Financing & Distributing Independent Films Law (2 units)
The financing and distribution of indendent films has become an increasingly popular sub-specialty of entertainment law practice as more and more films are produced and exploited outside of the studio system.
Starting with a discussion of what constitutes an “independent film,” the course will briefly survey the rights and production contractual issues particularly relevant to the financing of independent films, followed by an analysis of the more traditional methods of independent financing such as equity investments, foreign presales, and bank loans. This will be followed by an exploration of alternative methods of raising production funding, including various foreign and domestic tax schemes and online “crowd-source” financing. The second half of the course will cover the various business and legal issues which arise in the distribution of independent films, including sales agency and distribution agreements. In addition, this component of the course will examine the increased importance of film festivals as a means of obtaining financing and distribution deals, as well as the ascension of digital distribution and “DIY” (do-it-yourself) marketing.
Copyright Law | Entertainment Law | Financing & Distributing Independent Films Law |
Information Privacy Law | International and Comparative Media Law | Internet & E-Commerce Law Mass Media Law | Motion Picture Production Law | Music Publishing Industry Law |
Navigating Recording Artists Through The Entertainment Industry | Television Production Law | Theater Law | Video Game Law