Entertainment and Media Law

GORDON P. FIREMARK JUNE 4, 2011 How To Go Broke Despite Your Success, The Lady Gaga Way Image credit: ama_lia (via Flickr). Guest Post by Jay Fleishman. She’s brilliant. She’s a flash in the pan. She’s original. Jay S. MORE >>	GORDON P. FIREMARK NOVEMBER 16, 2011 How To Remove Your Private Information From The Internet This is a guest post from defamation & anti-SLAPP lawyer Adrianos Facchetti. How can this be, you wonder? The answer is actually quite simple. MORE >>	RECENT POSTS MAY 4, 2012 \| GORDON P. FIREMARK MovieBeat – part deux APRIL 29, 2012 \| GORDON P. FIREMARK Entertainment Law Update Podcast Episode 030 – The JOBS Act, Crowdfunding, and more APRIL 29, 2012 \| GORDON P. FIREMARK What is a (theatre) Producer? APRIL 24, 2012 \| GORDON P. FIREMARK Recent Media appearances: Rex Sikes’ MovieBeat and Audacity to Podcast APRIL 10, 2012 \| GORDON P. FIREMARK Profile on Southwestern Law’s Biederman Blog. APRIL 5, 2012 \| GORDON P. FIREMARK DON’T SIGN THAT! – Webinar April 17th.
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GORDON P. FIREMARK SEPTEMBER 28, 2009 Asked and Answered: What good is having a copyright if I don't have money to sue an infringer? “Asked and Answered&# will be a new occasional feature of this blog. From time to time, I’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions I receive in my practice. This is intended as general information only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. MORE >>	GORDON P. FIREMARK SEPTEMBER 29, 2009 Asked & Answered: Does a submission release affect my copyright? Should I sign? “Asked and Answered&# is an occasional feature of this blog. From time to time, I’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions I receive in my practice. This is intended as general information only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. MORE >>	GORDON P. FIREMARK FEBRUARY 10, 2010 Recommended Readign: What Dealmakers can learn from Sandra Bullock Entertainment Lawyer Dina Appleton’s guest post today in THR, Esq. Blog is an excellent discussion of how win-win deals can still be made for high-level talent, in today’s risk-averse climate. Not just for now, but for the foreseeable future. MORE >>	GORDON P. FIREMARK MAY 13, 2009 How not to use the internet to find investors for your film or theatre project. In recent weeks, I’ve begun to see more and more independent filmmakers and theatre producers using forums, chat rooms, and other internet-services to seek out investors for their projects. In most cases, these inquiries are couched in plain language: “Seeking investors for independent film” or similar. What is a “security”? Solutions. MORE >>
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GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2012
DON’T SIGN THAT! – Webinar April 17th.

On April 17th, at 10am PST , I’ll be joining my friend Adam Leipzig for a teleseminar entitled : “ DON’T SIGN THAT! You’ll learn: Legal basics every artist & entrepreneur needs to know. How to protect your ideas, work product, and bottom line. mistakes do-it-yourself-ers make when writing their own contracts. Questions? Sign up now! MORE >>

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GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2009
What’s the REDBOX flap really about?

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GORDON P. FIREMARK | MONDAY, MARCH 12, 2012
Music Rights and Licensing in Theatre (Free Webinar)

This Friday, I’ll be presenting a webinar on music rights and licensing in theatre, Admission is free, and space is limited to 50 attendees. I’ll explore the various ways in which music is used in theatrical entertainment, from traditional- and jukebox musicals, to incidental, scene-change music, to concert and cabaret performance. MORE >>

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GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2011
Entertainment Law Update Podcast, Episode 22

Call us with your feedback: (310) 243-6231 In this Episode: Hangover Tattoo case settled Hot News Claim – not so hot California Video Game Law unconstitutional You don’t mess with the Zohan. In court, either. Photo Credit removal is DMCA breach and more… GET CLE CREDIT for this episode. Entertainment Law Update is brought. Brown v. MORE >>

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GORDON P. FIREMARK | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2009
Who owns a play that’s partly improvised?

