We represent authors at all stages of their careers -- world renowned ‎bestselling authors, and those who are being published for the first time.We represent some of the world’s most successful producers and creative talent, as well as owners of important films, novels and other works on which musicals and plays are based. Whether we handle a transaction in its entirety, or act as due diligence counsel, we are keenly aware of what distinguishes entertainment businesses from others being purchased or sold. We represent actors, directors, writers and other talent in all aspects of the motion picture, television, theater and digital media industries.Our attorneys are at the forefront of new developments in the production and exploitation of branded entertainment. Copyright is an essential component of almost every transaction involving creators and users of intellectual property and we provide experienced guidance. We counsel corporate clients in their business strategies, organize corporations and partnerships, and negotiate and draft a wide variety of agreements for major public corporations and privately held businesses.Our clients include documentary and other non-fiction producers; broadcasters; authors of books and writers of screenplays; digital and print publishers; playwrights and lyricists. We guide clients across the ever-changing legal and business landscape of digital content. Clients range from multinational corporations to early stage venture companies that offer news, music, satire, commentary, children's programming, and other forms of information and entertainment.Our clients produce and direct documentaries and other non-fiction series and films for broadcast and cable television; radio; web series and podcasts, SVOD and theatrical release.The firm represents executives at the highest levels of major entertainment, media, and advertising organizations. We help them structure and negotiate their employment agreements whether for new positions, the extension of existing agreements, or the structuring of settlement and separation packages. We represent clients in licensing, merchandising, and endorsements including established brands, celebrities, and authors. Our motion picture practice covers the full spectrum of the movie business. It includes advising independent film producers on financing, co-production, production, and distribution agreements; guiding directors, talent, screenwriters and distributors; and representing some of the world’s leading authors in their film rights deals with major studios. We represent recording artists, composers, major record labels and independent labels, music publishers, conductors, producers and managers.We represent presenters, producers, management companies and artists across a broad spectrum of the performing arts including theater, opera and other music.The firm's television practice covers a broad spectrum of programming across broadcast, cable, and online platforms.

FWRV Teams with Stellar Network and NYU Stern

February 23, 2006
BY:
Matthew C. Lefferts, Jonathan A. Lonner, Daniel M. Wasser

3-part lecture series about theater production

Members of FWRV, together with Stellar Network and NYU Stern Media and Entertainment Association will present a 3 part lecture series entitled, “From Underlying Rights to Opening Nights: Legal and Business Aspects of Theatrical Production.” Presentations were made by firm partners Jonathan Lonner, Dan Wasser and Matthew Lefferts, with some guest appearances by other members of the firm. The series, intended for non-lawyers as well as practicing attorneys, was a comprehensive overview of what’s required, from legal and business perspectives, to produce a play on Broadway or off-Broadway. Discussion topics included the basic legal and business framework of producing for the stage, including a review of underlying rights agreements, production contracts with authors, royalty pool arrangements, co-production and front money deals and financing documents, developmental theater arrangements, and the adaptation of works from film to stage and back again.