Events and Workshops

Upcoming events

• The Nuts and Bolts of Screenwriter Agreements

  • When
    Tuesday, May 21, 2013
  •  
    7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Ken Edwards Center, 1527 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

  Register

  SAVE $5 -- Register & pay online 
  

  Join CLA & SAVE 50% or more
  

  The Nuts & Bolts of Screenwriter Agreements

  With Gary G. Goldberger, Esq.

  There are many different kinds of writer deals made: film, TV, established writer, new writer, guild, non-guild, etc. In this workshop, speaker Gary G. Goldberger will discuss and analyze the deal points involved in different kinds of agreements between writers and producers, from the perspective of both writers and producers.
  

  
  

  Agreements and talking points include submission agreements, representation agreements, option/purchase agreements, for-hire writing agreements, collaboration agreements, source materials, copyright registration, and rights retention & reversion.

  
  

  Gary G. Goldberger has operated a solo practice focused on transactional entertainment law, new media law, and general business law, since 2007. Prior to this, he was an independent producer and a consultant to companies in the arena of international and domestic television distribution. During that time, he was the executive producer of four movies that have been distributed internationally. Gary was also the Executive Vice President of Carlton America, an international television production and distribution company. He headed the business affairs department of the company and acted as General Counsel, participated in international television markets, and was an executive producer or co-producer on many television movies.

  
  

  These workshops are made possible, in part, from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission; The City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs; and the California Community Foundation.  Additional support provided by the California Arts Council.  
  

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• Intellectual Property Law Survey for Creative Artists

  • When
    Wednesday, May 22, 2013
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Bldg. C Room 265, Ft. Mason Center, San Francisco, CA 94123 (enter at Buchanan St. and Marina Blvd)

  Register

  SAVE $5 -- Register & pay online 
  Join CLA & SAVE 50% or more

  
  

  Intellectual Property Law Survey for Creative Artists
  
  

  With Bob Pimm, Esq.

  
  

  Get your intellectual property law questions answered in this general survey and introduction to intellectual property law for creative artists. Topics include:

  • copyrights
  • trademarks
  • trade secrets
  • patents
  • and other related topics

  This workshop will include an explanation of the differences between each type of intellectual property law and how it affects the work of creative artists. 

  
  

  Presenter: Bob Pimm, Esq. is Chief Learning Officer and Director of Legal Services at California Lawyers for the Arts. 

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• The Business of Making and Distributing a Film

  • When
    Wednesday, May 29, 2013
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Bldg. C Room 265, Ft. Mason Center, San Francisco, CA 94123 (enter at Buchanan St. and Marina Blvd)

  Register

  With Lindsay Spiller, Esq.

  This workshop covers the business of making and distributing a film. Topics covered include the Development Phase; the Production Phase; the Post Production Phase; and the Distribution Phase. The workshop will conclude with a review of useful Film Production Resources.

  Presenter: Lindsay Spiller's entertainment law practice focuses on Film/TV, Music and New Media. He has worked with narrative and documentary film-makers with their projects from development through distribution. Mr. Spiller assists clients to form film companies, arrange financing, clear licensing, negotiate talent and distribution contracts, and provides film industry business planning.

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• Copyright and Publishing Agreements for Musicians

  • When
    Wednesday, May 29, 2013
  •  
    7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Arts Share LA, 801 E 4th Place, Los Angeles, CA 90013

  Register

  SAVE $5 -- Register & pay online 
  Join CLA & SAVE 50% or more
  

  Copyright & Publishing Agreements

  for Musicians

  With Dean Sheldon Serwin, Esq.

  No one concept in the music industry is as satisfying, confusing, and potentially income generating as songwriting and music publishing. As the music industry continues to undergo once-in-a-lifetime changes, music publishing remains one of the most important means of making money over the long term.
  
  This workshop will focus on the core elements of copyright law as it applies to sound recordings and musical compositions, the sources of income for both, and how to monetize them effectively. Speaker Dean Sheldon Serwin will discuss what copyright is and is not, how to protect your own copyrights, and how to go about using someone else’s copyright, including when you need to secure a license.

  
  

  We will discuss not only the types of publishing agreements that exist, but the importance of timing relating to when to enter into one, and how to protect yourself when you do. Then we'll also go in-depth into the meaning of the major provisions and clauses in publishing agreements.
  
