So you book a job, your agent sends over the contract or deal memo, and suddenly it hits you: Should I have a lawyer look at this before I sign? It’s a simple question, but the answer is more complex than one might imagine. After all, agents understand deals—they negotiate them. A lawyer brings a deeper knowledge of the details and the capability to negotiate those details, but that knowledge comes with a price: Most entertainment lawyers charge talent 5 percent, while some are available at hourly rates of $300 an hour and up. Is an attorney always necessary? Some lawyers we spoke to said yes. One studio lawyer recommended, “Actors should engage an attorney whenever they are presented with a contract to sign. Even if the employer refuses to modify the agreement, the attorney can educate the actor about the terms of the contract, including what rights he/she is giving up.
- 5/17/2013
- backstage.com
Strand Releasing has acquired Us rights to Adam Sherman’s "Crazy Eyes" starring Lukas Haas and Madeline Zima, which will have its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival. It's the story of a young man whose obsession for a girl he calls Crazy Eyes drives him to the brink. The cast also includes Jake Busey, Ray Wise and Tania Raymonde. Strand plans to release the film in early summer. Strand also released Sherman's "Happiness Runs" in 2009. The deal was negotiated between Strand Releasing’s Jon Gerrans and attorney Irwin Rappaport.
- 2/28/2012
- by Indiewire Staff
- Indiewire
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