By Daily Press staff
In the film and television industry it’s not only what you know, but who you know. California Lawyers for the Arts is providing an opportunity to gain the knowledge and contacts necessary to succeed in the industry.
The 2005 “Film and Media Business Seminar” is designed for participants to learn from and network with other filmmakers, industry professionals, lawyers and students in television. It will be held Saturday, Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the UCLA School of Law.
The annual seminar will consist of a keynote address and four-panel discussions entitled: “Do you know what you are signing?”
The panel aims to break down legal terminology by translating common (boiler-plate clauses) and by pointing out unconscionable language and unfair terms.
Creative protection Protecting your ideas with a copyright is the best way to ensure that no one will steal them; however, obtaining a copyright can seem complicated to those who are unfamiliar with the process. The panel will explain how to obtain a copyright in basic steps.
Supporting your cause Obtaining funding is often the biggest obstacle to getting independent film projects started. The panel, comprised of entertainment attorneys and indie veterans, will explain who funds such films and how to best organize your project.
Credit where credit is due When making a film it is virtually impossible not to use someone else’s work. Whether it is a MacDonald’s arch in the background of a scene or a particular song that captures the moment, filmmakers need to know how to use another person’s creative mark without claiming that it as their own.
Putting your best foot forward Marketing yourself and networking are essentials in the entertainment industry. The panel seeks to define the agent-client relationship by offering information on how to obtain an agent, what an agent can do for you, and how stand out in a crowd of other artists.
General admission is $65; CLA/co-sponsors members, $55; students and seniors, $30; co-sponsor/CLA member discount before Oct. 31, $10.
To register, call the California Lawyers for the Arts at (310) 998-5590, or log onto
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 27, 2005. Read the original PDF.