“Blissful ignorance of the system hurts more people in the long run.” If you are an emerging filmmaker who is not aware of the legalities involved in filmmaking, you should really consider hiring a lawyer. You may think you can’t afford a lawyer, but what you really cannot afford to do is remain in your ignorance. 

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with lawyer/indie film producer, Natalie LeVeck, to discuss: 

Becoming a full-time entertainment lawyer and a part-time indie film producer

The difference between manager, agent and a lawyer

Different types of lawyers and their roles

Why not having a lawyer is one of the worst things you can do

Why you should find a manager before finding a lawyer

Keeping quiet about your ideas so no one steals them

The most important deal of the entire film

Paying the writer a percentage versus a flat fee 

All the things you need to save in your Chain of Title file

Getting your SAG deposit back

What you need to do when you first get the Distributor contract 

Talent contracts and the clauses to include

Thinking about what’s important and not important to you 

Talking to your attorney’s prior clients



Memorable Quotes

“If you are lucky enough to land a deal with a studio, you absolutely must have a lawyer helping you.” [12:17]

“You can’t copyright an idea.” [18:49]

“If you’re an indie producer and you read something you like, I would grab those rights as soon as humanly possible.” [22:12]

“The entertainment law world is so small that people do care about their reputation.” [47:13]

“The more we are informed, the more we can bring to the table.” [53:53]



Resources:
A Creature was Stirring - in theaters Nov 2023

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