As a Director/Writer - and for the time being /Producer too - my professional background and network is in the fashion industry, as a strategy to get my script to name actors I'm thinking of hiring an entertainment attorney. For producers/filmmakers that have used that route, are there any recommendations on how to select the right lawyer or buffet to be your/your film representative? How about rates and negotiation such when your film is not yet funded (assuming will be an out of pocket expense)?
I know typically is the film producer/executive producer that deals with this but since I haven't yet partnered with one and I'm done sitting around with my film package and script, I want to continue to push my project forward. Advice from people who have actually used this strategy or entertainment lawyers themselves will be greatly appreciated it.
As far as approaching Talent, I'm going to have to plug a friend's film, "So You Want Micheal Madsen?" After I saw it, I've never hesitated to chase Talent.
https://www.amazon.com/So-You-Want-Michael-Madsen/dp/B007KB06PQ
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I have an entertainment attorney who's great, but I usually don't use him to get talent. Usually, you get an experienced producer to do this. THIS is one of the BIGGEST MISTAKES new Filmmakers usually make: They DON'T hire an experienced Producer. And, most experienced Producers may want a retainer - not always A LOT of money, but more a show of good faith - and why not? They shouldn't work for free. Some will, if they think they can do something with your script faster. But, either way, I would reach out to an experienced Producer, one who has connections with actors, money people, distributors and Film Festivals, which will be an important route for you. An experienced Producer will help you eons more than an entertainment attorney. AND, his or her retainers will be much less. Hope this helps. GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH! <3
As an entertainment attorney and producer... you need something in hand (ie. money) to convince an agent to pass anything along to their name client, and going through an attorney won't change that, it might make it more expensive.
Well, get ahold of a top tier producer is quite difficult, get an entertainment attorney with industry connections is not as hard. You have to pay out of pocket regardless and if I were to spend the money, doesn't make sense to do with one that knows the artist's manager rather than an experienced producer that doesn't necessarily have those connections? I also find value in adding a lawyer early on for the incorporation of my production company and other matters, so it wouldn't be for the sole purpose of looking for a middle man. That being said... how much difference $$$ are we talking about between a producer and attorney?
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I am planning the same approach to further my Sci-Fi novel adaptation. However I want to get the project to producers and production companies first. Going after talent is almost always a second step -- unless you have money to pay a talent commitment. I suggest Brandon Blake, ent. atty. He is a member of Stage 32. Don't know his rates yet, but he provides some great useful information here:
https://filmtvlaw.com/entertainment-lawyer-qa
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Francisco, here is a good source of information about how entertainment attorneys work.: https://filmtvlaw.com/entertainment-lawyer-qa
This firm is a Stage 32 member.
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Francisco Casals -- pay-to-play is illegal in Hollywood. A Top-tier Producer who takes money from you for anything other than investment is committing a crime. That's why Top-Tier Producers don't do it. You can't buy access to anyone with the power to green light a production.
Even if I take your money in exchange for giving your script to an A List Producer I know, I'm committing a crime.
When you pay to pitch, you're pitching for feedback, period.