Paul Walker’s Tragic Death Underscores Filmmakers’ Need for Key Man Insurance

News of Paul Walker’s death was tragic and unsettling. As an avid car enthusiast, I am a big fan of the “Fast” franchise of adrenaline pumping car chase movies. I’m sure I join his many fans in mourning our loss. Which got me thinking about whether the installment of the film franchise in which he […]

Upcoming Entertainment Law Seminar

Chicago’s leading Entertainment Law firm, Leavens, Strand, Glover & Adler, is pleased to announce its inaugural Entertainment Law Seminar: What In-House Lawyers Must Know About Exploiting Creative Content

5 #Legal Questions to Ask BEFORE Starting Your #Crowdfunding Project

Five Legal Questions To Ask BEFORE Crowd-funding You Next Film (or Creative) Project Intro I recently had the opportunity to share the stage at a Chicago VentureShot Community panel presentation on crowdfunding an independent film project. My client successfully raised enough funds to produce his film through the Crowdfunding site KickStarter.com. Due to the unpredictable […]

Chicago Tribune Sponsors Panel Discussion About Creative Professionals

What does it mean to be a creative professional in Chicago? That is the topic for discussions during the Chicago Tribune’s Trib Nation event Chicago Forward: The Future of the Arts in Chicago being held tonight, March 13, 2013 at 6:00 PM. In the Chase Auditorium at 10 South Dearborn. The event proposes to discuss […]

YouTube Content ID – A Must for Every Indie Filmmaker or Musician

Are you getting the most out of your online marketing efforts? Last year, Google announced a change to its search rankings algorithm, lowering results for known pirate sites. Critics asked why the company would not do the same for Youtube, since that site is widely viewed as a repository for pirated films and music. Read […]

NOVAC Provides Local Filmmakers Financing and Guidance on Making Deals

April 11, 2012 Via Chris Henson, New Orleans Indie Movie Examiner “The film industry in New Orleans, and in Louisiana in general, is booming. But it is not only the major studio productions coming to the Crescent City. Independent filmmaking has also exploded in the area. Non-profit organizations like the New Orleans Video Access Center […]

Checklist of Provisions for an LLC Operating Agreement For Film Production

It is increasingly common for film producers to use LLCs as a way to raise funds for production and limit liability of the producers and investors. Below is a checklist of provisions that should be discussed with production counsel prior to forming your LLC. 1. Introductory Clauses and Definitions (Both are optional but common; these […]

Four (4) Secrets To Film Funding Success

While almost any project can find traction with someone, few have the capacity to capture a wide audience. So how does a filmmaker, make it? No promises here, but below are traits that I’ve identified in all the filmamkers I’ve worked with who’ve gotten funding and distribution. Know thyself. I have always asked my clients […]

Strength In Numbers: Indie Producers Band Together In New Venture

The move is good for indie filmmakers, to protect them against well-heeled financiers and distributors, which should have mobilized such an effort years ago.

Avoid potholes on the Road to Distribution

Film Production is inherently a collaborative process. Co-Authoring a script can be a great way to develop your creative side. Yet, co-authorship has its own risks. Film Threat has a great piece on some of the issues that should be addressed.