INDUSTRY INSIGHTS YOUR PEERS ARE READING
I interviewed him via email two years ago as I saw the potential in it for making a feature film. We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. MORE
The use of a nine-word quote from a 220-page novel in a feature film presents a classic case of "fair use," argues the studio that distributed the movie that earned Woody Allen an Oscar for best original screenplay. MORE
Q: I have watched hundreds of films and read as many screenplays. In fact, lines spoken by characters in films need to sound “real&# , and real people don’t speak in such carefully constructed phrases as to warrant copyright protection. The film itself is almost without a doubt protected by copyright, but a subsequent use of a single line found within a film is likely to be held a de minimus use, and therefore not an infringement. MORE
Joe DeVito claims he created the universe surrounding King Kong's mysterious home and his pitch for a TV series was turned into a feature film without giving him compensation or credit. MORE
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. Q: I am currently resea rching a story that occurred in the 1700s in France. MORE
Proteus Spann was readying a feature film and stage musical based on bestselling books by E. Lynn Harris when the author died and Harris’s mother filed a lawsuit against him: “It put a stop to everything," he tells THR. read more. Music Movies THR, Esq. Politics MORE
We will not be responsible for viewers'’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film” by visiting [link]. Firemark - Theatre, Film, TV & New Media. Blair wants to know whether she needs an agent to submit a spec script she's written for an existing TV Series. I give an answer, and some practical advice about this kind of thing. link]. MORE
A motion picture featuring film of Michael Jackson's last rehearsals; if approved by a judge, its profits might pump a lot of cash into the Jackson estate. Coming soon? More here MORE
The first, Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat was a live (and recorded) presentation of my “6-ways to finance a feature film” talk. This morning, I was interviewed for two Internet radio shows. MORE
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film” by visiting [link]. Firemark - Theatre, Film, TV & New Media. MORE
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. Q: My current screenwriting project is taken from the old adage to “write what you know&#. As such, it is a story from my perspective, working in a medical office. MORE
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. MORE
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. MORE
Purchasers of screenplays typically expect that they have exclusive rights to the story, and that they’ll be able to exploit their film without competition from the writer’s other works. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. MORE
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. MORE
Every year we revisit the same topic: Filming performances. The response I always hear is that they never sell the film. A: It’s irrelevant whether they sell the film. We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. Q: I work in educational theater. MORE
In this Asked and Answered video, I respond to Guy’s inquiry about whether permission is required for a fan film based on a video game. We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. MORE
The use of a nine-word quote from a 220-page novel in a feature film doesn''t equate to copyright infringement. read more. The Business Movies THR, Esq. Midnight in Paris Business MORE
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film” by visiting [link]. MORE
Q: As a TV/film screenwriter I’ve sent short pitches and query letters to several agents. We will not be responsible for readers' detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. MORE
However, for cable programs , and when dealing with major star level talent, it's often possible for the attorney to negotiate non-exclusivity, or to carve out guest appearances on other programs, in commercials (subject to many restrictions), and other opportunities like voice-over work, and feature film roles. Firemark - Theatre, Film, TV & New Media. Why you need an entertainment attorney to help negotiate your television acting deals. MORE
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. Get my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film” by visiting [link]. Firemark - Theatre, Film, TV & New Media. MORE
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. MORE
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. MORE
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. MORE
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. Q: Do I have to share my Author/Writer Credit with someone who collaborated on the script, even if he never wrote one word or typed one keystroke on the script? MORE
Q: I made a short film in 1983 and now a feature film is being made with the same title. [This blog entry originally appeared at MovieMaker.com.] The storylines are not the same but nobody checked with me about using my title. What options do I have? To whom would I file a complaint? Would it [.]. MORE
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. Q: My screenplay is based on a true story. MORE
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. MORE
Click Here Also available is my White Paper: 6 Ways to Finance a Feature Film I’m thrilled to announce that my book, the Podcast, Blog & New Media Producers’ Legal Survival Guide is now available in the Amazon Kindle Store. Interested? MORE
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. For a limited time, readers of this column can subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. Q: If 1977 is the dividing line for copyright laws, is it possible to, say, erase all challenging doubts by merging two pre-1977 stories and create an entirely new work? MORE
Michael asks when it’s OK to use “snippets” of existing films as “B-Roll” for his video projects. We will not be responsible for viewers’’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. MORE
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. MORE
