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Entertainment lawyers find no shortage of work in Texas
When most people based on the work of a lawyer, you probably imagine a person standing in front trying to convince a jury of twelve men and women, using data and strong emotion, to see their way in a particular case. Thanks to television and film, this characterization of an attorney is certainly reasonable. And, there are trial lawyers who spend their amazing careers in court arguing on behalf of their clients. Reality is, however, that the overwhelming amount of work that falls to most lawyers is carried away from the spotlight created by a public trial. In contrast, men and women of the legal profession generally work behind the scenes to protect the profession, the reputation and finances of those for whom they work. Such is the case with attorneys entertainment law practice, and in Texas the need for lawyers to find such a diverse set of circumstances in many creative fields they find a home in our state.
Entertainment Law covers a wide spectrum of issues affecting people who are somehow involved with the arts. Customers who require the services of an entertainment attorney may include athletes, actors, singers, songwriters, producers and anyone who uses his talent for the enjoyment by the public. Just think about all the ways that someone in the entertainment industry that require legal protection. There is a constant threat to the reputation courtesy of disgruntled workers and paparazzi. Imagine if someone like Angelina Jolie and now Jon and Kate Gosselin had to deal with all the tabloid rumors themselves. Also, There is the need to ensure that an actor will receive his due, not only when a television program is transmitted first, but when you live through syndication and DVD sales. With new technologies capture film and television programs in ways not anticipated a few years ago, the actors are eager to renegotiate compensation contracts in the future. Or, suppose you're a serious artist, whose paintings hang in the most respected galleries in Austin, Houston, San Antonio or Dallas. Do you want your artwork to be copied and then mass produced t-shirts to be worn by all adolescents in Texas? Through property laws intellectual entertainment lawyers can protect their images to be used only in the context you want.
Although there is no shortage of entertainment of any kind in Texas, there are two areas that are of particular importance in our state. We have an amazing music industry in Texas, especially Austin to be known for its cultivation of talent. singers, songwriters, music producers, record the brand owners all have a significant investment in the talent that is being packaged. control artist contracts must be written to determine the links of a singer to a record label and the freedom he or she will have on the creative process. What if another artist loves his work and wants to integrate in their new recording of your own? Lawyers will need to prepare the necessary licenses for sampling of the music. And even though the singers who appear on stage in depleted sands and are in high rotation in the weekly video countdown are the ones who usually get the glory of a great song, composers need to know that their work is being validated, both financially and with due recognition in his case.
Besides the wonderful music that Texans will give the rest of the world, everyone knows that the residents of our great state love their sports. Whether we cheering our favorite team in high school under the lights on a Friday night or welcome home the world's most famous rider of another improbable victory, we recognition for the athletes and the value they bring to our break time. With this emphasis rooted in children throughout the state of Texas, it's no surprise that we more than our share of athletes raised in our state. In addition, great athletes come to Texas from across the country to play in one of our many professional organizations. All these men and women need contracts to ensure they receive fair compensation for their contributions to the sport of their choice. In the course of a career, is not unlikely that an athlete will need a lawyer to help in disputes with agents, managers or players' associations. We've all seen the news that details what happens when wage negotiations break or a player does not feel you are getting the time of the field that it deserves. What about the revenue opportunities that may arise out the sports venue? When you see Dale Earnhardt Jr. Wrangler Jeans approve or Tiger Woods talking about the great virtues of Gatorade, you can be sure that the lawyers involved in the negotiations for these associations.
Men and women who decide to pursue a career in the entertainment industry is almost certain to find the need legal representation at some point. Even with the softest of professional experience, artists are faced with such acts as signing necessary contracts, preparing a schedule of the tour, and lending their image to others looking for a backup. When problems arise, problems are often magnified through the lens Celebrity and Entertainment Law lawyer dedicated aggressive and necessary. When an artist or athlete is not getting properly compensated, when efforts are made to obtain money for a tantalizing information that may or may not be true, or when the injuries occur because of inadequate work conditions, the role of entertainment lawyer makes it even more imperative.
About the Author
Tony R. Bertolino is the managing partner at Bertolino LLP with law offices located in Austin, Houston and San Antonio, Texas. A member of the Trial and Appellate Litigation Team, Mr. Bertolino’s practice is devoted largely to complex transactions, commercial litigation, business law, entertainment law and family law matters. You can read more about Mr. Bertolino at www.belolaw.com
Cheer Athletics Tigers NCA 2009