Entertainment law may not be the most exciting or interesting aspects to the entertainment industries, but a recent interview with attorney John Branca at Hype Magazine sheds light on some of the more fascinating parts of entertainment law. Learn more interesting and less-known facts about entertainment law below.
1. Entertainment Law Can Include Video Games
When most people think about entertainment law, they often think of lawyers that represent comedians, artists, or musicians. People may be less inclined to associate entertainment law with video games, but video games also feature plenty of contract, music rights, and potentially merchandise distribution logistics that may need the eyes and skills of an entertainment lawyer.
Video game design and creation is an art form in itself, and some video games have been the subject of huge law suits for violating copy right laws or not having certain permissions. Many video game lawsuits have come about because one individual or company believes someone else stole their, or a new video game product is too similar to an older one.
2. Some Entertainment Lawyers Have a Master’s Degree in Entertainment Law
The road to becoming a lawyer is notoriously difficult, costly, and time-consuming, but some lawyers decide to continue on with their education and get a master’s degree in entertainment law. Some universities offer these programs to help prospective celebrity and entertainment lawyers understand the ins and outs of the entertainment industry. Although this credential isn’t required, it can help some new lawyers differentiate themselves in the field.
3. Some Entertainment Lawyers Specialize, and Others Serve Diverse Clientele
Entertainment lawyers might build up a client list that consists of mostly musicians, and they eventually become a known music lawyer. This can be true for actors, comedians, and other types of entertainment. Other lawyers might instead represent a wide range of entertainers at once, as many sectors within the industry have similar laws and standards.
When entertainment lawyers first get started, they tend to take on a wide variety of artists and entertainers, eventually discovering a more narrow niche that draws their interest. Others continue to enjoy the variety from representing entertainers of all kinds.
4. Entertainment Lawyers May Also Represent Brands
When picturing an entertainment lawyer, most people think of lawyers that represent individual talent, such as a singer or actor. Entertainment lawyers might also represent media companies and brands, potentially negotiating contracts or filing lawsuits against individuals or other companies who have violated laws or stolen intellectual property.
Some entertainment lawyers may prefer taking on several individual clients to build up their caseload, while others would prefer to focus on a few bigger clients like brands or companies.
Entertainment Law Is More than Meets the Eye
While it’s true that entertainment law may involve the types of cases seen on TV or in movies, but it actually goes well beyond what is depicted in the media. Entertainment law is a diverse, wide-reaching industry, and people of all types can become successful entertainment lawyers.
This is true whether an individual has interest working with musicians, video game companies, graphic designers, or large corporations.
