TV & Film Legal Clearances: Everything You Need To Know To Safeguard Your Project
Hosted by James Pacitti
$49
On Demand Webinar - Available for immediate viewing and unlimited access.
Start Learning
Hosted by James Pacitti
$49
On Demand Webinar - Available for immediate viewing and unlimited access.
Webinar hosted by: James Pacitti
Managing Attorney at Pacitti Law Firm (PLF)
James Pacitti has been an attorney for nearly three decades and is licensed to practice in California, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania. He is the founder and managing attorney of PLF, an entertainment law firm based in Beverly Hills, California. Prior to starting PLF, James was a trial attorney and litigator in state and federal courts across the country. PLF represents a broad spectrum of creatives, including producers and production companies, in the development, finance, production, and distribution of their projects. The firm also acts as general counsel to its clients and advises them on a wide array of entertainment matters and intellectual property rights issues. PLF has handled TV and film productions across the United States and the globe, including the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, the Middle East, and Australia. Past and current clients include Academy Award and Emmy-winning producers and production companies. Full Bio »
Webinar Summary
Learn all about legal clearances and how you can protect the rights to your project with esteemed entertainment attorney James Pacitti of Pacitti Law Firm
PLUS! You'll receive a Mock Script and Film Clearance Report as well as examples of clearance issues that led to court cases!
Producing a TV, film, or multimedia project is an incredibly daunting task wrought with potential legal peril throughout the entire process.
A TV, film, or multimedia project is the amalgamation of a vast array of rights. In order for producers to be able to distribute their projects, it is essential that the necessary rights are secured through expertly prepared and vetted agreements with each rights holder. It is also vital that producers do not infringe on the rights of those only incidentally involved in the production of their project, including copyright and trademark rights holders. In addition, producers must be mindful of issues of defamation, invasion of privacy, and rights of publicity. Successfully navigating through this complicated legal landscape is virtually impossible without the knowledge and assistance of an experienced entertainment attorney. We’re here to help.
In this essential Stage 32 webinar, you will learn the major legal issues that are most likely to arise during your production and how you can steer clear of any potential legal pitfalls so you can successfully produce and distribute your project. Teaching you everything you need to know about clearance issues for your project is esteemed entertainment attorney James Pacitti of Pacitti Law Firm. James has been an attorney for nearly three decades and is licensed to practice in California, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania. He is the founder and managing attorney of Pacitti Law Firm (PLF), an entertainment law firm based in Beverly Hills, California. PLF represents a broad spectrum of creatives, including producers and production companies, in the development, finance, production, and distribution of their projects. The firm also acts as general counsel to its clients and advises them on a wide array of entertainment matters and intellectual property rights issues. PLF has handled TV and film productions across the United States and the globe, including the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, the Middle East, and Australia.
In this information-packed webinar, James will guide you through the clearance process and illustrate why an entertainment attorney is an essential member of your producing team. You will learn everything from how to obtain permission to use work from a third party, how to navigate clearance of using underlying intellectual property (IP), how to copyright of your work and how and why you need to get clearance of your film after production and post-production.
PLUS! You’ll receive exclusive handouts to help you ensure clearance needs on your project are met. Downloads include:
- Mock script and film clearance reports
- Examples of clearance issues that led to court cases
If you are a filmmaker at any stage of your project, you do NOT want to miss this webinar with immensely important information to make sure the production and release of your project goes smoothly.
“Securing and clearing all the necessary rights is essential to all productions. However, proper clearance is often misunderstood by independent film and TV producers. I am looking forward to the opportunity to give guidance on common clearance issues and to convey the importance of involving legal counsel at the inception of the development of a project.” - James Pacitti
What You'll Learn
- What Is Clearance?
- Obtaining permission to use works owned by third parties
- Avoiding copyright or trademark infringements
- Content creation during production: Capturing rights through work-for-hire agreements
- Acquisition of the Underlying IP or Script
- Option/purchase of underlying intellectual property
- Option/purchase of screenplay or work-for-hire
- An entertainment attorney can ensure the necessary documents are properly prepared.
- Copyright & Title Searches/Reports
- Copyright reports can determine if the underlying literary material or script is available to exploit
- Title reports will identify any prior uses to determine if the title is clear to use
- An entertainment attorney can either conduct the review or review a third-party report and advise producers on how to proceed
- Script Clearance Report
- The attorney reviews the script and provides a script clearance report that breaks down the script to identify any potential legal issues.
- Intellectual property infringements based on copyright or trademark.