So, it seems that SAG has finally relented, opting to send members (and the rest of Hollywood) back to work in time to get production started for the 2010 feature film season. economic recession, and runaway production to states and countries with favorable tax incentives, it seems possible that Hollywood will remain only a “nerve center&# for the film business, with the “muscle center&# distributed among cities elsewhere. MORE
6-ways to Finance A Feature Film – mini e-mail course. Entertainment Law entertainment lawyer film finance internet marketing products survey theatre producerWill you please help me provide the most useful content possible? MORE
10pm, I’ll be speaking at the Institute for International Film Financing. I’ll be giving an abbreviated version of my presentation entitled “6 Ways to Finance A Feature Film&# , and joining a panel of other film financing experts to take questions from attendees. MORE
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. MORE
I also have longer scripts I think could be entered in regional film festivals. We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. MORE
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. Q: Dave asks how to get an entertainment lawyer to sell a script. MORE
Jeff Steele has a good article about the film finance landscape over at The Wrap. As always, consult a knowledgable, experienced entertainment lawyer for the details about front-money agreements and film finance deals in general. Film Finance MORE
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film” by visiting [link]. Firemark - Theatre, Film, TV & New Media. MORE
The use of Klingon — a language allegedly not copyrightable — in a not-yet-produced feature film can't doom this lawsuit. read more. THR, Esq. The Business Movies Business THR Online MORE
Of course, this is a situation where offering some money can smooth the process, and having a skilled and experienced negotiator (probably an entertainment lawyer familiar with the independent film industry) helping you is certainly worthwhile. MORE
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to Mr. Firemark’s FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. MORE
Feature Film Related Topics THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog
MAY 10, 2016
The use of Klingon — a language allegedly not copyrightable — in a not-yet-produced feature film can't doom this lawsuit. read more. THR, Esq. The Business Movies Business THR Online
THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog
APRIL 28, 2016
Joe DeVito claims he created the universe surrounding King Kong's mysterious home and his pitch for a TV series was turned into a feature film without giving him compensation or credit.
Gordon P. Firemark
DECEMBER 15, 2014
In this Asked and Answered video, I respond to Guy’s inquiry about whether permission is required for a fan film based on a video game. We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature.
THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog
JULY 18, 2013
The use of a nine-word quote from a 220-page novel in a feature film doesn''t equate to copyright infringement. read more. The Business Movies THR, Esq. Midnight in Paris Business
Gordon P. Firemark
JULY 13, 2011
Click Here Also available is my White Paper: 6 Ways to Finance a Feature Film I’m thrilled to announce that my book, the Podcast, Blog & New Media Producers’ Legal Survival Guide is now available in the Amazon Kindle Store. Interested?
Gordon P. Firemark
AUGUST 1, 2013
Michael asks when it’s OK to use “snippets” of existing films as “B-Roll” for his video projects. We will not be responsible for viewers’’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature.
Gordon P. Firemark
APRIL 24, 2012
The first, Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat was a live (and recorded) presentation of my “6-ways to finance a feature film” talk. This morning, I was interviewed for two Internet radio shows.
Gordon P. Firemark
JANUARY 24, 2012
I interviewed him via email two years ago as I saw the potential in it for making a feature film. We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature.
Gordon P. Firemark
MAY 17, 2011
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. Q: Dave asks how to get an entertainment lawyer to sell a script.
Gordon P. Firemark
JANUARY 14, 2010
10pm, I’ll be speaking at the Institute for International Film Financing. I’ll be giving an abbreviated version of my presentation entitled “6 Ways to Finance A Feature Film&# , and joining a panel of other film financing experts to take questions from attendees.
Gordon P. Firemark
AUGUST 24, 2012
6-ways to Finance A Feature Film – mini e-mail course. Entertainment Law entertainment lawyer film finance internet marketing products survey theatre producerWill you please help me provide the most useful content possible?
THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog
AUGUST 22, 2013
Proteus Spann was readying a feature film and stage musical based on bestselling books by E. Lynn Harris when the author died and Harris’s mother filed a lawsuit against him: “It put a stop to everything," he tells THR. read more. Music Movies THR, Esq. Politics
Gordon P. Firemark
FEBRUARY 9, 2013
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. Get my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film” by visiting [link]. Firemark - Theatre, Film, TV & New Media.
Gordon P. Firemark
JULY 8, 2013
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film” by visiting [link]. Firemark - Theatre, Film, TV & New Media.
Gordon P. Firemark
MAY 13, 2011
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link].
Gordon P. Firemark
JUNE 27, 2013
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film” by visiting [link]. Firemark - Theatre, Film, TV & New Media.
Gordon P. Firemark
MAY 6, 2011
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link].
Gordon P. Firemark
AUGUST 3, 2013
We will not be responsible for viewers'’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film” by visiting [link]. Firemark - Theatre, Film, TV & New Media. Blair wants to know whether she needs an agent to submit a spec script she's written for an existing TV Series. I give an answer, and some practical advice about this kind of thing. link].
