Hi Everyone -
We're producing a documentary primarily out of pocket. Now that we're in post - production and starting to get some nibbles of interest from others, we want to be sure the interests of the 4 original principals are protected. At present, 3 of us created an LLC with the help of an attorney. Our main interest is having a legal understanding between the LLC and our 4th partner (who will remain outside the LLC).
Curious about others experiences - are we at the place where we need to hire an entertainment attorney or are there adequate documents online (we're members of one of those monthly fee, attorneys on call and general documents available services) that we can use to formalize our relationship without incurring astronomical charges.
Above all we want to be sure we each have legal legs to stand on should we have a huge difference of opinion OR if one of us enters into a relationship with someone else less scrupulous than we are.
I'm sure we're not the first folks to be here - what do you recommend?
Thanks,
JoanE O'Brien
IMHO, "off the record" everyone, I mean Ward & June Cleaver , Aunt Bea, Andy Griffith... All families, individuals, small business or 1 person business - EVERYONE needs a retained "Attorney of Record". In terms of CYA and informative resources GOOD COUNSEL is 100x worth every penny spent.
Contact your local "Bar Association" public info and referral desk.
My (Disability Income Level) recent experience has been vastly educational and pleasant. Has cost not one dime (yet). There's a "Legal Specialization" now for Media,. Copyright - akin to but seperate from Patent Law.
If your project is a "Public Service" documentary, perhaps a potential for greatly reduced rates.
Sincerely
Enola Gay