Risky Business: Financing and Distributing Independent Films | with Mark Litwak, Esq.

When: Friday, May 4, 2012: 10am – 5pm Where: DLA Piper, 1251 Avenue of the Americas (at 50th Street), New York NY 10022 • Map it! *Seven (7) New York CLE credits awarded for attorneys: 4 Areas of Professional Practice credits, 2 Skills credits, and 1 Ethics credit. This program qualifies as “transitional” for newly admitted attorneys. This comprehensive seminar —for new attorneys, attorneys transitioning to entertainment law, and filmmakers— explores how independent films are financed and distributed. Topics include financing via pre-sales, debt and equity investors, negotiating tactics, typical contract terms, cross-collateralization, creative accounting, and ethical concerns. Particular attention will be paid to how producers and filmmakers can protect themselves by: investigating distributors; watering down warranties; adding contract provisions covering performance, termination, and alternative dispute resolution; getting errors and omissions (E&O) insurance; and using lab access letters and schedules of minimums. Other topics will include: criteria for selecting a distributor; new media distribution; which contract terms are negotiable; compliance with state and federal laws regarding investors; retaining an attorney, producer reps and publicists; and confirming awards and enforcing judgments. Extensive handouts will be distributed via email in advance of the program, including a distribution contract, articles, and a self-defense checklist. Finally, the lunch hour will provide a great opportunity for networking. Mark Litwak is a veteran entertainment attorney based in Beverly Hills. He has lectured at UCLA Extension for more than 20 years, and at Harvard and other top universities. He is the author of six books including: Reel Power: The Struggle for Influence and Success in the New Hollywood, Dealmaking in the Film & Television Industry (winner of the 1996 Krazna-Kranz award for best book in the world on the film business), Contracts for the Film & Television Industry, and Risky Business: Financing and Distributing Independent Films. He has executive produced 6 feature films and successfully arranged for the distribution of more than 50 features as well as serving as production counsel on several TV series. Mark also functions as a producer rep, assisting filmmakers in the financing, marketing, and distribution of their films. He is AV Peer Review Rated and has been named a Southern California Super Lawyer multiple times. Fees:  Filmmakers, Artists, or Non-Law Students: $120 on or before April 23, 2012 $150 April 24, 2012 thru May 3, 2012 at Noon Attorneys (including 7 CLE credits) or Law Students: $275 for VLA Young Associate Members (at any time) $295 on or before April 23, 2012 $350 April 24, 2012 thru May 3, 2012 at Noon To register, please download and complete this registration form Note: All registration fees are non-refundable. This program is excluded from VLA’s “All You Can Learn” Pass. Due to the limited number of attendees, you must register in advance and receive confirmation of your registration from VLA. Lunch will be provided by DLA Piper. Questions? Please call VLA Director of Legal Services Benjamin J. Brandow, Esq. at 212.319.2787 x14. To apply for a full or partial CLE scholarship, please view our Financial Aid Policy Guidelines here