THR, Esq. Entertainment & Media Law Blog
DECEMBER 20, 2012
The use of a nine-word quote from a 220-page novel in a feature film presents a classic case of "fair use," argues the studio that distributed the movie that earned Woody Allen an Oscar for best original screenplay.
Gordon P. Firemark
APRIL 12, 2011
Jeff Steele has a good article about the film finance landscape over at The Wrap. As always, consult a knowledgable, experienced entertainment lawyer for the details about front-money agreements and film finance deals in general. Film Finance
Media Law Prof Blog
AUGUST 6, 2009
A motion picture featuring film of Michael Jackson's last rehearsals; if approved by a judge, its profits might pump a lot of cash into the Jackson estate. Coming soon? More here
Gordon P. Firemark
MARCH 17, 2012
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film” by visiting [link].
Gordon P. Firemark
SEPTEMBER 14, 2010
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link].
Gordon P. Firemark
JULY 1, 2010
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link].
Gordon P. Firemark
JANUARY 17, 2011
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link].
KWIKA Entertainment Law Blog
MAY 26, 2009
Q: I made a short film in 1983 and now a feature film is being made with the same title. [This blog entry originally appeared at MovieMaker.com.] The storylines are not the same but nobody checked with me about using my title. What options do I have? To whom would I file a complaint? Would it [.].
Gordon P. Firemark
FEBRUARY 3, 2011
Q: I have watched hundreds of films and read as many screenplays. In fact, lines spoken by characters in films need to sound “real&# , and real people don’t speak in such carefully constructed phrases as to warrant copyright protection. The film itself is almost without a doubt protected by copyright, but a subsequent use of a single line found within a film is likely to be held a de minimus use, and therefore not an infringement.
Gordon P. Firemark
JANUARY 20, 2011
Purchasers of screenplays typically expect that they have exclusive rights to the story, and that they’ll be able to exploit their film without competition from the writer’s other works. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link].
Gordon P. Firemark
APRIL 4, 2011
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to Mr. Firemark’s FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link].
Gordon P. Firemark
JANUARY 27, 2011
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link].
Gordon P. Firemark
MAY 5, 2010
Every year we revisit the same topic: Filming performances. The response I always hear is that they never sell the film. A: It’s irrelevant whether they sell the film. We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. Q: I work in educational theater.
Gordon P. Firemark
SEPTEMBER 18, 2010
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link].
Gordon P. Firemark
AUGUST 20, 2010
Q: As a TV/film screenwriter I’ve sent short pitches and query letters to several agents. We will not be responsible for readers' detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature.
Gordon P. Firemark
AUGUST 6, 2010
I also have longer scripts I think could be entered in regional film festivals. We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link].
Gordon P. Firemark
JULY 22, 2010
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. Q: I am currently resea rching a story that occurred in the 1700s in France.
Gordon P. Firemark
SEPTEMBER 8, 2010
Of course, this is a situation where offering some money can smooth the process, and having a skilled and experienced negotiator (probably an entertainment lawyer familiar with the independent film industry) helping you is certainly worthwhile.
Gordon P. Firemark
APRIL 15, 2011
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. Q: My screenplay is based on a true story.
Gordon P. Firemark
APRIL 20, 2009
So, it seems that SAG has finally relented, opting to send members (and the rest of Hollywood) back to work in time to get production started for the 2010 feature film season. economic recession, and runaway production to states and countries with favorable tax incentives, it seems possible that Hollywood will remain only a “nerve center&# for the film business, with the “muscle center&# distributed among cities elsewhere.
Gordon P. Firemark
AUGUST 13, 2010
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link].
Gordon P. Firemark
MARCH 2, 2010
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. Q: My current screenwriting project is taken from the old adage to “write what you know&#. As such, it is a story from my perspective, working in a medical office.
Gordon P. Firemark
JUNE 10, 2010
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. Q: Do I have to share my Author/Writer Credit with someone who collaborated on the script, even if he never wrote one word or typed one keystroke on the script?
Gordon P. Firemark
JANUARY 28, 2013
However, for cable programs , and when dealing with major star level talent, it's often possible for the attorney to negotiate non-exclusivity, or to carve out guest appearances on other programs, in commercials (subject to many restrictions), and other opportunities like voice-over work, and feature film roles. Firemark - Theatre, Film, TV & New Media. Why you need an entertainment attorney to help negotiate your television acting deals.
Gordon P. Firemark
JANUARY 14, 2010
We will not be responsible for readers’ detrimental reliance upon the information appearing in this feature. For a limited time, readers of this column can subscribe to my FREE e-course “6 ways to Finance A Feature Film&# by visiting [link]. Q: If 1977 is the dividing line for copyright laws, is it possible to, say, erase all challenging doubts by merging two pre-1977 stories and create an entirely new work?
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