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.

U.S. News- Best Lawyers Give FWRV Top Rating

November 20, 2013

Michael Rudell is named entertainment "Lawyer of the Year." Elliot Brown, Ken Weinrib and Michael Rudell are designated "Best Lawyers."

U.S. News-Best Lawyers have awarded FWRV their highest level ranking (“Tier 1”) both nationally and for the New York City metropolitan area in the categories of “Entertainment Law – Motion Pictures & Television” and “Entertainment Law – Music,” as reported in the 2014 edition of Best Lawyers. In addition, Michael Rudell was recognized in the publication as “Lawyer of the Year 2014” in the field of Entertainment Law, a distinction based on “the highest peer ratings received.” Also, each of Michael, Elliot Brown, and Ken Weinrib were designated “Best Lawyers” in the New York area. According to the publication: The 2014 firm rankings are selected from over 333,000 law firm assessments and close to 20,000 evaluations from almost 7,000 clients combined with survey results. A “tiered ranking [for law firms] signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise” and firms with a “Tier 1” designation are “recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers.” The “Best Lawyer” designation for an individual attorney is “based on more than 4.9 million detailed evaluations” and “only the most highly regarded advocates in their chosen field” are represented on the list.