  Additional topics include how to determine and confirm songwriter splits, the mysterious role of the performance rights organization, the impact of the 360 deal, how to collect money from other countries, how to approach licensing your music to TV & film, “alternative titles” and as other topics, as time permits.

  
  Dean Sheldon Serwin is a graduate of UCLA Law School who began his practice of law in 1990, and works primarily in the entertainment industry. Prior to establishing his own firm in 1994, Dean worked for a firm representing several platinum artists, served as Vice President of Legal Affairs for a film and TV production and distribution company, and held positions at the Director's Guild of America, BMI, and Capitol Records. Dean's Hollywood-based solo law practice serves a wide range of clients in all areas of the music, film, video game, TV, Internet, and distribution businesses, including small and medium size publishing companies. Dean also specializes in copyright and trademark prosecution and dispute resolution.
  

  
  

  Parking:
  Free parking is available on a rooftop lot on S. Hewitt St., directly across the street from Art Share LA’s loading bay doors. Walk down to the bay entrance and follow signs to the workshop.
  

  
  

  
  

  These workshops are made possible, in part, from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission; The City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs; and the California Community Foundation.  Additional support provided by the California Arts Council. 

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• 5th Annual Literary Workshop

  • When
    Monday, June 03, 2013
  •  
    11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    The Avid Reader at Tower; 1600 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818

  Register

  SAVE $5 -- Register & pay online 

  Join CLA & SAVE 50% or more

  
  5th Annual Literary Workshop:

  Guide to Modern Book Publishing
  

  
  

  This Guide to Modern Book Publishing workshop covers the primary legal and business issues in today's book publishing industry. Learn what you need to know about mainstream publishing (and self-publishing) including current and emerging developments in e-book publishing. Valuable negotiating tips for effective contracts with each party in the book publishing chain will be discussed -- including self-publishing service companies. 

  
  

  Presenter:

  Bob Pimm is Chief Learning Officer and Director of Legal Services at California Lawyers for the Arts. Bob has more than 30+ years experience in the book industry. His private law practice is focused on literary law representing authors, agents, and publishers. Bob is also the Book Publishing Chair of the American Bar Association’s Forum on the Entertainment and Sports Industries. From 2002 until 2007 he served as Editor-in-Chief of Entertainment and Sports Lawyer, the Forum’s quarterly publication. Bob has authored books, chapters, and numerous articles on legal and business aspects of the book publishing industry.

  
  

  Hosted by The Avid Reader  www.avidreaderbooks.com

  This program is made possible in part by the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission Cultural Arts Award, The County of Sacramento, our sponsors and members of California Lawyers for the Arts. The opinions expressed in any of our events and programs shall not be construed to represent the opinions and policies of California Lawyers for the Arts. California Lawyers for the Arts is a non-profit service organization that provides lawyer referrals, dispute resolution services, educational programs, publications and resource library to artists of all disciplines and arts organizations. New members welcome.

  
  
  

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• Immigration and U.S. Visas for Creative Artists and the Innovation Community

  • When
    Wednesday, June 12, 2013
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Bldg. C Room 265, Ft. Mason Center, San Francisco, CA 94123 (enter at Buchanan St. and Marina Blvd)

  Register

  SAVE $5 -- Register & pay online 
  Join CLA & SAVE 50% or more
  

  Immigration and U.S. Visas for Creative Artists and the Innovation Community 

  With Hendrik Pretorius, Esq.

  
  

  This presentation will provide an overview of the intersection
  between the Arts and Immigration Law. Details will include a review of current visa options available to foreign national artists, arts entrepreneurs and arts organizations.
  

  
  

  Topics to be discussed (subject to change):

  
  1) Brief Overview of the Immigration System
  

  a. Why an understanding of immigration is important

  b. Non-Immigrant v. Immigration Visas

  c. Common immigration misconceptions

  i. I-94 v. Visa

  ii. Dual Intent Visas

  iii. Non-Immigrant Visas “turning into” Green Cards

  2) Non-Immigrant Visa Options for Artists
  

  a. O-1 Visa

  i. General use of visa in the arts

  ii. ‘Extraordinary Ability’ explained

  iii. Proof issues

  b. P-1 & P-3 Visas

  i. General use of visas

  ii. P-1 ‘Entertainment Group’ explained

  iii. P-3 ‘Culturally Unique’ explained

  iv. Proof issues
  v.Use in start-up/small business environment
  
  

  c. H-1B Visa
  
  

  i. Professional requirements
  ii. Applicability in the arts
  

  3) Non-Immigrant Visa Options for Arts Entrepreneurs
  

  a. E-2 Treaty Trader Visa
  
  

  i. General use of visa
  ii. Treaty country requirements
  iii. Ownership interest concerns
  iv. Capital investment requirements
  v.E-2 to Green Card considerations
  
