“Blissful ignorance of the system hurts more people in the long run.” If you are an emerging filmmaker who is not aware of the legalities involved in filmmaking, you should really consider hiring a lawyer. You may think you can’t afford a lawyer, but what you really cannot afford to do is remain in your ignorance.
In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with lawyer/indie film producer, Natalie LeVeck, to discuss:
- Becoming a full-time entertainment lawyer and a part-time indie film producer
- The difference between manager, agent and a lawyer
- Different types of lawyers and their roles
- Why not having a lawyer is one of the worst things you can do
- Why you should find a manager before finding a lawyer
- Keeping quiet about your ideas so no one steals them
- The most important deal of the entire film
- Paying the writer a percentage versus a flat fee
- All the things you need to save in your Chain of Title file
- Getting your SAG deposit back
- What you need to do when you first get the Distributor contract
- Talent contracts and the clauses to include
- Thinking about what’s important and not important to you
- Talking to your attorney’s prior clients
Memorable Quotes
- “If you are lucky enough to land a deal with a studio, you absolutely must have a lawyer helping you.” [12:17]
- “You can’t copyright an idea.” [18:49]
- “If you’re an indie producer and you read something you like, I would grab those rights as soon as humanly possible.” [22:12]
- “The entertainment law world is so small that people do care about their reputation.” [47:13]
- “The more we are informed, the more we can bring to the table.” [53:53]
Resources:
A Creature was Stirring - in theaters Nov 2023
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