Entertainment & Media Law: A Primer for Creatives, Preliminary Edition

PART I: OVERVIEW OF LEGAL AND BUSINESS AFFAIRS IN ENTERTAINMENT MEDIA 

CHAPTER 1: LAW AND ENTERTAINMENT 
The Role of Lawyers 
Legal Representation vs. Other Talent Representation 
Lawyers in the Film and TV Production Cycle 
Lawyers and Song Composition, Recording, and Distribution
Hiring a Lawyer 

CHAPTER 2: “LET’S PAPER THE DEAL 
Contracts, Deals, Agreements . . . Huh? 
What Makes a Contract Legally Binding? 
I Was Out of My Mind! 
Wait, Should I Write This Down? 
Types of Contract Documents 
Negotiation Process 
Using Contract Forms in This Book 

CHAPTER 3: READING CONTRACTS 
Things You Might See 
The Structure of a Contract

PART II: NAVIGATING RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES IN ENTERTAINMENT MEDIA 

CHAPTER 4: U.S. LEGAL BASICS 
Sources of Law 
Legal Tests: Can I Legally Do This? 
Let’s Be Civil . . . 
Court Structure 
How Long Can We Fight About This? 

CHAPTER 5: FIGHT! FOR YOUR RIGHT!…TO DISTRIBUTE 
The First Amendment
Censorship of Unwanted Content 
Unprotected: Content That Can Always Be Restricted 
Broadcast Television and Radio Regulation 
Warning! Danger! Safety and the First Amendment 
Imitation is Not Flattery 

CHAPTER 6: OTHER PEOPLE AND THEIR RIGHTS 
Protecting Reputation 
Mind Your Own Business! Privacy Rights 
Additional Tort Claims 
Defenses 

CHAPTER 7: HANDS OFF, IT’S MINE—INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 
Copyrights 
Special Topic: Music Copyrights 
Trademarks 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS