Yesterday, I had the privilege to interview Orlando based entertainment lawyer,
James Hertz. Hertz who has lengthy experience in law and entertainment participated in a little Q and A about his background as well as some legal advice for my business, a video production company.
Q: How long have you been in the entertainment business
A: 13 plus years
Q: Where did you get your degree?
Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Intellectual Property (1997)
St. Thomas University School of Law Miami, FL
Juries Doctor (J.D.) (1996)
Woodbury University, Burbank, CA
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) (Finance) (2000)
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) (1990)
Q: How can I protect my business from legal issues?
A: Having the proper contracts and legal forms. Having the proper business entity (LLC). Protecting intellectual property and goodwill of business through trademark, copyrights.
Q: The company I have is a video production company what advice can you give that will increase the companies chances of success in the industry
A: Do-good work. Network constantly. Have lunches with or make introductions to key players in the industry. Of course marketing is key as well.
Q: As a video production company how can I protect myself from liabilities?
A: See answer to 3.
Q: What legal advice can you give a video production company?
A: See answer to 3.
Q: What methods can the company take to avoid infringement and other illegal issues?
A: See answer to 3. Also, be aware of inadvertently catching third party trademarks and copyrights in productions. Make sue you have proper releases and clearances for every production. Make sure you have proper work for hire agreements.
The advice Hertz gave will help me prevent liabilities and common mistakes made in the entertainment industry. I know I’m on the right track because several things Mr. Hertz has mention I have been taught in my adv. law class. What I have cleared from the interview is that you most always get clearances for others work but to be careful of those who do not have the authority to give you that permission. I want to thank James Hertz for his time and advice that will stay with me forever.
For more information on James Hertz and how to contact him go to:
http://www.hetzandjones.com/
References:
Hertzandjones.com
