Hollywood Dealmaking : Negotiating Talent Agreements [Paperback]

Dina Appleton (Author), Daniel Yankelevits (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2002

Two entertainment attorneys and Hollywood insiders explain all the ins and outs of negotiating in the movie industry, including back ends, gross and adjusted gross profits, deferments, box office bonuses, copyrights, and much more.



This easy-to-follow reference–written clearly, without confusing legal jargon–is packed with expert insights on distribution, licensing, and merchandising. The book's invaluable resource section includes definitions of lingo for acquisition agreements and employment deals, twelve ready-to-use sample contracts, and a directory of entertainment attorneys in both New York and Los Angeles. With the negotiating tips in this guide, agents, writers, directors, actors, financiers, and filmmakers will save thousands of dollars in attorney fees.

Editorial Reviews

Review

" . . . provides a quick understanding of everything one needs to know to negotiate Hollywood talent agreements." -- Gavin Polone, motion picture and television producer

"...provides a thorough guide to the key issues confronted in talent negotiations." -- -Marti Blumenthal, Partner, Writers & Artists Agency

"I wish I could have had this book when I was starting out in the business. An invaluable reference work." -- Alan Poul, Executive Producer, Six Feet Under

"This is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a primer on our business." -- David J. Matlof, Partner, Armstrong Hirsch Jackoway Tyerman & Wertheimer

From the Publisher

"Making the deal" has become nearly as talked about in the entertainment industry as movies and television shows themselves. The legal resources of studios and networks are legendary, often intimidating independent producers, writers, actors, directors, agents, and others as they try to navigate through the maze of legal details. For those whose well-being depends on such conditions as greenlight, development fees, and pay-or-play, a new resource has arrived to level the playing field. Entertainment attorneys and Hollywood insiders Dina Appleton and Daniel Yankelevits explain the negotiation techniques and strategies used by seasoned professionals in Hollywood Dealmaking: Negotiating Talent Agreements.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Allworth Press; 1st edition (June 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581152280
• ISBN-13: 978-1581152289
• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 0.6 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #141,804 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #15 in Books > Law > Business > Entertainment
  • #26 in Books > Law > Media & the Law
  • #81 in Books > Law > Intellectual Property

More About the Author

Dina Appleton is currently Special Counsel in the Entertainment, Media and Technology group at a top Los Angeles law firm. Prior to her current position, she was the head of business and legal affairs at a full-service talent and literary agency.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Super Helpful Book on Entertainment Industry, August 14, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Hollywood Dealmaking : Negotiating Talent Agreements (Paperback)

I work at a Production company and a lot of contracts we hand to outside lawyers, but this is a good tool for me because it goes into details and discusses each point in a contract. This is something I'd love to have had many years ago, when I just got started in the business, and now that I have it, I am learning a lot of new things. There isn't any other book out there- quite like this.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you ever dreamed..., June 13, 2002

By 

"dysquare" (Brooklyn, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hollywood Dealmaking : Negotiating Talent Agreements (Paperback)

If you ever dreamed of seeing your book, script, short story or any creative idea turned into a movie or TV show, this book can improve your prospects of realizing this dream. In a clear, easy to follow narrative sprinkled with humor you are provided the scoop on the players and the rules that govern Hollywood deal making.

If you ever wanted to leave your mundane corporate law job and get into the exciting world of entertainment law, or if you work in the mail room and aspire to become the creative director of a Hollywood studio, or aspire to become a talent agent, this book is your GPS to guide you on your way.

I enjoyed reading the book

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hollywood Dealmaking is like having the main course and dessert all at once, January 25, 2010

By 

James Madison (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hollywood Dealmaking: Negotiating Talent Agreements for Film, TV and New Media (Paperback)

I recommend Hollywood Dealmaking not only to those with dreams of working in the entertainment business, but also for those who are already in the business.

So many books make promises. Well Dina Appleton and Daniel Yankelevit's "Hollywood Dealmaking" delivers.

Hollywood Dealmaking breaks down, with clarity, the duties/responsibilities of feature and television actors, producers and directors.

Ms. Appleton and Mr. Yankelevits breaks down the negotiating process, so that the reader can understand the steps needed to achieve their goal. The reader will understand what executives want and what they, as creatives need.

A great addition to the book is the "Deal Point Summary" at end of every chapter. The summary is a breakdown of every detail discussed within the chapter. It is more than helpful because it highlights points that protect the reader's interest.

The book has a disclaimer that states -

"The information in this book is intended to help the reader better understand the dealmaking process in Hollywood. It is not offered as legal advice, nor should it be construed as such. The authors strongly recommend that the reader consult with an experienced entertainment attorney to address each individual situation and any legal documentation".

That being said, Hollywood Dealmaking will give the reader the utmost confidence when discussing and understanding the intricacies of Hollywood dealmaking.

Ms. Dina Appleton and Mr. Daniel Yankelevits have successfully produced the best, informative read on negotiating agreements. With it's informative insight and easy to understand style, Hollywood Dealmaking is like having the main course and dessert all at once.

There are not enough stars to properly rate Hollywood Dealmaking.

Buy this book.