OMG,lots of Liabilities!

When starting your own company there are several issues a company can run into. BCB Entertainment (my company) is a video production company that targets unsigned, independent and indie artist of all genres. We create music video along with photography for these artists and distribute it to record labels and other sources. BCB entertainment also has an online site where we upload artist music and the site also allows the artist to download free mix tapes and other music uploaded to the site. Well, a couple years ago back in 2006 Universal Music group sued MySpace for copyright infringement. Since my company provides a similar service I’m sure this is could possibly happen to my company. The main issue in this case was Universal Music Group had not granted MySpace the rights to post the artist signed to that labels music on Myspace for users to download. The key element here is to get permission from the creator so you can publish their songs on your site, if you don’t have the rights to the music. Another legal liability could be royalties over music or video productions. Lets say for example, we (BCB Entertainment) create a concept for a video for an unsigned artist and pitch to record labels and they like it and it becomes a hit. There after the dance used in the video becomes a trademark on TV shows and commercials etc. There could be a debate over who gets the royalties for that dance how much money should be awarded. This is a similar issue that took place with a hit song wrote by songwriters A-Rex. The song entitled “ One Less Lonely Girl,” was featured on Justin Bieber’s debut album. Well apparently the song blew up and the title of the song has been featured on merchandise throughout the country. The songwriters feel they are entitled to the agreed amount of royalties and have taking it court. While the outcome of this case as yet to be decided this is something that can easily happen to BCB Entertainment or any company producing something for someone else for profit. This is why little details in a contract are very important it should always underline every aspect of product or service. Another liability my company could be held liable for is damaged rental property. For instance, while searching the web for relevant articles I came across an article on rap-up.com, which featured a lawsuit against Rapper Nicki Minaj. According to rap-up.com, the rental company that lent Minaj the vehicle is suing here over damage (12,000 to be exact) to the Lamborghini that she drove in a video shot back in 2010.  This is something that can occur therefore all property used from other services need to be treated with delicate care, also a check list needs to be done that way any damaged found on property before usage will not be pinned on the new user. All and all these articles have opened up my eyes to a lot of liability issues that come with the type of business I plan on conducting.

By Brittney. B

References:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/justin-biebers-one-lonely-girl-171888

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/18/technology/18myspace.html

http://www.rap-up.com/2010/06/12/nicki-minaj-sued-over-lamborghini/

The Chris Brown Saga continues

We all have either seen or heard about what went on with Chris Brown and Good Morning America on early Tuesday morning. Well if you have been too busy to care, let me give you a little run down of what transpired. According to sources, like Media-takeout and TMZ, while on GMA Chris Brown was asked questions about an incident that took place over two years ago. That incident in which Chris Brown beat his than girlfriend Rihanna to a bloody bump.  You  may be wondering what occurred this time and if he beat another woman but thats not quite the case. What occurred a day ago on GMA left everyone and their mama feeling like Chris Brown had some serious emotional and anger issues. After award winning journalist, Robin Roberts asked Brown several questions about the domestic dispute that occurred between he and Rihanna Brown calmly answered the question and than reminded everyone to buy his new album out today FAME. The issue is that after doing the interview Brown went on a " violent rage," ( TMZ) that left a window in the studio shattered. Sources are saying Brown will be arrested and persecuted but honestly I don't know how to feel about this incident. Its obvious that Chris Brown has anger management issues but where are the positive in his life letting him no thats not the route to take. Honestly these people get paid major bucks to assist him so why not come to his aid when he needs it the most. After the Rihanna situation Brown has had limited success in the music industry and as of late music fans and the entertainment industry have been very receptive of him. The fact that people see him doing well and continue to bring up his past could be frustrating for any artist, no excuses are being made for Brown granted he should be held accountable for all his actions and he must quickly learn how to control his emotions or his name will forever be involved in something negative. At the end of the day Brown lacks a good support system and a male figure who can show him the steps to not only becoming a man but also how to balance the industry life and his personal life. Whats your take on it? Heres a clip of the interview, feel free to voice your views.

Never Say Never

Last weekend, I was one of many who went and watched the Justin Bieber movie. I was actually surprised by the way the movie was put together. I mean I'm not a Justin Bieber fanatic but I do admire the kid’s talent. Watching the movie opened my eyes to a lot of things, I now know the struggles and adversities he overcame to become who he is today. Not only that, but watching the movie gave me new inspiration to pursue my dreams. Bieber was discovered on Youtube but was over looked because the music industry claimed they did not have a "platform," for him. He eventually hustled is way into the industry and the rest is history. The movie inspired me because it showed me that the award does not always go to the most talent person but to the person who works the hardest. Some of you guys out there may be thinking, now come on Brittney you are an adult talking about a teenybopper. But those of you with that type of mind frame are the same ones who will be in that exact spot next year and years after watching me on your television. The moral of the story is to utilize every opportunity to bring you closer to your destiny. You see by watching Justin Bieber's movie it showed me some steps I can take to reach my goals. It also showed me that there is room for me in the industry but it will not be giving to me. A wise man once told me, you have to go through a lot of No's before you get to that one Yes. Not everybody will like you or except you but if you keep fighting you will find that one person that does. HitFix.com stated in a report that, "Bieber is the first teen idol to rise to superstar prominence so ably aided and abetted by social networking." The power is in your hands with Youtube, Facebook and all the other social networks. Record labels denied Bieber, they said he would not be a great entertainer but "never say never," the social networks are here.


By: Brittney C. Boston


References:


http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/the-beat-goes-on/posts/movie-review-justin-biebers-never-say-never