We act for a wide range of individuals, companies and organisations, most of which have come to us on personal recommendation through existing clients. Many of our clients have interests worldwide and we regularly negotiate deals in the US, Australia, Japan and Europe. We have managed to build a practice based on a personal one to one service which is informal in manner but highly professional in terms of content.
It makes no difference whether we are dealing with an A list artist, corporations, individuals or an unsigned band, the expertise and level of service remains the same. We make it our business to be available to clients wherever they are in the world at whatever time.
The benefits of instructing a niche practice are enormous. Because we concentrate on a specific area we are able to handle just about anything that includes or is related to media and entertainment, for example, as well as the usual work related to this area, we have experience in dealing with:
- Defamation
- UK and community trademark
- Company formation and shareholder’s agreements
- Due diligence
- Employment matters specific to the industry
- Freelance agreements and partnership issues
- Company and partnership disputes
- Litigation
- Protection of copyright and enforcement of rights
We keep abreast of recent developments in the law and the industry and regularly attend MIDEM, the Cannes Film Festival and represent an NGO at WIPO (World intellectual Property Organisation, Geneva). We are often invited to lecture within the industry and provide opinions. Our range of contacts in the industry is vast.
Associations
We are members of the IAEL (International Association of Entertainment Lawyers), MMF (Music Managers Forum) the MU (Musicians Union) and we are voting members of BAFTA (British Acadamy of Film and Television Arts). We also have close ties with PACT (Producers Alliance for Film and Television) through our clients and work closely with Medialex.
Publications
Gill Baxter has recently published two books through Medialex: “Media Contracts and Industry Agreements” and “Music Copyright: The Use of Music in Film and Television”.
Clients
We represent artists, entrepreneurs, managers, producers, independent labels, songwriters, composers, publishers, bands, television and film production companies, writers, agents, format owners, directors, actors, independent broadcasters, communication and media organisations and we are often brought in by other law firms to assist in specific areas. We are very happy to assist anyone who needs help in the media and entertainment business, no matter how small the matter.
Music
Nothing is too small. We will deal with anything from a single song assignment to the formation/takeover/merger of a record label (and everything in between). Because of our involvement with the television and film industry we work closely with producers and directors to provide a full service in respect of their music requirements. Examples of work include:
- Management – negotiating and drafting contracts, advising on termination if things go wrong
- Bands/artists – band/partnership agreements, company formation, shareholders agreements, recording contracts, production deals, licensing agreements touring, merchandising, distribution and audio visual (video/DVD) agreements, work permits, facilities agreements, live appearances, employing crew/staff, performance rights, setting up a record label, session musician agreements, infringement advice, sampling, studio deals, on line distribution agreements, sponsorship deals, branding
- Producers - Production agreements, producer agreements, mixer and re-mixer agreements, consent/release forms;
- Writers/composers - single song assignments, co writer agreements, composers agreements, publishing agreements, sub publishing agreements, admin agreements, synchronisation agreements, online distribution agreements and advice, PRS/MCPS advice, setting up a publishing company, copyright splits agreements, moral rights, infringement advice
- Musicians – performance rights, release/consent forms, session work, live performances and recording of live performances, infringement advice
- Merchandising, manufacture and distribution advice including the negotiation and drafting of agreements
Television
We will deal with everything from pitching to a broadcaster to dealing with all the legal requirements of a major television series, including the production agreement and the sale and distribution of the series or programmes in various territories. Examples of work include:
- Production company formation, shareholders agreements, service agreements
- Formats – advice and drafting of tight document to ensure legal protection as far as is possible under the current law. Advice on pitching to commissioning editors and production companies
- Scripts – drafting and negotiating writers agreements either bespoke or in accordance with PACT/WGGB terms
- Pilots – drafting key agreements, advice on pitching to commissioning editors
- Advising and negotiating commissioning agreements with broadcasters
- Production – key cast, crew and facilities agreements, freelance agreements, contracts of employment, location agreements, set and costume design agreements, defamation advice, content, stills, sale and distribution agreements, merchandising deals, negotiating with Agents, incorporation of or reference to WGGB, BECTU and Equity collective agreements with PACT where required, assisting and advising on the formation of the publishing arm of a production company
- Music – composers agreements, licensing, advice on blanket licensing, use of library music, rights clearances in respect of existing music
Film
Again, we will deal with all the legal aspects from development through to distribution whether the film is made on a shoestring or has a multi million pound budget. Examples of work include:
- Production company formation, shareholders agreements, service agreements
- Option, writers, directors, producers agreements, key cast and crew agreements, letters of intent, co production agreements, location agreements, defamation reports, sales agency and distribution agreements, advice in respect of funding and finance agreements
- Music – advice an all aspects of music including the acquisition of rights, composers agreements, engagement of music supervisor, rights clearances in respect of existing music
- Advice on infringement and risk limitation
For more information please contact Gillian Baxter