http://www.avvo.com/legal-answers-search/entertainment.html Avvo.com - Entertainment Legal Guides http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/clone-games-and-fan-games-legal-issues Avoiding legal pitfalls re: fan game and clone development Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:58:40 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/how-to-get-an-o-1-visa-for-entertainers The O-1 is a type of employment visa for aliens who have extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics which has been demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim and who are coming temporarily to the U.S. to work. Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:49:08 PDT http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/how-to-start-the-process-of-producing-and-independent-film-project When it comes to starting the process of planning the production of a motion picture project, consider the following factors: Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:36:09 PDT http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/a-guide-for-temporary-work-visas Temporary Work Visas are very specific to the type of job that will be performed. In order to obtain a work visa, you must first fill out an I-129 form, then the U.S. consulate will direct you on which other forms to fill out. Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:11:40 PDT http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/how-to-do-business-with-a-minor-in-california A minor can enter into a contract like an adult, can, but since they're a minor, they can disaffirm their contractual obligations once they turn 18. How do you protect yourself if you, for example, want to hire a child actor for your film? Get court approval. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:32:28 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/songwriters-protect-your-work Avoid authorship disputes by having a "Co-Publishing Agreement" for each song you co-write with anyone. Register your work with the U.S. Copyright Office to get benefits including establishing a public record of copyright and being able to sue for infringement (with statutory damages) Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:55:48 PDT http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/songwriters-monetize-your-work Songs are like lottery tickets, potentially very valuable, but most of the time worthless. If you do get your songs performed in film or tv through the right music supervisors, make sure you get paid by registering with a performing rights society. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:56:04 PDT http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/music-label-artist-contracts--why-a-seven-album-deal-may-not-be-a-good-deal-for-the-artist If you receive an offer from a record label, there are a few points to be aware in regards to the timing and number of options/albums before signing on the dotted line. The artist will want to review the contract with their attorney, as these points are often negotiable and at times unclear. Thu, 21 May 2009 16:42:53 PDT http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/immigration-legal-guide-for-artists-and-entertainers--proving-extraordinary-ability-the-arts “Extraordinary ability” means distinction. Distinction is “high level of achievement in the arts evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above the ordinary encountered to the extent that person described as prominent is renowned, leading, or well-known in the field of arts.” Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:49:30 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/some-considerations-when-negotiationg-a-personal-management-agreement-for-entertainment-clients Performing artists most often hire the services of a personal manager to handle the various business aspects of their careers. These managers are paid a percentage based on the income of the artists. This brief outlines some important considerations when negotiating such an agreement. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:19:59 PST