Entertainment Law

Holland & Knight has an extensive Entertainment Law Practice, which includes the representation of entertainment industry clients in all areas of music, film and television. Our entertainment industry clients include individuals and companies, both domestic and international, involved in recorded music; feature films; television stations and networks; print and music publishing; fashion design and distribution; music, film and video production; artist management; radio, television and print journalism; cable systems; and theme parks, theme restaurants and attractions.

Film Financing

We organize and represent film production companies and investor groups in connection with equity and debt financing, production support agreements and preparation of private placement memoranda in compliance with federal regulations and “blue sky” laws. We also prepare investment materials on behalf of film funds.

Film/Television Production Documents

We negotiate and draft the full range of production documents and individual agreements (both for union and non-union productions) for "above the line" professionals, on-screen and on-air talent, crew and other individuals on the project. We also advise clients in the development phase of entertainment projects who need to create structures and entities.

Script, Literary and Life Rights Option and Acquisition

We represent production companies in acquiring and authors in transferring literary works, screenplays, and life rights for use in connection with feature film and television.

In-House Seminars, Form Books and Policy Manuals

We create standard forms of agreements, releases, waivers and production documents for our clients and we conduct in-house seminars to teach "best practices and procedures" for film and television producers employed by our clients. In connection with such seminars we prepare procedures and policy manuals for use by in-house legal staff and in-house production professionals responsible for acquiring rights and intellectual property.

Vetting Manuscripts, Screenplays, Films and Television Programming

We review a variety of Works in connection with copyright ownership, fair use and right to publicity and related issues prior to delivery of programs (whether documentary or fictional) and publication of literary works.

I-Pod and Cell Phone Distribution

We represent media and production companies in connection with web-based distribution and cell-phone licensing of films, shows, radio broadcasts and other forms of programming.

Music Acquisition and Licensing

We represent film producers and artists in connection with master use and synch licensing, composer agreements and work-for-hire contracts for use of music in film and television programming.

Disputes and Litigation

We represent production and media companies in connection with disputes arising from production and in litigation seeking to enjoin production or distribution of films and programming.

Tax Rebates and Credits

We assist production company clients with sale and purchase of credits and rebates and organize annual seminars with state film offices explaining state tax rebate and credit programs.

Representation of Authors

We represent authors and corporations on behalf of their employees in connection with publishers (such as Harvard Business School Publishing Corporation) and literary agents.

Representative Production Clients

Steppenwolf Films

Diminished Capacity (First feature film produced by Steppenwolf Films, recently selected to premiere at Sundance Film Festival, 2008).

TeamWorks Media

The Team That Changed The World -- The Harlem Globe Trotters & Civil Rights in America (PBS broadcast & Turner Home Video)
Welcome To The Big Ten -- Big Ten Men's Basketball 2007/08 PSA Promotional Campaign.
Chicago Olympic Committee 2016 Presentation Video to USOC
The Street Stops Here (in production) -- two-hour documentary on Coach Bob Hurley and St. Anthony's Basketball, Jersey City, NJ.

Yari Film Group

Nothing But the Truth (in production)

Kartemquin Films (Recipient 2007 MacArthur Foundation Grant for leadership)

At the Death House Door -- wrongful executions based on Chicago Tribune investigative report for release through Independent Film Channel
Terra Incognita -- stem cell research
In the Family -- predicting ovarian and breast cancer, feature film on the PBS show 'Point of View'
Hoop Dreams -- re-release of classic documentary

Explore Annenberg (The Annenberg Foundation) -- worldwide documentary films

Chicago Urban League -- creation of programming for projectNext media initiative

Siskel/Jacobs Productions

Louder Than a Bomb -- 400 teenagers from fifty Chicago area schools gather for the world's largest high school team poetry slam

Spectrum Video

Into The Wild -- New Jack Hanna syndicated animal series
Savings A Species -- Discovery Channel series

Community Involvement

Holland & Knight's entertainment lawyers are actively involved in professional, educational and charitable organizations. Robert Labate and Peter Strand co-chair the Chicago Bar Association Media & Entertainment Committee (2007-08) and serve as adjunct professors at DePaul School of Law, teaching courses in entertainment law, music law, film & television law. Peter Strand serves as vice president of the Board of Governors of the Chicago Chapter of the National Academy of the Recording Arts & Sciences, and is on the Board of Directors for the Lawyers for the Creative Arts and the Old Town School of Folk Music. Robert Labate was named Pro Bono Partner for Holland & Knight's Chicago office. Both have been honored in leading industry publications for their media and entertainment work.