Media & Entertainment Law

Latest Episode of the Law and Video Podcast

By Gordon Firemark

    Law and Video is the first live, call-in podcast to clear the air on legal issues for filmmakers and videographers who are looking for answers to questions related to starting a production business, copyright issues, contracts, intellectual property and distribution.

We record live on Tuesdays at 5pm Pacific, 8pm Eastern.  Visit us at lawandvideo.com  or subscribe using iTunes.

Our Latest episode is now available.

This week’s topics:

•  Discussion of  Lenz v. Universal, in which a Court ruled (preliminarily) that The Fair Use defense  to copyright and DMCA claims DOES apply to a Youtube video featuring a baby dancing with music playing in the background.  Entertainment Lawyers need to pay attention to the judge’s order before issuing Takedown notices and Cease and Desist letters .
•  How can a freelance artist collect unpaid fees/wages for animation services rendered on a major motion picture for a now-defunct, bankrupt, Canadian film production company?
• Must a dance studio remove a video clip from its website when faces of the dancers featured are not visible?  What are the likely financial and legal ramifications of ignoring demand from a parent of one of the dancers?  Should I consult my lawyer?
• Is an unwritten agreement (supported by email correspondence) for a literary agent’s commission enforceable?  Can write terminate now that a script sale is imminent, after 1-1/2 years of inactivity by the agent?
• Wedding Video Company provides faulty equipment to freelance videographer.  Shoot goes bad.  Who’s liable to the Bride?   Should he hire an attorney?
• Are red-light cameras a violation of motorist rights?  Is a ticket from such a camera valid?
• What (if any) permission or licenses are needed when using a character from a famous film in a 3-second video clip?  Do I need an entertainment lawyer to negotiate this for me?

Get your questions answered live on The Law and Video podcast.  Tuesdays at 5pm.

Full post as published by Entertainment Law Update on August 26, 2008 (boomark / email).