Types Of Services

Business Legal Services

Business Entity Formation
Creation of Business Plans
Financing Guidance

Production Legal Services

Script Acquisition
Copyright and Trademark Registration
Review Script for Potential Legal Issues
Rights Clearances
Talent and Crew Agreements
Locations, Equipment, Props, and Miscellaneous Agreements
Music Agreements
Review Rough Cut for Potential Legal Issues
Prepare Credits and Publicity Abstracts
Errors and Omissions Insurance Applications
Distribution Agreements
Delivery Requirements

Production Consulting Services

Mentor Independent Producers in Navigating the Production Process
Script Analysis and Guidance for Writers
Advising Producers on Assembling the Right Team

Mediation Services

Serve as Neutral for Real Estate or Entertainment-related Disputes
Mediations at your location within the Los Angeles County area only

Fees

Initial Telephone Consultation

There is no charge for your first 10-15 minute phone call with me to discuss your project and legal needs. The purpose of this initial consultation is to provide you with information about how I can help you, evaluate the scope of work required, and give you a more precise estimate of cost. Please understand that I cannot give specific legal advice to non-clients, and because I must devote my time to current clients, I can not engage in repeated telephone conversations without charge.

Initial In-Person Consultation

If you would like to meet with me in person, the charge for the initial consultation is a flat fee of $395, payable in advance (the appointment is not confirmed until payment is received). I allow about an hour for this meeting. During that time, we can discuss your project in detail, review your script or rough footage, assess the types of issues that may arise in your project, and I can give you a more precise estimate of cost. There is no further obligation after the initial meeting, and I do not become your attorney, unless we enter into a fee agreement.

Hourly Rates

For most services, I charge an hourly rate of $300 per hour. An initial non-refundable retainer is required with hourly fee arrangements. The amount of the retainer depends upon the nature of the help you need.

Flat Fees For Fixed Services

For business formation, or if you would like to retain me to provide legal services for your entire production, a flat fee may be arranged, allowing you to accurately budget for legal services. A package rate can be determined for all of the services described above, or for certain phases of production, post-production, or delivery. Flat rates take into account the exact services you need, the complexity of your production, and your budget. Flat fees must be paid in full before work begins.

Deferred Or Contingent Fee Arrangements

Generally, I do not provide legal services on a contingent fee or deferred basis. (“Contigent” means that compensation is calculated as a percentage of money received from a transaction. “Deferred” means that a certain amount is paid at some point in the future, usually when a client receives money from others for his/her project.) In exceptional circumstances for filmmakers who are not able to afford legal fees, but who have worthwhile and high-potential film or television projects where a deal is pending, I may agree to defer a portion of my fee or to a contingent fee arrangement, subject to certain restrictions. PLEASE NOTE, however, that deferred or contingent fee arrangements may be offered only after I have reviewed all the elements of your production, such as the script, budget, cast, director, marketing plan, and any financing or distribution arrangements you have in place. Also be aware that with such arrangements I require that you give me a power of attorney to receive payments in trust for you, deduct the amount owed me, and pay you the remainder.

Production Consulting Fees

Compensation for production consulting services is negotiable based upon your production’s requirements, but generally includes a fixed or hourly fee, a profit participation in your film, and some form of producer credit. If I provide consulting services in addition to legal services, consulting fees are calculated separately from fees for legal services on the same production, and require separate agreements.

Mediation Fees

My current fee for serving as a mediator is $300 per hour, with a three-hour minimum per session, due when the mediation is scheduled. In addition, there is an initial advance payment of $250 per mediation (NOT per session) to cover the administrative costs of convening the mediation, reviewing documents, and other preparation. The total due in advance is $1,150 (the time reservation is not confirmed until payment is received). Charges are generally shared equally by the parties (i.e. if there are 2 sides to the dispute, each pays a deposit of $575), unless the parties specify otherwise.