What if there is someone who is involved in a true life story that is under investigation by authorities. This person is not a writer. Could be a 20/20, could be an Unsolved Mystery segment, could be a film idea. No funds at this time to hire an attorney. Who might be next person to contact to help her?
Filmmaking / Directing : Protecting a Player in an evolving true life drama by Erin Campion
Protecting a Player in an evolving true life drama
Other topics in Filmmaking / Directing:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
To help her do what?
Sorry, it's so complicated. I had thought to get a Rep for her in case/when people will be contacting her about a current investigation (which she uncovered). There is so much material...I don't want her to just publish it on the web. Thanks Regina....
Hi Erin, Busy weekend for me, so please pardon the succinct reply. These are only examples of what might happen. Let's say that your friend is a household name and very much in the public eye. Take for example Amanda Knox. In her case, it's likely that 20/20 (or a similar show) would have seen her story on the news and approached her parents to interview them for a story on her case. She may or may not need an attorney at this stage. If she does retain an entertainment attorney, because she is a well-known public figure, the entertainment attorney may well work on commission for her (no retainer). There is no payment from 20/20 for the interview, although 20/20 might pay a fee to license family photos for their use. Lifetime movies is also aware of Amanda Knox due to the large amount of news coverage. They produce a movie about her. There is no rights payment or creative approval. Lifetime uses info already in the Public Domain. (Amanda Knox, as I recall, says that seeing herself being portrayed on TV made her sick.) Let's say your friend is not a household name and not in the public eye. Take for example Adnan Syed. In his case, his friend Rabia Chaudry sought out media support to raise awareness of his predicament. He had a defense attorney, and I believe they had no entertainment attorney at that time. Serial produces a podcast on his case. Like 20/20, they do not pay for life rights. Because of Serial's coverage, he becomes a public figure and well-known. Because he's now well-known, Rabia now has a sell-able book story. She retains a publishing agent and is given a book deal (in all likelihood, this book deal provides that she will be paid an advance for writing the book). As she writes the book, her publishing agent introduces her to a book-to-film agent. So if your friend already has a "big story" in the public eye, an IP agent will probably come knocking on her door. If her story is not in the public eye and not yet "sell-able" at this point, she will likely have to write a book proposal or the partial/whole manuscript before a publishing agent will represent her. Sorry if there are typos. A quick one from me.
Oh, Regina this is a brilliant reply which I must re-read and ponder. You are such a Sage in this complex world of Entertainment. Do you have a legal background? Bless your heart. Thanks you for this "brief" response You are very thoughtful
I'm kind of baffled by the question, as I've not provided any legal advice, nor would I ever pretend that I'm someone who I'm not. Best of luck to you both.
Oh, it was truly a compliment. Thank you for kind replies. Take care, Erin
You NEED to email me direct..... jn.thisandthat@gmail.com This 32 board takes too long to connect,.
Will do...