Gordon Firemark is an attorney whose practice is devoted to the representation of artists, writers, producers and directors in the fields of theater, film, television, and music.
His practice also covers intellectual property, cyberspace, new media and business/corporate matters for clients in the entertainment industry.
This 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.
Questions
answered:
Stan asks: I went through all of the steps to
secure a copyright. Now what? Do I have to keep it
protected or is this it?
Crystal asks: For the past 3 years I've been
assisting a "very creative" type of director who had
no direction for the 70+ hours of film he show. I
basically created the whole film in editing from start
to finish. Recently creative differences forced him to
push me out leaving all of my ideas in his film. Is
there any way that I can protect my ideas and keep him
from using them? Are there any steps I can take to
protect my rights and my
ideas?
Brenda asks: I'm confused on what permission form
to use when filming a client's concert. A copyright
license agreement for videographic work or a copyright
license agreement for music work. Please help thanks.
Drake asks: Do I really need you to shop my demo
tape around? I have the money but don't want to spend
it if I don't have to.
Chris asks: I'm a student in film school and
curious about some legal definations. My professor
mentioned that pornography is considered obscene
material and doesn't qualify for any copyright
protection? I'm thinking this is wrong. Pornography
must have a set of laws and procedures that govern it?
Can you recommend any of those legal sources?
Shane: My production company was called on by TLC
to correct a badly edited program. We shot better
footage, edited and greatly improved upon the existing
video, then put our company logo with text in the end
credits. They are making thousands of copies and
reedited only taking out my company logo and leaving
the old production company in- without our knowledge!
Can they rightfully do that? Your show last week was
not too clear for a situation like this where the
video was already produced.
Warren asks: One of the actors we are working with
developed a life threatening disease and is unable to
fulfill the second half of a contract he signed over a
month ago. The production is completely shot and we're
out thousands of dollars. We're thinking about filing
a suit to recover the money as noted in the contract
but not sure if we should proceed. Any advice on who
would prevail? Should pursue the actor or their
manager?
Gordon Firemark is an attorney whose practice is devoted to the representation of artists, writers, producers and directors in the fields of theater, film, television, and music.
Stan asks: I went through all of the steps to
secure a copyright. Now what? Do I have to keep it
protected or is this it?
