255.1 sec. 001 - Negotiating Hollywood Contracts (Fall 2023)
Instructor: Linda B Lichter (view instructor's teaching evaluations - degree students only)
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Units: 1
Grading Designation: Credit Only
Mode of Instruction: In-Person
Meetings:
Th 6:25 PM - 9:05 PM
Location: Law 240
On 2023-09-28
F 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Law 240
On 2023-09-29
F 3:10 PM - 6:10 PM
Location: Law 240
On 2023-09-29
Sa 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Law 240
On 2023-09-30
Sa 1:30 PM - 4:10 PM
Location: Law 240
On 2023-09-30
Course End: September 30, 2023
Class Number: 31921
Enrollment info:
Enrolled: 29
Waitlisted: 0
Enroll Limit: 32
As of: 02/07 02:03 PM
This course is an introduction to basic and more sophisticated legal and business issues which arise in the agreements for sales of intellectual property and for the services of talent making motion pictures for the theatrical and streaming business. We will discuss elements of agreements to option and purchase book/remake rights or other rights; services agreements for producers, writers and directors; with equity financiers for an "independent film;” and with studios and streaming companies . Along with the instructor, major practitioners in the field will be guests, and we will discuss the issues which may arise in these negotiations, and the subtle dance between the lawyer for the talent and the lawyer for the financier/distributor. We will also explore the cataclysmic changes happening the entertainment business and in the media more extensively, and the lawyer’s role in mediating and responding to those changes.
I am a proud graduate of UC Berkeley and its law school. I have worked in private practice doing transactional entertainment work for more than 40 years, primarily representing individuals, negotiating their deals for rights and services, as well as providing general advice and counsel. I’ve also sold books and films. I was very involved in the beginnings of the American independent film movement. My clients contributed to such films as Little Miss Sunshine, Ghostworld, Juno, Gladiator, RoboCop, Point Break, Billy Madison, Paranormal Activity, Nomadland, and A Man Called Otto, to name just a few. I am married and have 3 children and 2 grandchildren.
We also have special academic rules for these condensed courses:
-Students must attend each course session and cannot attend any course session remotely (even for illness or emergency situations).
-The Registrar’s Office will drop a student who does not attend each course session.
Due to the condensed nature of this course, in-person attendance at all course sessions is mandatory. Absences cannot be excused for any reason, including illness or emergencies. The Registrar’s Office will drop any student who misses a session.
Prerequisites:
Contracts. Property and intellectual property recommended.
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Exam Notes: (TH) Take-home examination
(Subject to change by faculty member only through the first two weeks of instruction)
Exam Length: 4 hours
Course Category: Business Law
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Readers:
No reader.
Books:
Instructor has indicated that no books will be assigned.