An entertainment lawyer protects the legal livelihood of artists, companies, and other entertainment and media industry professionals in all areas across film, TV, new media, theater, publishing, and music. Entertainment lawyers advise individuals and corporations on legal matters as it relates to content development, production, distribution, advertising, and promotion.

Some of our most common responsibilities include:

• Negotiating and Reviewing Contracts – An entertainment lawyer safeguards your interests when negotiating a contract. An attorney can negotiate project terms with other parties (such as a production company, agent, or studio) and ensure you’re appropriately compensated.
• Contracts for Content Production – An entertainment lawyer can help you navigate the pitfalls of content creation, whether it be hiring talent, renting equipment, or getting general permits.
• Advising on Business and Legal Affairs – An entertainment attorney can help clients deal with matters outside their expertise. For example, an entertainment attorney can address inquiries about entertainment payroll, including contractor vs. employee distinctions and child labor restrictions. They can also provide union, guild, and other professional association advice.
• Client Connections – It’s not what you know but who you know. An entertainment lawyer can connect clients with managers, agents, and accountants.

Artists often seek representation through an agent or manager. These professionals can assist you to procure work and advise you on your career, but neither has legal knowledge. An entertainment lawyer is essential when negotiating contracts and handling potential litigation matters.

Managers and agents play vital roles in entertainers’ careers. Both have connections in the industry that can advance your career. The former can offer valuable career guidance, and the latter can secure project contracts.

But don’t underestimate the importance of an entertainment lawyer. An entertainment lawyer is essential for handling legal matters.

Do you need an entertainment lawyer?

Here are some situations where an entertainment lawyer can save you time and money.

• Have you been offered a contract?
• Was your work stolen or plagiarized?
• Do you need business advice?
• Is someone misusing your image?

In cases like these, an entertainment lawyer can negotiate terms, guard your interests, help move projects forward, or protect your reputation.

Depending on your career and needs, yes. Within the entertainment legal field, there are various specialties. Consider your situation, and hire the appropriate entertainment lawyer to take care of your needs.

Suppose you suspect somebody infringed on one of your copyrights. This is a matter for an intellectual property expert rather than a labor law expert.  If you might have to go to court, you’ll need a litigator. Yet, the litigator isn’t the best lawyer to handle your contracts.

Our fees range from $299 to $499 an hour, depending on the attorney handling and client matter. We also will often charge a retainer fee which will apply to future costs. Rates vary by service. While we typically charge hourly, flat prices for specialized services and templates are possible.

For rush services, rates are usually higher.

If you need legal advice on a regular basis, the fees may be negotiable. In some cases, a lawyer may accept a percentage of your gross income or a secured deal instead of a retainer.