Hollywood Dealmaking: Negotiating Talent Agreements for Film, TV, and Digital Media

by Dina Appleton, Daniel Yankelevits

Two entertainment attorneys and Hollywood insiders explain all the ins and outs of negotiating in the movie industry, including back ends, gross and adjusted gross profits, deferments, box office bonuses, copyrights, and much more.

This easy-to-follow reference-written clearly, without confusing legal jargon-is packed with expert insights on distribution, licensing, and merchandising. The book's invaluable resource section includes definitions of lingo for acquisition agreements and employment deals, twelve ready-to-use sample contracts, and a directory of entertainment attorneys in both New York and Los Angeles. With the negotiating tips in this guide, agents, writers, directors, actors, financiers, and filmmakers will save thousands of dollars in attorney fees.

Genres: Film, Law, Business, Nonfiction

408 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2002

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

useful details, not fluff. Not everybody's cup of tea but I find it interesting.

[Dan Y. · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING! COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!

[Blake J, J.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very informative but I wish it read less like a text book. This also may sound dumb because I know it's "Hollywood" but I wish other markets were mentioned more than just California. Overall would recommend (although it would be the newer edition). I found that there was a fifth edition in the middle of reading this one.

[Rachel Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the go-to book for individuals seeking entry into the entertainment industry and current industry professionals who want to sharpen their negotiation skills. An excellent resource for law students and professors. The book is well written and details the changing landscape of the entertainment industry in terms of emerging digital platforms. Not to mention, the numerous quotes from industry leaders are very insightful. I highly recommend this book.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensational Book. One of the best reads on this topic.

[Dan Yankelevits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Entertainment Industry book Bar None. A must read for anyone involved with, or interested in, the entertainment business.

[Suna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential for anyone wanting to get into the business. 10/10 recommend.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful and useful. Essential reading for negotiating contracts in entertainment business.

[Francisco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and concise. A valuable resource to anybody involved in the entertainment industry.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just the perfect book I was looking for as a new resident to Los Angeles. It has a a great introduction and then a lot of detail about the different sides of "business" Hollywood, including the roles of agents, business managers, as well as the differences between TV, film, video game etc. contracts. If you're looking for a short read that gives a good overview of how Hollywood works behind the scenes, this is a great one.

[Joey Roesler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and covers a wide array of entertainment transactions. Great place to start when you have to paper up a deal in a niche you’re not familiar with.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book if you want to learn about how to negotiate contracts and agreements if you work in entertainment business, publishing and media. Very helpful.

[Connor Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

i'm very interested in entertainment law -- i read this book and it was easy to understand and useful. I loved the quotes from the various people in the industry. I highly recommend it.