Dealmakingthe popular, award-winning "self-defense" book for everyone working in the film and television industryis now expanded (with more than 120 additional pages) and updated to include the latest legal rulings and entertainment technology developments. Addressing a general, non-attorney readership, it is a fascinating, highly accessible guide to current entertainment law's peculiarities, "creative" practices, and practical applications. Armed with Dealmaking, filmmakers can save themselves thousands of dollars in legal fees as they navigate the shark-infested wa- ters of the entertainment business. Whether you're a producer, writer, director, or actor, Mark Litwak will help you make the most of your business dealings while steering you clear of the many contractual traps that may await you.
It's a pretty straightforward textbook (514 pgs) with valuable information & template examples covering: Independent contracts, copyright, defamation, legal rights, etc.
I got this textbook in conjunction with a law class taken by a lawyer that was guest speaking our cinematic seminar, so this was the best way to point us into the right direction. It's decent start if you don't know where to begin or if you just don't know anything about your rights.
This book has been invaluable to me for YEARS. Excellent resource for entertainment law & common deal structures used in media distribution/production.
This is a good basic rundown of types of film deals and advice as to what to try to get. Be forewarned that about half of the book are examples of the agreements themselves, which is useful if you are drafting something similar, but would have been more useful if they were included on a CD (which is apparently available for the same price as the book itself.)
In my opinion, everyone serious about getting into the entertainment industry should read it. It will help the reader become more versed in the workings of the industry.