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Ethics Before Profits

Essential Elements of an Investor Contract in Filmmaking 🎬

Securing funding for a film is one of the most critical steps in production, and a well-structured Investor Agreement ensures transparency, protects both parties, and sets clear financial expectations. Whether you’re a filmmaker seeking funding or an investor looking for a solid return, understanding how these agreements work is key....

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The Crucial Role of a Certificate of Clearance in Film Financing: Insights from Lawyer Ernest Goodman

Financiers and distributors are pivotal in transforming screenplays into cinematic realities. However, their support comes with a caveat: a strict adherence to legal assurances. Without a certificate of clearance, these entities fear the legal repercussions of copyright infringement, which can lead to costly lawsuits and project derailments. Hence, they typically refrain from financing projects lacking this essential document....

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Overly broad interpretations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA)

Ethical hacking involves utilizing mathematical and programming abilities to pinpoint weak areas or susceptibilities in information systems. The hacking realm is categorized based on purpose, with a white hat hacker being an ethical hacker with good intentions. These professionals specialize in penetration testing and other examination methodologies that guarantee the security of an organization's information systems. Most ethical hackers possess advanced knowledge in mathematics, computer programming, networking, and operating systems....

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How to Sell Your Screenplay at a Major Film Festival (Santa Barbara, Sundance, etc.)

Selling a screenplay at a festival is about relationships, persistence, and strategic networking. Don't go expecting to sell on the spot—focus on making connections that lead to future opportunities. By researching attendees, preparing your pitch, and networking effectively, you can increase your chances of getting your screenplay into the right hands....

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Legal Implications of Electronic Surveillance in Event Security

As technology continues to advance, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for individuals, businesses, and governments. To protect sensitive data and prevent cyber threats, the United States has implemented various cybersecurity laws and regulations. Failure to comply with these laws can have significant legal consequences. In this post, we will explore some of the potential legal ramifications that individuals or organizations may face for non-compliance with cybersecurity laws in the US....

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Copyright and AI-Generated Works: What You Need to Know

The rise of artificial intelligence in content creation has raised complex legal questions, particularly regarding copyright ownership and intellectual property rights. The U.S. Copyright Office and courts have consistently held that copyright protection applies only to works created by human authors. This means that works fully generated by AI—without substantial human creative input—are not eligible for copyright under current law....

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The Privacy Law and Cyber Security Implications of Automobiles

Many people are unaware that modern cars come equipped with hundreds of sensors that record their every move. These devices have raised concerns about privacy as cars have become part of the Internet of Things (IoT). Gone are the days when cars were merely a means of transportation. In 2014, Jim Farley, an executive at Ford, admitted that the company could track drivers’ movements via GPS, stating, “We know everyone who breaks the law, we know when you’re doing it.” While Farley later clarified that Ford did not track customers without their approval or consent, the privacy concerns surrounding connected...

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Increased Enforcement of IP Infringement in the Age of AI – Know Your Rights

Copyright owners are also aggressively enforcing their rights through AI-powered searches. Many demand letters accuse content creators of using copyrighted images, videos, music, or text without permission. Even small portions of copyrighted material can trigger enforcement actions....

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The Critical Importance of Legal Representation in Removal Proceedings

A potential client recently approached me regarding his individual hearing in three months. He provided a personal statement and affidavits from friends as evidence of persecution. When I quoted my regular fee for removal defense, I noticed a major issue—he had crossed the border twice in less than two years, voluntarily returning to his home country....

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IP Clearance for Western Movies: Navigating Trademarks, Copyrights, and Product Placement

I’m a big fan of Western movies, and today we’re going to talk about something crucial in filmmaking—intellectual property (IP) clearance. Whether you're making a traditional cowboy film or a modern Western, understanding copyright and trademark issues is...

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