Money Can’t Buy You an Oscar
201501.15 0

Money Can’t Buy You an Oscar

Money can buy a lot of things.  It may even be able to buy you love, but it certainly can’t buy you an Oscar. Robert Surtees won three Oscars for cinematography – for “King Solomon’s Mines” (1950), “The Bad and the Beautiful” (1953) and “Ben-Hur” (1959).  His Oscar for “The Bad and the Beautiful” has recently…

Marriage Equality May Extend to Copyright
201501.14 0

Marriage Equality May Extend to Copyright

The U.S. Supreme Court and lower courts throughout the county have extended same-sex couples the right to marry in many states. When the U.S. Supreme Court struck down part of the Defense of Marriage Act in the Windsor decision, the Obama Administration began providing most federal spousal benefits to all same-sex married couples, regardless of where they…

Former NFL Players v. Madden NFL
201501.13 0

Former NFL Players v. Madden NFL

The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in California rejected EA’s motion to strike former NFL players’ right of publicity claims for EA’s failure to license their likeness for Madden NFL. EA licensed the rights for current players but did not do so for former players. They also did not mention the players by name…

Does Murder-Suicide Trigger the Simultaneous Death Act?
201410.24 0

Does Murder-Suicide Trigger the Simultaneous Death Act?

It is sad and unfortunate for all involved when people feel so desperate and hopeless that they resort to violence.  As has been verified repeatedly, violence only causes more problems.  Venice Beard shot and killed his wife, Melba, and then himself.  His wife died immediately, but Venice died approximately two hours later at the hospital….

201410.24 0

Texas Provides Money to Help Film Production

Promoting an active film industry is a great avenue to spur a region’s economic development.   Austin is known for its independent films and Houston’s WorldFest is one of the three original international film festivals in North America.  However, the film industry in Texas still has room to grow.  The Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program…

201410.24 0

A Legacy of Love: An Introduction to Estate Planning

The Opportunity to Choose Love Many put off creating an estate plan until it is too late — when death or incapacity is imminent. At this time, there is insufficient energy or time to fully consider all the ramifications of your estate plan.  An estate plan at this point is more like triage in the…

201410.24 0

5 Key Points in Talent Agent Contracts

Congratulations!! You’ve found an agent that is willing to represent you.  Now, the question is whether you want them to represent you.   Even though you are probably brimming with excitement,  now is the time to step back and be mindful.  Entering an agency agreement with the wrong talent agent can stifle your career.  So, here…