Learn from an attorney at one of the most respected Hollywood law firms how you can protect yourself on all your film and television projects!

Embarking on creating a film or television project is an enormous undertaking from a business perspective. There are many moving parts to consider - from creative rights to copyright, entity structure, chain of title, compensation, financing, publicity - and that's just scratching the surface. Any missteps during the process could expose you and the production to legal risk, which you always want to avoid.

If only there were a blueprint that can help you think through every step of the process from development all the way through post production...Now there is!

Stage 32 Educator Sean Pope is a Senior Associate at Ramo Law PC, one of the largest and most respected entertainment law firms in Hollywood, where he works with producers and production companies focusing on all aspects of production legal services from development to distribution. Some of his most recent projects that he's worked on include the Liam Neeson thriller HONEST THIEF, Netflix documentary THE BLACK GODFATHER, and Emmy-winning Netflix docu-series CHEER. 

Sean has put together a thorough and exclusive 2-part on-demand class for the Stage 32 community to help walk you through everything you need to consider legally for your project. You'll learn everything you need to know in the development stage all the way through pre-production and production. Sean will help you navigate the legal side of film and TV projects ensuring you feel confident going into your next project prepared.

Praise for Sean's Stage 32 Teaching:

"Sean is a master! Everyone in film and television should take this course to learn how to cover themselves legally on all productions." -- Chase B.

"This is such a rare opportunity to learn from an actual entertainment lawyer. Usually, information like this would cost thousands of dollars. Thank you, Stage 32, for making this information accessible." -- Shane M.

"Whatever you do, take this webinar! For that matter, take any course Sean teaches. He's a pro and a great teacher." -- Will H.

Over the course of 2 jam-packed extended sessions Sean will cover:

Development

• Production Entity
  • Do we need an SPV?
  • Who are the managers/directors?
  • Who has approval rights?
  • How is the entity going to be owned?
  • What is the waterfall? How do we allocate gross receipts?
• Chain of Title
  • Underlying Rights (e.g., Book, Article, Life Rights, etc.) Option/Purchase
  • Screenplay Option/Purchase
  • Engaging Writers
• Copyright Filings
  • Document Recordings
  • Registering the Screenplay
• Financing Documents
  • How is this project being financed?
  • Equity
  • Loans
  • Soft-Monies (e.g., tax credits, grants, etc.)
  • Negative Pick-up
  • Pre-Sales
  • A combination of the above?
• Q&A with Sean

Pre-Production

• Signing on to the applicable guilds (SAG-AFTRA, WGA, DGA)
• Above the Line Crew (Director of Photography, Production Designer, Costume Designer, Editor, Casting Director)
• Clearances for Screenplay
  • Photos/Videos/ Material to be Depicted On-Screen
• Locations
• Casting – Making Offers
  • Length of Services (pre/principal/post)
  • Location (do we need to travel cast?)
  • Compensation
    • Fixed Compensation
      • Escrowing Funds
  • Contingent Compensation
    • Back-end Compensation
    • Deferments
    • Box Office Bonuses
    • SVOD Bonuses
    • Award Bonuses
  • Crediting
    • Positioning on screen
    • Paid ads/Excluded ads
    • Above Title Tie
    • Artwork Title Tie
    • Audio Ad Tie
    • Likeness Tie
  • Name and Likeness Approvals
    • Biography
    • Still Photographs
    • Non-Photographic Likeness
    • Merchandising/Commercial Tie-Ins
    • Behind the Scenes/Blooper Footage
    • Key Art Resubmission
  • Publicity Services
  • Approvals/Consultation Rights
    • Script
    • Hair/Makeup/Wardrobe
  • Director
    • 20/60/10/10 Payment Schedule
    • Cuts and Previews
    • Who holds final cut?
• Q&A with Sean

Post-Production

• Music
  • Composers
    • Who will own what rights?
      • Publishing Rights
      • Master Rights
  • Music Licensing
    • Master and Sync Licenses
• Distribution/Sales Agency Agreements
• Delivery Schedule
  • Title and Copyright Clearance Reports and Opinions
  • Credit/Likeness/Approvals/Dubbing/Cutting Requirement Chart
• Q&A with Sean

WHAT TO EXPECT:

PLEASE NOTE: The opportunity to work this closely and for this long with an executive and an expert in the field is an incredibly unique and valuable opportunity.

• This on-demand class is designed for beginner and intermediate filmmakers and producers looking for an understanding of how to protect yourself and your projects legally.
• This is an in-depth, practical, and detailed class with significantly more content than a standard 90-minute webinar.
• While this class is now available on-demand, you are highly encouraged to complete the assignments to get the most out of the education.

Directors (Advanced, Intermediate, Beginner) interested in understanding the legal system and how to protect your work.

Writers (Advanced, Intermediate, Beginner) interested in understanding the legal system and how to protect your work.

Producers interested in understanding the legal system and how to protect your work.

Actors interested in understanding the legal system and how to protect your work.