Show Business Law

The entertainment business is a most democratic field, offering success to anyone who has the talent, ability, and drive to master their art. But in order to achieve this goal, an individual must also possess knowledge, particularly in the area of contracts and agreements. This work represents a comprehensive overview of the procedures, timing, and agreements used in the motion picture, television, and video industries, and provides model contracts and explanations as to why specific clauses are employed and what the mutual benefits of each may be.

The work presents the major contracts utilized in the show business industry in a manner that is readable and understandable to artists, producers, writers, directors, and other members of the entertainment community. Peter Muller breaks the contracts down to their essential elements, and offers detailed accounts of their legal implications for both parties involved. Among the contracts and agreements examined are the personal manager, agent, actor, director, and screen writer agreements; the motion picture distribution agreement; pay-per-view; licensing feature films for television syndication; international coproductions; home video license agreements; endorsements; and independent production financing. This hands-on guide to show business law will prove to be a valuable addition to public, academic, and law libraries, as well as a useful reference tool for literary and talent agencies, entertainment companies, and individuals in the entertainment industry.

PETER MULLER is an attorney in the entertainment industry. He is President of M.E.G., an entertainment company, the past President of ACA Joe, and has extensive experience in the business of motion picture production.