Summary
Learn from one of the top entertainment attorneys in Hollywood who has worked on hundreds of film & TV projects!
"Very informative. Sean is very knowledgeable and charismatic. When questions were asked, he gave full and complete answer. I highly recommend taking Sean's webinar." - James P.
Distribution can often be confusing, complicated, and murky territory, and there are many common pitfalls filmmakers of all levels fall into when navigating. It can feel like you need a law degree and a special glossary just to understand the rights you’re giving away, along with the territories, fees, expenses, residuals, and everything else that comes along with a distribution deal. But you don’t need to pass the Bar to find success in seeking distribution. Gaining a keener understanding of the process and how agreements work can empower you as a filmmaker to negotiate a distribution deal that’s right for you and your film.
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. Prior to joining Ramo Law, Sean worked at a boutique entertainment transactional and litigation firm providing legal services for producers, writers, actors and musicians. His past projects include the hit Liam Neeson thriller HONEST THIEF, Netflix documentary THE BLACK GODFATHER, and hit Netflix docu-series CHEER. Sean has helped countless filmmakers negotiate fair distribution deals and make the most out of their film, and is ready to share what he knows exclusively with the Stage 32 community.
In this intensive on-demand two-part class, Sean will walk you through the nuts and bolts of distribution deals and zero in on the provisions and clauses you need to understand when negotiating your own distribution and sales agreements. Sean’s exhaustive rundown will leave you with a much deeper understanding of what agreements look like, what you should be looking for, and how to avoid pitfalls along the way.
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.
What You'll Learn
SESSION 1: Introduction and Principal Distribution Contract Provisions to Understand
- Distribution and Sales Agents: A Bird’s Eye View
- What is the difference between a sales agent and distributor?
- When should I be thinking of sales agents/distributors?
- What information will I need on hand during my initial conversations with sales agents/distributors?
- The Material Terms and Provisions You Must Discuss Before Entering Into an Agreement With a Distributor
- Rights
- How can you make sure you’re not giving away too much
- A discussion of the typical rights including:
- Theatrical
- Non Theatrical
- Home Video
- Television
- On Demand
- Territories
- Distributor (North America) vs. Sales Agent (World)
- Caribbean Basin
- Term
- How long is the term of the Agreement?
- Can distributors enter into deals with subscription platforms that are longer than the term?
- Minimum Guarantees
- Gross Corridor
- Bonuses
- Distribution Fee
- What is the typical range of a distribution fee and how can you be sure what they are offering is fair?
- Incorporating back-end splits
- Distribution/Marketing Expenses
- Q&A with Sean
SESSION 2: Other Aspects to Consider Before Entering Into a Deal
- Assumption of Bonuses/Residuals
- Audit and Accounting Rights
- Termination Provisions
- Failure to pay/account
- Bankruptcy/acquisition
- Uncured breach
- Outside Release Date
- Talent Contractual Obligations
- Credit obligations
- Likeness approvals
- Music rights (in-context vs. out-of-context rights)
- First Opportunity Right to Any Subsequent/Derivative Productions
- Free Access To Distributor/Sales Agent Created Marketing Materials
- Insurance
- Indemnity
- Editing Rights/Right to Change the Title
- Consultation/Approval Rights
- Marketing plan
- Marketing and advertising materials
- Theatrical release plan
- Festival submissions plan
- Security Interests and Liens
- Delivery Schedule
- Name/Likeness Requirement Chart / Paid Ads Statement
- Copyright Registrations
- UCC Search
- Title Report
- Copyright Report
- P.A. Rating Certificate
- E&O Insurance
- Q&A with Sean
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- This class is designed for beginner and intermediate students looking to learn the fundamentals of legal action in the entertainment industry. This is an in-depth, practical, and detailed class with significantly more content than a standard 90-minute webinar.
- This class will consist of two sessions, each roughly two hours in duration.
- While this class is pre-recorded and available on-demand we highly recommend doing any assignments to get the most out of the class.
THIS PRESENTATION HAS BEEN PREPARED FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE OR A LEGAL OPINION. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT QUESTIONS YOU RAISE DURING THE WORKSHOP ARE NOT CONFIDENTIAL. ONLY YOUR ATTORNEY CAN ADVISE YOU WHICH LAWS ARE APPLICABLE TO YOUR SPECIFIC CASE AND SITUATION.
Who Should Attend
All levels of producers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn the fundamentals of legal action in the entertainment industry.
All levels of filmmakers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn the fundamentals of legal action in the entertainment industry.
All levels of screenwriters (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn the fundamentals of legal action in the entertainment industry.
Actors looking to learn the fundamentals of legal action in the entertainment industry.
Executive
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. Prior to joining Ramo Law, Sean worked at a boutique entertainment transactional and litigation firm providing legal services for producers, writers, actors and musicians. His past projects include the upcoming Liam Neeson thriller HONEST THIEF, Netflix documentary THE BLACK GODFATHER, and hit Netflix docu-series CHEER.
Testimonials
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.
Credits
