Entertainment Law: Whats Goin On?

     I have been recently reviewing a few podcast revolving around the issue of Entertainment Law. The more I am learning about the business of entertainment, the more I realize just how lightly you have to tread  with the things that you do AND say. One thing that a person in the entertainment industry needs is a GOOD LAWYER, because as I have learned that people will file a lawsuit in a second. Whether it's a big company suing an average Joe or vice versa, nowadays everyone is trying to cover their heads. Its good to know your legal terminology in order to survive in this industry without someone taking you to court, and even then, they might getcha!
     The first podcast I heard was by Legal Talk Network called "Entertainment Law & The Challenges of Celebrity" in this podcast Gordan Firemark gives his legal advice on the use of intellectual property. I found it interesting when he began talking about his book on podcast law. I like the fact that he, as a lawyer is interested in people who blog, podcast, or post Youtube videos that have been running into legal problems. I like the fact that he realizes that these are regular people who aren't making any income from their posts, and how his book helps them to gain know on how to avoid these problems.
     The second podcast that I heard was by a panel for the University of Chicago. In this podcast, a panel of entertainment lawyers has a discussion with students from the University of Chicago. I will admit, a good bit of it is a bit pointless (I kinda hate when a presenter makes that entire presentation about them and what THEY have done) But one thing that caught my attention was a lady name Dahlia. (maybe it was Daria, the sound quality wasn't the best) She began talking about her past clients and the random phone calls she receives from her clients claiming people have slandered their name. It was actually funny when she said one of her clients claimed defamation when her co-worker posted a picture of her shoes on the internet.
     The third and final podcast that I found was by Female Musician Online, by Daniela Olivia. The podcast was concerning certain legal issues that surround the music industry and the women that try to break in it. No, I'm not a woman, but I am trying to get into the music industry. What I found interesting with this podcast was when she began talking about how you don't really need a lot of money to break into the industry, as far as demos and studio time. I also found it very interesting that she claims that you don't have to have a manager to get the attention on record companies. This is something that I will definitely take to heart while searching for a record deal. Basically as an artist, YOU are responsible for putting yourself out there.
     I was very pleased with the information that I acquired from thse podcast. I will defnitely use this information and apply it not only to my business, but myself as an entertainment entity. If you would like to listen to these podcast, you can either find them on iTunesU or click on these links below

"Entertainment Law, and the Challenges of Celebrity" by Lawyer to Lawyer - Law News and Legal                  
         Topics. July 25, 2011. http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/entertainment-
         law-challenges/id80013534?i=88562024

"A Professional Panel on Careers in Entertainment Law"by The University of Chicago Law School -                
         Open Minds: Student Events at The University of Chicago Law School. July 25, 2011
         http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-professional-panel-on-careers/id275226809?i=50436769

"Getting The Attention of Record Companies, with Daniela Oliva" by Vivian Clement - Female     
        Musicians Online. July 25, 2011. http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/getting-attention-record-
        companies/id371103379?i=91824351

Hollywood: Inside The Courtroom

     Court cases happen everyday. We all see frivolous cases being handed on television, usually involving regular people with regular problems. For example, someone suing their neighbor for the damage done to their yard by the neighbors dog. Basically silly things. What we know little about is the court cases being handled in Hollywood everyday. Things such as copyright laws and liabilities often keep our favorite movies and music from being made. Here are just a few court cases floating around in Tinseltown.

1. Louisiana Judge Allows 'Expendables' Lawsuit Over Jason Statham Injury to go to Trial
  
      According to this article, the production company behind the 2009 blockbuster 'The Expendables' has decided to pursue its lawsuit against its insurer. This all started at the beginning of production when doctors found a growth in actor Jason Statham's throat. They were faced with the decision to either halt production before it began or to wait and halt the movie midway, costing even more money. They decided to stop before and allow the actor to recoup, even though doctors said he could work. The insurance company stated that because the actor was still able to work, then the shut down of production was "voluntary" and therefore they would not cover it.  The production company pursued the case and a few weeks ago, it was allowed to go to trial. It will be interesting to see how this pans out. To see the full article or to get the full story click here

2. Paulie vs. Pauly

     Jersey Shore star DJ Pauly D is being sued by none other than, guess who, DJ Paulie. The original Paulie, who is a well-known Connecticut DJ claims that because of the show's popularity his website has seen little to no hits and his DJ career has pretty much been scrapped due to the fact that people book Pauly D from the show, and not him. Paulie, whose real name is Paul Lis apparently beat the Jersey Shore star to trademark the name, but to no avail because since the shows burst of popularity he has been as he says, "wiped off of the Google map". For more about this case, click here

3. Wayans Brothers Headed to Trial over Alleged Joke Theft

     The Wayans Brothers, famous for bringing us such classic comedies as 'White Girls' & 'Scary Movie' are under fire for allegedly stealing jokes from their former assistant. Apparently Jared Edwards worked for the brothers for 10 years, and while working for them would always pitch ideas and jokes. He states that he came up with many of the jokes contained in their book You Know You're a Golddigger When.. According to sources, he is suing for copyright infringement. This is a peculiar case because the two parties have actually worked together and not just a case where a random Joe claims a film studio stole his "concept", so this should be interesting. To read this article, click here

These are just a few of the many many trials and cases floating around in Hollywood. I'll be sure to keep you posted!