  

  b. L-1 Intra-company Transfer Visa
  
  

  i. General use of visa
  ii. Comparison to E-2
  iii. Ownership interest considerations
  iv. L-1 path to a Green Card
  
  

  c. H-1B Visa
  
  

  i. Professional requirements
  ii. Owner v. Employee concerns
  

  4) Immigrant Visa (Green Card) Considerations
  

  a. Brief overview of employment based (EB) Green Card
  categories
  
  

  b. Focus on First EB category
  
  

  i. Review of requirements for a green card
  including ‘extraordinary ability’ considerations
  

  
  

  Presenter:

  Henrik Pretorius, Esq. is an attorney Hendrik Pretorius, and an immigrant himself. His law practice is focused on
  assisting foreign-born artists, arts organizations, entrepreneurs, and small U.S. based businesses, to develop and implement immigration strategies aimed at enabling clients to obtain their goals without immigration impediments.
  

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• Photography & the Law

  • When
    Wednesday, June 19, 2013
  •  
    7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Ken Edwards Center, 1527 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

  Register

  SAVE $5 -- Register & pay online 
  Join CLA & SAVE 50% or more
  

  
  

  Photography & the Law
  

  With Greg Victoroff, Esq. 

  
  

  From arranging a shot to processing film to editing digital photos, photography is an incredibly flexible art form in method, use, and subject matter. Perhaps because of this flexibility, the legal issues affecting photographs and the photographers who take them are wide-ranging. This workshop will provide an overview on the various legal issues involved with photography and how these issues differ based on how photographs are used. Topics will include:

  • Creating, registering and enforcing copyrights in photographs;
    
  • Fair use of photos in documentary films, photojournalism, exhibition and commercial photography;
    
  • Ownership of photography - respective ownership rights of the photographer, the commissioning party, and the model or subject of the photo;
    
  • The federal moral rights for photography granted under VARA;
  • Which state and federal laws apply to photo sharing sites, Flickr, Shutterfly, Picasa, Photobucket, YouTube, Facebook, etc.
  • Model and property releases permitting the taking and use of photos of adults, children, pets and property;
    
  • How rights of privacy, defamation, and obscenity laws affect the taking and exploitation of photographs;
  • How California’s anti-paparazzi and right of publicity laws affect the taking and use of photos.

  Presenter: 

  Greg Victoroff, Esq. is a partner in the Los Angeles law firm of Rohde & Victoroff and author of the “Photography and Law” chapter in "The Visual Artists Business and Legal Guide” (Prentice Hall 1995). Since 1979, Mr. Victoroff’s practice has involved negotiating intellectual property, photography, movie, and visual art contracts. Mr. Victoroff has served as a legal consultant to documentary films including “Bombing LA”, about Los Angeles graffiti and is the past president of the Beverly Hills Bar Association Barristers and a founding member of its Committee for the Arts."

  
  

  
  

  These workshops are made possible, in part, from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission; The City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs; and the California Community Foundation.  Additional support provided by the California Arts Council

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• Public Art: Contracts and Fabrication

  • When
    Saturday, June 22, 2013
  •  
    10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    Art Share LA, 801 E 4th Place, Los Angeles, CA 90013

  Register

  SAVE $5 -- Register & pay online 
  Join CLA & SAVE 50% or more
  

  
  

  Public Art: Contracts and Fabrication

  With Louis E. Greenwald, Esq and Sandy Decker

  In this workshop, attorney Louis E Greenwald, Esq. and foundry owner Sandy Decker will discuss the legal issues and the steps necessary for the artist’s successful completion of a public art project. We will discuss common contract clauses in a public art contract, while focusing on ways to avoid pitfalls and common mistakes. We will also cover engineering, armatures, fabrication, earthquake issues, and appropriate mounting systems for installation of a public work of art.