Last week, a colleague asked me the following question: If an actor improvises lines in a play, and the “author&# /director of the play later wishes to write a screenplay which incorporates the actor’s improvised dialogue, does he have to obtain rights to that dialogue? MORE >>

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Entertainment Law Update Podcast – Episode 4: The Pope & The Little Mermaid turn it up to 11 GORDON P. FIREMARK | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2009
What you absolutely must know before you approach investors for your film / play / musical. GORDON P. FIREMARK | FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2012
Asked and Answered: Orphan Works GORDON P. FIREMARK | FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2011
Subsidiary Rights Clauses in Theatrical Production Contracts. What’s the big deal? GORDON P. FIREMARK | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2011
Reflections on the fate of the music business as we know it. GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2009
Rod McKuen tribute to benefit New Musical Theatre GORDON P. FIREMARK | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2011
4 ways do-it-yourself-ers mess up trademark applications GORDON P. FIREMARK | MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2010
Getting a tattoo? If you’re in the media you need to get the copyright too! GORDON P. FIREMARK | TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011
Court ruling may have implications for theatre owners, managers and producers GORDON P. FIREMARK | MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2011
ALERT: Don’t use work email to communicate with your personal attorney. You may waive Attorney-Client privilege. GORDON P. FIREMARK | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2009
Entertainment Law Update Episode 26 – Attack of the Little Trees! GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011
Asked and Answered: What rights do I need for a classical music film score? GORDON P. FIREMARK | FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2011
Entertainment Law Update Podcast Episode 019 – Boop Boop Be Doo. GORDON P. FIREMARK | FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2011
Arbitration in Entertainment Contracts: Worth fighting about? GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2011
Is Spiderman working without a net (profit) on Broadway GORDON P. FIREMARK | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010
Podcast, Blog & New Media Producers’ Legal Survival Guide now available in the Amazon Kindle Store. GORDON P. FIREMARK | WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2011
Event: An unvarnished look at 21st Century Solo Entertainment Law Practice GORDON P. FIREMARK | SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2011
Event: Composer and Music Licensing Agreements for Film, TV, & New Media GORDON P. FIREMARK | MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2011
Asked and Answered: Parody/Satire and copyright infringement. GORDON P. FIREMARK | MONDAY, JANUARY 17, 2011
Asked & Answered: Mechanics of copyright infringement suit. GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2010
Entertainment Law Update Episode 20 – Tattoos and Topiaries GORDON P. FIREMARK | WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2011
Asked & Answered: Can I use a standard release for real people in my script? GORDON P. FIREMARK | FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011
Coming Soon: My Books! GORDON P. FIREMARK | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2010
Asked and Answered: Can I register my copyright under a Pseudonym? GORDON P. FIREMARK | FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2010
Asked and Answered: Do I need to re-register and register my copyright in other countries? GORDON P. FIREMARK | FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2010
Asked and Answered: What happens to my rights when I change the title? GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2010
Should there be a “Director’s Copyright” in stage directions? (Reader survey) GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010
Asked & Answered: Copyright duration and the public domain. GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2010
Speaking at Institute for International Film Financing (link updated) GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2010
Entertainment Law Update 028 – Politics, helicopters & Batmobiles GORDON P. FIREMARK | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2012
Happy New Year 2012 GORDON P. FIREMARK | MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012
Why theatres ban photography, even before the show. GORDON P. FIREMARK | MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011
Asked & Answered: Finder’s Fees to friend with contacts? [Video Answer] GORDON P. FIREMARK | FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011
Is your theatre or production in danger of an ADA lawsuit? GORDON P. FIREMARK | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2011
Asked and Answered: Can I use a famous movie line in my new screenplay? GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2011
Asked & Answered: Can I sell my novel after I’ve already sold the screenplay? GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011
The Podcast, Blog & New Media Producer’s Legal Survival Guide GORDON P. FIREMARK | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2010
Asked & Answered: How do I protect myself when I submit my idea? GORDON P. FIREMARK | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2010
Asked & Answered: When do I discuss payment? GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2010
Asked & Answered: Real Events reported in the media. What rights do I need? GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2010
Asked & Answered: Video/Film/recording performances of plays. GORDON P. FIREMARK | WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2010
Asked & Answered: Co-authors, who owns what? GORDON P. FIREMARK | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2010
Asked and Answered: Do I need BOTH an agent and an attorney? GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2009
