, 2003
  • Panelist, “From Script to Screen: What It Really Takes to get a Movie Produced,” October 2002
  • Panelist, Great Women of Film Panel at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, June 2002
  • Speaker, “The Business of Film and Television,” The Fifth Annual Playhouse West Film Festival, June 2001

Accolades

  • Named, "Southern California Super Lawyer," Los Angeles Magazine and Law & Politics, 2004, 2006-2012
  • Profiled, “The Angelos of Kappa Delta,” Winter 2003
  • Recipient, Woman of Achievement Award, Women’s Business Council, April 2002
  • Named one of Hollywood’s “Top New Generation Deal Makers” by the Los Angeles Business Journal, 2001
  • Profiled, California Law Business, August 2001
  • Burns Scholar (the highest academic scholarship), Loyola Law School
  • Recipient, National Association of Women Lawyer's Award as the outstanding female graduate
  • Rated, "AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5," Martindale Hubbell

Client Testimonials

“I've shared clients with Hillary. Not only is she an amazing attorney, but she responds in a very timely manner, something that can be all too rare in Hollywood. I highly recommend her services."
--Marisa Gasco-Johnston, Owner, Magenta Management
 
“Hillary came highly recommended via a trusted associate in the entertainment industry. In a nutshell: I am very impressed. She takes a no-nonsense approach, knows her stuff, and is very personable. Looking forward to a long & productive working relationship.”
--Aaron Wells, Independent Motion Pictures and Film Professional