  
  

  Presenters: 

  Louis E. Greenwald, Esq., a partner at the law firm Choi & Greenwald, practices employment law, contract law, and art law. Mr. Greenwald has represented numerous artists, art galleries, art foundries, art appraisers, and museums. Mr. Greenwald has extensive experience representing artists regarding public art projects, including contract review and negotiations and dispute resolution.
  

  
  

  Sandy Decker: Decker Studios is a full service fine arts Atelier providing a complete range of casting and fabrication services. Our professional staff works in a vast range of materials, including bronze, stainless steel, silver, gold

  and aluminum. Our staff is available to assist in the development of individual, architectural, and public art projects. At Decker Studios, we combine our talents with the use of modern materials and advanced technologies. This enables us to efficiently execute a complete range of projects, including those which are technically challenging or monumental.

  
  

  Parking:
  Free parking is available on a rooftop lot on S. Hewitt St., directly across the street from Art Share LA’s loading bay doors. Walk down to the bay entrance and follow signs to the workshop. Please move your car after completion of the workshop.

  
  

  These workshops are made possible, in part, from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission; The City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs; and the California Community Foundation.  Additional support provided by the California Arts Council. 

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• Music Law Basics for the Social Media and Digital Age

  • When
    Wednesday, June 26, 2013
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Bldg. C Room 265, Ft. Mason Center, San Francisco, CA 94123 (enter at Buchanan St. and Marina Blvd)

  Register

  SAVE $5 -- Register & pay online 
  Join CLA & SAVE 50% or more
  

  Music Law Basics for the Social Media and Digital Age

  With Ned Hearn, Esq.

  
  

  This workshop will provide a complete overview of music law basics -- with a special emphasis on the unique challenges arising from digital technologies and uses in social media.
  

  
  

  Presenter:

  Ned Hearn, Esq. is based in San Jose, California, and represents creative artists and media-based companies worldwide. The Law Offices of Edward R. Hearn focuses on intellectual property and business matters related to the entertainment, internet, and computer software industries.

  
  

  Mr. Hearn serves on the California Lawyers for the Arts, Board of Directors, Member, Board of Directors, 1976-present (President, 1978-1981); is a member of the West Coast Songwriters Association, President, 1979-2007, President Emeritus and Advisory Board, 2007-present; and is a member of NARAS-The Recording Academy, San Francisco Chapter, Board of Governors and Education Committee Co-Chair, 2009-present.
  

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• Artistic License Awards - 2013 - Los Angeles

  • When
    Sunday, June 30, 2013
  •  
    5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    William Turner Gallery, Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404

  Register

  6th Annual Artistic License Awards - 2013

  Los Angeles

  
  

  Sunday, June 30, 2013 @ 5 PM
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  California Lawyers for the Arts invites you to 

  The Sixth Annual Artistic License Awards

  
  

  Reception and awards program benefiting California Lawyers for the Arts and celebrating service to 

  the California Arts Community

  
  

  WILLIAM TURNER GALLERY

  Bergamot Station

  2525 Michigan Avenue

  Santa Monica, CA 90404

  [Location Information Here]

  HONORING
  

  • Intel Corporation
    
  • CA Senator Carol Liu
    
  • Wayne Kramer, Co-Founder, Jail Guitar Doors
  • CA Senator Alan Sieroty (Retired)
    
  • Catherine Emanuel, Esq.

  MAJOR SPONSORS INCLUDE
  

  • Intel Corporation
    
  • Keker & Van Nest LLP
    
  • Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP
    
  • Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

  In 2008, the Board of Directors for California Lawyers for the Arts established the Artistic License Awards to recognize persons and organizations whom have mastered their arts (intended in the broadest possible sense) in extraordinary ways for the communities they serve.

  
  

  This year’s honorees are examples of those whose acts of generosity and examples of innovation have inspired so many others to stretch beyond their “comfort zones” and take on the challenges of our time.

  
  

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  For sponsorship opportunities, please call:

  (415) 796-7692
  

  
  

  Sponsorships received one week before the event will be included in Event Program:

  
  

  Galaxy: $10,000 (includes 12 tickets to event)

  Grand Vision: $5,000 to $9,000 (includes 8 tickets to event)

  New Horizon: $2,500 to $4,500 (includes 6 tickets to event)

  Benefactor: $1,000 to $2,900 (includes 4 tickets to event)

  Patron: $500 to $999 (includes 2 tickets to event)

  
  

  For special group ticket discounts please call:  310.998.5590

  
  

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  PRINTABLE REGISTRATION FORM AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD HERE

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