- Other issues, such as defamation or invasion of privacy
- Film Clearance
- After production and post-production are completed, prior to picture lock, an attorney should review the film
- The attorney will compare the contents of the film to make sure all of the necessary agreements have been obtained and properly prepared
- Film clearance will also confirm that the instructions and prohibitions in the script clearance report were followed
- Common pitfall: Inadvertent IP infringements (e.g., artwork, photos, tattoos, etc.)
- Based on the film clearance report, the producers and their entertainment attorney can address any outstanding clearance issues before locking picture
- Practical vs. Legal Issues
- Including trademark or copyright-protected material is not always purely a legal analysis
- Risks of litigation of other, different issues is also a consideration
- Consequences of Improper Clearance
- Inability to secure errors & omissions insurance
- Inability to distribute the project
- Loss of your money or investors’ money
- Lawsuits.
- Q&A with James
About Your Instructor
James Pacitti
FAQs
Q: How do I watch my webinar live?
A: If you received a confirmation that your webinar is on Go to Webinar, you will receive an email from Go to Webinar with further instructions for participating in the live webinar. You can also access your webinar link in your purchase history located under settings in the top right-hand corner of your Stage 32 profile.
If you received a confirmation that your webinar is on Zoom, you will receive a separate email from Zoom with further instructions for participating in the live webinar. Your login link will not be in your Stage 32 profile. If you did not receive your link via Zoom please email support@stage32.com.
Q: How do I watch my webinar on demand?
A: You will be able to watch your webinar on demand as many times as you’d like inside your Stage 32 profile. The recording is processed and posted between 24-48 hours after the webinar concludes. You can follow the instructions below.
YOU MUST HAVE A STAGE 32 PROFILE TO WATCH YOUR VIDEO – STAGE 32 IS FREE TO JOIN
If You Already Have a Stage 32 Profile:
- Log into your Stage 32 profile
- Click "Settings" in the top right-hand corner (gear icon)
- Click "Purchase History"
- Choose this webinar and click the link to view
- Go to www.stage32.com
- Create a profile using the SAME email address you used to sign up for this webinar. The email addresses must match in order to watch the webinar.
- Once you have your profile set up, you can view the webinar by clicking "Settings" in the top right hand corner (gear icon)
- Click "Purchase History"
- Choose this webinar and click the link to view
Q: What is the format of a webinar?
A: Stage 32 Next Level Webinars are typically 90-minute educational broadcasts that take place online using a designated software program from Stage 32. Your webinar will be taught by a working industry professional with in-depth teaching on a topic. If you are able to attend live you will be able to ask your Stage 32 Educator questions during Q&A.
Q: What are the system requirements to watch my webinar live?
A: You will need to meet the following system requirements in order to run the webinar software: Windows 7 or later Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or later.
If you have Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS X 10.9 (Mountain Lion): The webinar software does not support these operating systems. If you are running one of those operating systems, please upgrade now in order to be able to view a live webinar. Upgrade your Windows computer / Upgrade your Mac computer.
Q: What if I cannot attend the live webinar?
A: If you cannot attend a live webinar or purchase an on demand webinar, you will have access to the entire recorded broadcast, including the Q&A.
Q: Will I have access to the webinar afterward to re-watch?
A: Yes! Like all Stage 32 education, after the purchase of a live or on demand webinar, you will have on-demand access to the recording.
Q: How do I get a copy of the handouts provided?
A: If the webinar you take included handouts you can find them as downloads underneath your on demand video. You must be logged into your Stage 32 profile to view the video and get the handouts by clicking settings in the top right hand corner, then clicking purchase history.
Q: What if I need accessibility and accommodations?
A: Email support@stage32.com to request accommodations.
Thanks for your loyalty to Stage 32 Education. We value having you in the Stage 32 community.
If you have any further questions, we are always happy to help. Please contact Stage 32 support at support@stage32.com.
Relevant Tags
Share with friends:
Questions?
