Today we will talk about different types of deals in filmmaking — how films are financed, how distribution is secured, and what legal pitfalls filmmakers need to watch out for. On October 6th, 2025 at 12:00 p.m., I will be speaking on a panel at the Hollywood Park Film Festival, answering questions from filmmakers and industry professionals about these very issues....
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Independent filmmaking is full of excitement — new ideas, creative energy, and the promise of seeing your vision on screen. But it’s also full of risk, especially financial risk. One of the most misunderstood (and potentially dangerous) areas is how you attach talent to your project....
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For thousands of asylum seekers trying to navigate the U.S. immigration system, one reality stands out: immigration court is not like other courts. Despite its name, it does not operate under the protections and structure of the independent judiciary. Instead, it functions as a politicized administrative system — one that often delivers wildly inconsistent results, lacks impartial safeguards, and places even strong legal claims at risk of being denied over minor procedural missteps....
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Today is July 20, 2025. We all know what is going on in our country right now. Fear, uncertainty, and anxiety continue to grip immigrant communities across the United States. ICE is arresting people — not just those with criminal records, but also those who have applied for asylum and are legally waiting for a decision. These are individuals who followed the law, showed up to court, checked in with ICE, and complied with every legal requirement. And yet, they are treated as if they were fugitives....
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Today we will talk about legal implications of films made with the use of AI. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the filmmaking process is no longer a speculative trend—it is a present reality. AI is now capable of generating scripts, creating synthetic voices and faces, and even rendering entire scenes or performances that resemble real individuals. While these tools offer groundbreaking creative possibilities, they also bring about complex legal questions—especially when it comes to the unauthorized use of a person’s likeness....
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In the fast-paced, often chaotic world of independent film production, it's easy to overlook paperwork in favor of creativity. Budgets are tight. Time is short. Everyone’s wearing multiple hats. But one document that should never be skipped is the general liability release....
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Hello everyone! Today, we're going to talk about commercial AI use. The U.S. Copyright Office has recently clarified its position on the use of copyrighted materials in training artificial intelligence (AI) models. In a statement, the Office asserted that employing copyrighted works for commercial AI purposes "goes beyond established fair use boundaries." This determination is based on concerns that such practices could produce outputs that directly compete with original works, potentially undermining the market for human creators....
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Hello everyone, President Donald Trump has officially revoked the immigration "paroles" granted during the Biden administration to migrants who crossed the U.S.–Mexico border using the CBP One app (now renamed CBP Home). This decision marks a significant shift in how the U.S. is handling those who were previously allowed to enter and temporarily remain in the country while awaiting immigration proceedings....
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Hello everyone, Today we’ll discuss why conducting a trademark search is essential before registering a trademark. Establishing and protecting a brand is one of the most important steps a business can take. A strong trademark can be a valuable business asset, helping to distinguish your products or services in a crowded marketplace. But before investing in a name, logo, or slogan, you must ensure that your mark is available and legally safe to use....
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Today we will talk about atmorers on the film set. Firearms add realism and intensity to films, but when mishandled, they can lead to tragedy. The presence of a qualified armorer is essential for safety—and in places like California and New York, it’s also the law....
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