Asked & Answered: I don’t have a formal contract. How do I make sure I get my credit? GORDON P. FIREMARK | MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2009
Watch me Live on This Week in Law! [link] GORDON P. FIREMARK | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2009
Asked & Answered: I have a person’s life rights. Do I need to option the news article about him, too? GORDON P. FIREMARK | TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2012
I’ve been quoted on ESPN.com GORDON P. FIREMARK | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving, giving thanks. GORDON P. FIREMARK | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2011
Asked & Answered: Original vs. Adapted works GORDON P. FIREMARK | FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011
Asked & Answered: How do I get a lawyer to represent my script? GORDON P. FIREMARK | TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2011
Speaking Engagement: When you need an entertainment lawyer. GORDON P. FIREMARK | MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2011
Entertainment Law Update Podcast episode 018 – of beauty queens and footlong subs GORDON P. FIREMARK | MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2011
Asked and Answered: Using Pseudonyms, and getting paid. GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011
Episode 17: Can Kanye write songs 140 characters at a time? GORDON P. FIREMARK | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2011
Ken Davenport visits LA: Producers Perspective Social January 29th. GORDON P. FIREMARK | FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2011
Entertainment Law Update Podcast Episode 16: How we track stories; top stories of 2010 GORDON P. FIREMARK | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving, giving thanks. GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2010
Entertainment Law Update Podcast Episode 15 GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2010
Asked and Answered: Is a friend’s suggestion in my screenplay ‘authorship’? GORDON P. FIREMARK | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2010
Asked & Answered: Is it safe to write a new work based on a deceased author’s book? GORDON P. FIREMARK | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2010
Asked and Answered: Query letters as unsolicited submissions? GORDON P. FIREMARK | FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2010
Producer Credit in Lieu of Compensation: Trouble in the making? GORDON P. FIREMARK | TUESDAY, JULY 20, 2010
Asked and Answered: When are friends and family co-authors? GORDON P. FIREMARK | FRIDAY, JULY 9, 2010
Asked & Answered: The collaborator who didn’t. GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2010
Proposed “reform” bill puts investor financing at risk. GORDON P. FIREMARK | WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2010
Backlog at the Copyright office grows to two (2) years GORDON P. FIREMARK | MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2010
Asked & Answered: How to avoid being sued when basing characters on real people GORDON P. FIREMARK | TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2010
Asked & Answered: WGA vs Copyright registration and protection of scripts GORDON P. FIREMARK | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010
Asked & Answered: Contests and the risk of idea theft. GORDON P. FIREMARK | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2010
Asked & Answered: Can co-writers exclude music rights from screenplay rights? GORDON P. FIREMARK | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2009
Asked and Answered: Idea Theft and Submission Releases/Waivers. GORDON P. FIREMARK | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
Asked and Answered: My script is based on real people. What rights do I need? GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009
Jeremy Piven is Off The Hook. Fish story satisfies arbitrator. GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2009
Asked & Answered: Can a screenwriter retain control? GORDON P. FIREMARK | MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2009
TV interview with Mark Yoshimoto Nemcoff: Fair Use, Parody and the Web. GORDON P. FIREMARK | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011
Introducing Theatre Producer Academy GORDON P. FIREMARK | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011
Ask the readers: What do YOU want to know about the theatre business GORDON P. FIREMARK | TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2011
Exploring Legal Ramifications with Web Video & How to Overcome Them GORDON P. FIREMARK | MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2011
Media Producers Survival Guide now available in more formats! GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2010
Asked and Answered: What can I do if my co-writer bails before the script is finished? GORDON P. FIREMARK | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2010
My appearance on Lawyer 2 Lawyer Podcast GORDON P. FIREMARK | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2010
Asked & Answered: Legendary characters – public domain or protected? GORDON P. FIREMARK | MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2010
Entertainment Law Update Podcast Episode 14 GORDON P. FIREMARK | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2010
Asked and Answered: Do I need permission to film a business’ logo or building? GORDON P. FIREMARK | FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2010
Theatre Lovers: This summer’s for you! GORDON P. FIREMARK | FRIDAY, JULY 9, 2010
Asked and Answered: Protection for a game. GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
3 Reasons why copyright registration is important for all kinds of documents GORDON P. FIREMARK | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2010
Asked & Answered: protection of work against foreign infringement GORDON P. FIREMARK | FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2010
Is “throughout the universe” contract language broad enough? GORDON P. FIREMARK | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2009

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