Other education that may be of interest to you:
Stage 32 Screenwriting Lab: Write Your Horror Feature Film Screenplay In 8 Weeks
Only 10 Spots Available! 2 spots remain (early spots went to Writers' Room members first! Not a Writers' Room member? You're missing out!) Payment plans available - email edu@stage32.com Do you have an idea for a horror script and want the motivation to type FADE IN?If so, you can write your horror feature film screenplay in just 8 weeks with one-on-one mentoring from Sean Keller, a screenwriter and producer who has written for horror greats like John Carpenter and Dario Argento! Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to bring your horror feature film to life under the guidance of a seasoned pro. Sean is a genre screenwriter and producer who, for over two decades, has written horror, science-fiction, and thrillers for Blumhouse, Hulu, ABC, SyFy, Lionsgate and more. He has also written for Nicholas Winding Refn, Chelsea Stardust and Antoine Fuqua. His dialog has been performed by Academy Award winning Best Actors Nicolas Cage, Anthony Hopkins, and Adrien Brody. With Sean's expertise and our hands-on approach, you'll whip up your horror masterpiece in just 8 weeks. Are you ready to take the next step to getting a draft done for your own horror feature film script? This is your chance! Your 8-Week Screenwriting Journey: You'll engage in an 8-week virtual screenwriting lab with Sean to write your horror or genre feature film script. You'll connect with Sean in virtual class sessions and one-on-one Zoom sessions. (If you have to miss a class, don't worry! You can watch the recording) Talk with Sean on email throughout the lab to ask any of your script, craft or career questions. Leave the lab with having written a completed script! Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to bring your horror feature film to life under the guidance of a seasoned pro. Sean is a genre screenwriter and producer who, for over two decades, has written horror, science-fiction, and thrillers for Blumhouse, Hulu, ABC, SyFy, Lionsgate and more. He has also written for Nicholas Winding Refn, Chelsea Stardust and Antoine Fuqua. His dialog has been performed by Academy Award winning Best Actors Nicolas Cage, Anthony Hopkins, and Adrien Brody. Let's make your screenwriting dreams a thrilling reality! Join now and let the horror adventure begin!
Introduction to Assistant Directing & Production Management
Can you imagine finally getting your project up on it's feet to shoot and not having a plan or a schedule for the whole process? What if you showed up each morning and there was no organization around how you were going to make your wildly important production day? That's why you need to know the fundamentals of assistant directing and production management. Assistant directing and production management are the heartbeat of every physical production. These are the skills you need to properly plan, budget and execute a shoot. Whether you want to be a professional production manager or assistant director (which can get you into the DGA), or you're a producer, director, filmmaker, executive or any part of the content creation process, having a working knowledge of these tools and how to communicate properly with these departments is essential. In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you’ll learn an overview of the critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills needed to be a great assistant director and how to best manage a production, from an expert who has worked on countless films and television shows. Korey Pollard is a DGA first assistant director. He’s worked on films including STAND BY ME, THAT THING YOU DO, WATERWORLD, and SPY KIDS 2, among others, and hit TV shows like DEADWOOD, MONK, GREY’S ANATOMY, Stephen Bochco’s MURDER IN THE FIRST, HOUSE, CSI, BOOMTOWN, SALEM, KEVIN FROM WORK, and many more. Korie also holds a position on The First Assistant Director/Unit Production Manager Committee of The Directors Guild of America. In this webinar, you’ll cover: What your responsibilities as an assistant director are What questions to ask the director and producer How to read a script with other departments and their needs in mind The different department meetings What crew you need How to create a pre-production calendar How to create a production schedule And so much more. Miscommunication, misunderstanding, and reaching for too much work are all missteps that you’ll inevitably face during production. But by learning these skills and tools from Korey, you’ll have the keys to creating an achievable plan, working with your team to problem solve, and know how to plan and execute a shoot at the highest levels.
Special Stage 32 Virtual Happy Hour: Live Table Read Plus Cast Q&A
Stage 32 is committed to bringing you entertainment, education, and community from the comfort and safety of your own home. Our Script Services Coordinator, Nick Assunto, has procured an amazing slate of talented and funny actors and Stage 32 members to read his pilot The Conspiracists, a half-hour sci-fi comedy. During this exciting virtual event, you will get an exclusive look behind the scenes of a professional television table read. Watch as the actors make the script come alive for the very first time. This is a rare opportunity to peel back the curtain go behind the scenes to watch and see a script workshopped directly with professionals. Our fearless leader, Richard "RB" Botto kicked off a night of hanging out virtually. You'll get a chance to laugh along courtesy of some Stage 32 members who are incredible actors from your favorite tv shows and improv theaters including The Upright Citizens Brigade, Second City, and The Pack. Cindy Chu - playing Helena Francois (New Girl, Hawaii Five-0, MacGyver) Angela Cristantello - playing Beatrix Baker (Agent Carter, 9-1-1) Nican Robinson - playing Greg Shepherd (13 Reasons Why, Thunder Road) Carolyn Deskin - playing Mee Moo and Super Professional Sue (Water's Edge, Sorrow) Rama Vallury - playing Turkey Hemingway, Sweaty Phil, Nervous Intern, Boss Man and Bus Drive (Happy Ending, AOK) Ramona Apthorp - playing Pickle Frost PLUS! after the table read we did a Q&A with the actors, writer Nick Assunto, our fearless leader Richard Botto and our Director of Script Services, Jason Mirch moderated by our Managing Director Amanda Toney so you will get the perspective from everyone involved about the table read! What a great way to have fun and learn! Mark your Calendar! LIVE Online Table Read of the Comedy Pilot "The Conspiracists" Friday, March 27th at 7 pm PST Please help support your fellow Stage 32ers by sharing this on social. Check out the social media buttons at the top to share on Instagram @stage32online , Twitter @stage32 , Facebook @stage32 , and LinkedIn @stage-32 .
