Risky Business comes to Detroit, October 15, 2005

Risky Business: Financing & Distributing Independent

Mark Litwak will be bringing his Risky Business seminar to Detroit for the first time this fall. The seminar will be held at State University Community Arts Auditorium, Detroit, MI.

This comprehensive seminar explores how independent films are financed and distributed. Topics include financing via pre‑sales, debt and limited partnerships, negotiating tactics, typical contract terms, cross‑collaterization and creative accounting. Particular attention is paid to how producers and filmmakers can protect themselves by watering down warranties, getting added to the E & O policy, using lab access letters to retain possession of the negative, utilizing termination and arbitration clauses. The seminar includes a handout with a distribution contract, articles, a self‑defense checklist and other materials. Other topics include criteria for selecting a distributor; what is negotiable and what is not; compliance with state and federal laws when seeking investors; retaining an attorney or producer's rep; confirming arbitration awards in Superior Court; and, enforcing judgments.

For additional information and to register, visit: http://www.artservemichigan.org/index2.html

FINANCE AND DISTRIBUTION SEMINAR, UCLA October 29 & 30, 2005

Financing Independent Features and Negotiating a Distribution Agreement
U.C.L.A. EXTENSION
X 403.22 Management 1 unit $225
8.75 hours of MCLE credit available.

Explore how independent films are financed and distributed. Seminar topics include financing via pre-sales, debt, and limited partnerships; negotiating tactics; typical contract terms; cross-collaterization; and creative accounting. Particular attention is paid to how producers and filmmakers can protect themselves by watering down warranties, getting added to the E&O policy, using the lab access letter to retain possession of the negative, and utilizing termination and arbitration clauses. Applies toward Business and Legal Affairs requirement in Certificate Program in The Business and Management of Film, Television, and Digital Entertainment Media. Required text: Risky Business, Financing and Distributing Independent Films, available at LuValle Bookstore or online.

Reg# R4427B
UCLA: Public Policy Bldg.
¤Saturday, 10am-5pm,
October 29
¤Sunday, 9am-12pm,
October 30, 2 mtgs.
Mark Litwak, entertainment attorney and producers representative; author of six books and Automated Contracts in the Film and Television Industry, a software program

"SELF-DEFENSE" AT UCLA APRIL 16 & 17, 2005

Mark will be teaching his class: "Self-Defense for Independent Filmmakers: Protecting Your Legal Rights" at UCLA Extension again this spring.

Self-Defense for Independent Filmmakers: Protecting Your Legal Rights
Independent filmmakers who are in charge of their own projects may be taken advantage of in their dealings with those whose experience is greater. For this reason, writers, directors, and producers must understand their legal rights and how to defend themselves against exploitation. In this intensive seminar, filmmakers learn how to anticipate problems before they arise in their negotiations with production and distribution companies and create incentives to encourage the companies to live up to their agreements, including performance incentives, default penalties, and arbitration clauses. In the event of an unresolvable dispute, participants learn what remedies are available to enforce their rights.

To enroll in the course online, go to www.uclaextension.com and enter Course Reg#: R0176U. The class is held on the UCLA main campus. Hours: Saturday 10-5 PM, Sunday 9-Noon. Location: 3126 Rolfe Hall