production & post-production general counsel

10 Reasons Why Your Production or Post-production Company Needs General Counsel

When it comes to running an entertainment production or post-production company, creativity and innovation are at the forefront. But behind the scenes, complex legal and business challenges can arise, requiring expert navigation to ensure your projects stay on track and compliant. This is where a general counsel attorney becomes invaluable and the skilled legal professionals at Boesch Law Group serve as your strategic partners, helping you avoid pitfalls and seize opportunities in the ever-evolving entertainment industry.

  1. Contract Drafting and Negotiation

Contracts form the backbone of any production or post-production venture. From talent agreements and crew contracts to vendor and distribution deals, every aspect of your business hinges on well-drafted, enforceable agreements. A general counsel attorney ensures your contracts are airtight, compliant with applicable laws, and tailored to your specific needs. They also handle negotiations to protect your interests and foster mutually beneficial partnerships.

  1. Intellectual Property Protection

In the entertainment world, intellectual property (IP) is king. Your projects—whether films, television shows, or digital content—are built on creative assets that need safeguarding. General counsel attorneys help you secure copyrights, trademarks, and other IP rights, ensuring your work remains protected from unauthorized use. They also assist with licensing agreements, ensuring you have the legal clearance to use third-party content in your projects.

  1. Regulatory Compliance

Entertainment production companies must navigate a maze of regulations, from labor laws to content ratings and privacy policies. A general counsel attorney ensures your company complies with local, national, and international laws, helping you avoid costly fines and reputational damage. This includes staying up-to-date with guild requirements for unions like SAG-AFTRA, as well as child labor laws if your production involves minors.

  1. Risk Management and Liability Mitigation

Productions are rife with potential risks, including on-set injuries, equipment damage, or disputes over creative control. A general counsel attorney identifies potential liabilities and develops strategies to mitigate them, such as securing the right insurance policies or implementing safety protocols. Should a dispute arise, they can represent you in negotiations, mediations, or entertainment litigation.

  1. Employment and Workplace Issues

Managing cast and crew involves navigating complex employment disputes and laws, especially in a creative and fast-paced industry like entertainment and post-production. A general counsel attorney provides invaluable support by advising on compliant hiring practices, drafting employment agreements, and developing workplace policies tailored to the unique needs of the industry. Whether it’s clarifying independent contractor classifications, addressing workplace harassment claims, or implementing best practices for employee relations, having general counsel ensures that businesses avoid costly mistakes and foster a productive work environment.

  1. Financing and Investor Relations

Securing funding is a critical aspect of entertainment production. General counsel attorneys assist with structuring financing deals, drafting investor agreements, and ensuring compliance with securities laws. They provide the legal clarity needed to attract and retain investors, giving them confidence in the stability and legality of your projects.

  1. Distribution and Licensing

Once your project is complete, getting it to audiences requires strategic distribution and licensing agreements. A general counsel attorney ensures these agreements maximize your revenue while protecting your rights. Whether you’re working with streaming platforms, traditional broadcasters, or international distributors, their expertise ensures fair terms and compliance with global legal standards.

  1. Crisis Management

The entertainment industry is no stranger to scandals, breaches, or unexpected crises. A general counsel attorney can help you navigate these situations swiftly and effectively, minimizing damage to your company’s reputation and bottom line. From managing public relations fallout to addressing legal claims, they’re an indispensable ally during challenging times.

  1. Corporate Governance and Strategy

As your company grows, you’ll need guidance on corporate governance, mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic moves. General counsel attorneys provide legal insight to help you scale your operations responsibly and strategically. They ensure your corporate structure, policies, and decision-making processes align with your long-term goals.

  1. Global Operations Support

For companies working on international projects, the legal landscape becomes even more complex. General counsel attorneys provide expertise on cross-border contracts, tax laws, and intellectual property issues, ensuring compliance with foreign regulations and avoiding costly errors.

The Bottom Line

In an industry as dynamic and high-stakes as entertainment, having a general counsel attorney on your team is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. They act as both a shield and a sword, protecting your company from legal risks while empowering you to capitalize on opportunities. By addressing everything from contracts and compliance to crisis management and corporate strategy, they allow you to focus on what you do best: creating exceptional content.

Whether you’re just starting out or managing a well-established production house, investing in a skilled general counsel attorney is one of the smartest moves you can make. Their expertise can mean the difference between a production that runs smoothly and one derailed by unforeseen challenges. In the ever-evolving entertainment landscape, they’re your ultimate legal and strategic partner.  Contact us today for a free consultation.  (310) 578-7880