Understand Global Filmmaking: Hollywood & The Foreign Markets
Learn directly from Alex Franklin, Veteran Studio Executive for New Line Cinema, Dimension Films, Lionsgate Films and Artisan Entertainment! In this Stage 32 Next Level Webinar, host Alex Franklin will discuss the globalization of Hollywood and what filmmakers need to know about important countries and markets around the world to stay ahead of the game. You will learn which markets are becoming the top foreign markets (including China, Russia, India, Brazil and more), important statistics and international comparisons, how foreign audiences, industries, and governments are changing the Hollywood system, and what all of this means for your career. You will learn how globalization is changing the distribution, marketing, production and development processes, and you will leave with a clear understanding of how industry-wide changes resulting from globalization are impacting the job market for writers, producers and directors in the U.S. The growth of international markets continues to impact studio filmmaking decisions, and foreign markets like China dominate the entertainment news. Therefore it is critical that the next generation of Hollywood producers and filmmakers understand the ways in which globalization is reshaping the industry. Your host Alex Franklin is a veteran of the Hollywood studio system, having worked in development and production at New Line Cinema, Dimension Films, Lionsgate Films and Artisan Entertainment. As a Studio Executive, he was involved in the development and production of films including Halloween (directed by Rob Zombie), Saw, Saw 2, The Punisher, 1408 and Youth in Revolt. After leaving the world of studio development, Franklin co-founded Pangea Pictures, a visual effects company which was involved in the postproduction of films including A Perfect Getaway, Brothers and The Warrior's Way. Currently, Franklin is head of film and television at Partos Company, where he specializes in working with A-List cinematographers, production designers and costume designers.
Producing Without Borders: International Co-Productions
In the world of independent film and TV, productions are increasingly crossing borders in search of funding, locations and ultimately a wider audience. But the difference between a successful international co-production and an international road-crash often lies in the details of choice of partners, structures and creative material. In this exclusive Stage 32 Next Level Webinar, Brendan Foley, an international producer (11 countries), writer and director with award winning feature films, TV series and best-selling books to his credit, will give an in-depth look at the pros and cons of international co-production. You will learn about different types of producing partners - creative, financial, public and private. You will also learn when co-producing makes sense for you or your project and when it should be avoided. You will leave this webinar with an understanding of not only what makes an international co-production work, but how to look for producing partners, co-funders and how to protect yourself and your project along the way. This seminar is useful to Producers considering a co-production as well as writers, actors and directors who feel their talent or material would work best on an international scale. PLUS - Brendan will have on two special guests: Ronni Coulter, SVP Business Affairs Sony Animation and top European co-producer Lars Hermann (CEO Copenhagen Film Festival and Danish state broadcaster DR, former Nordisk, Filmfyn Film Fund,) Special Guests: Ronni Coulter (SVP Business Affairs Sony Animation) Lars Hermann (Copenhagen Film Festival)
How To Grow Your YouTube Audience And Have Your Film Reach Millions
Learn directly from Producer Michael Wormser, whose online distribution projects have reached over 30 million viewers! Never has there been a more opportune time than now for filmmakers to directly reach a global audience. YouTube has not only provided the mechanics to do so, but also provides the bandwidth, platform, and global audience - all at the low low cost of FREE hundred dollars! Yes, that's right, FREE. Thousands of people across the world are using this platform to earn a living telling their stories, creating content based on their vision and their voice… Now it’s your turn to help carry your message to the masses. Many people create wonderful YouTube channels that go unseen. Stage 32 is here to help make sure that doesn't happen to you! In this Stage 32 Next Level Webinar, your host Michael Wormser will teach you how you can harness YouTube to create your own network of content for your film and build a massive fan base. Michael will show you brick by brick how you can turn your film into tangible content, culminating that into a functioning channel, and ultimately helping you get to your target goals and have your film reach an audience of millions of viewers. Your host Michael Wormser operates Level 10 Films, a film and digital production company. Prior to that he served as Head of Production at Maker Studios, Executive Producer at BlackboxTV and recently partnered with YouTuber/Actor Joey Graceffa to produce the hit web series Storytellers, which has received over 6 Million views to date. Michael also produced the YouTube Movie Smiley, starring Shane Dawson and Toby Turner, that currently boasts over 30 Million trailer views, and the Hulu series Tease for Fox Television Studios.
Register / Log In
