by Caroline Gabsewics
Staff Writer
The foundation of the “Independent Film Making and the Law” panel started about 10 years ago on a much smaller scale when the Jacksonville Bar Association’s Sports and Entertainment Law Section began hosting the event. This year marks the third year of the “Independent Film Making and the Law” panel and it has grown into a state-wide event.
The panel meets Friday at the Hyatt. Registration is from 9:15-9:45 a.m. and a reception beginning at 4:45 p.m. concludes the event.
The event is held in conjunction with the Jacksonville Film Festival that is Thursday-Sunday. Three years ago, about 30-35 people attended the event and last year it grew to about 50. Carolyn Herman, this year’s program chair, said they have already exceeded pre-registration numbers compared to last year.
“The biggest compliment is that attorneys are coming back for their second our third time,” she said. “This has been a great collaboration between the Film Festival and The Florida Bar. Everyone benefits from it.”
The event isn’t just for entertainment law attorneys. Herman said the event is geared towards attorneys, but it is also open for festivalgoers, film makers and producers.
“The crowd is mixed,” she said. “If you have a festival pass you can attend and attorneys can earn their CLE credits if they register through The Florida Bar.”
While the event is open to the general public, the initial belief is a majority of the crowd will be made up of producers, film makers and attorneys.
“For those in the film industry we are educating them, too, so they have a better understanding about the laws,” said Herman. “The movie and film industry is very popular and people, (not just producers and film makers) are interested in how all of the pieces come together.”
Since the event has gone state-wide, Herman said they have had attorneys from Orlando, Miami, Gainesville and Tampa attend the event. About half of the people in attendance are from Jacksonville and the other half comes from all over the state. Herman said most come from Orlando.
“That is why we don’t start until 10 a.m. so people can drive here,” she said. “People come from all over Florida, so it is a great promotion for Jacksonville.”
Some of the speakers are attorneys from around the nation including Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago and Minneapolis.
Panel topics
• “The Departed” — Negotiating Production and Operating Agreements between Financial and Creative People
Panelists will have a mock negotiation of the most important points of concern to investors and whether owners decide to produce their film through a joint production agreement or a single entity. They will also discuss the ethical issues that can arise when both parties come together.
• “Music and Lyrics” — Securing Music Rights for Film
Panelists will discuss the basics of securing music for independent film, including the examination of the applicable copyright law and how to avoid infringement litigation.
• The Good, the Bad & the Ugly, Volume III
Topics will include how the legal system is portrayed on film and the impact this portrayal has on the public’s perception of legal ethics and professionalism.
• It’s Not Just “Babel:” Creative Financing
Panelists will discuss how technology is helping to replace traditional financing mechanisms, how independent film is particularly conductive to these new and innovative schemes and what we can expect from the film festival circuit in the future.
To register
• Attorneys may register the day of the event for $25 in addition to the registration cost.
• Attorneys who want to earn CLE credits must visit www.easl.info and fill out the registration form or e-mail Angela Froelich of The Florida Bar at [email protected]
• The general public can register at www.jacksonvillefilmfestival.com for $25.