Navigating the legal landscape of entertainment: Insights from industry leaders
In the ever-evolving world of cinema, TV series, and music, legal professionals play a crucial role in steering their companies through turbulent times. From strikes to economic downturns, these legal minds have been instrumental in ensuring that dealmaking and production continue at a brisk pace. Here, we delve into the experiences and philosophies of some of the top legal executives in the entertainment industry.
Francisco Arias: Leading with respect and camaraderie
Francisco Arias, the General Counsel and Head of Business and Legal Affairs at Fifth Season, has been at the forefront of significant deals and productions. One of his notable achievements was securing a $225 million strategic investment from a leading Japanese studio in December 2023. This deal was pivotal for Fifth Season, formerly known as Endeavor Content.
Arias oversees a 23-person team that handles all business and legal affairs across various divisions, including TV, film, and labor relations. His recent projects include the crime thriller She Rides Shotgun, starring Taron Egerton, and Apple TV+ series like Severance and the upcoming Chief of War, created by and starring Jason Momoa. Arias believes in operating with mutual respect and camaraderie, allowing his team to have a real voice in their work.
Tammy Brandt: Navigating AI and industry challenges
Tammy Brandt, an Executive within the Chief Corporate and Strategy Counsel at CAA, joined the company in February 2023. Her portfolio includes overseeing all corporate legal matters, such as mergers and acquisitions, compliance, intellectual property, government relations, and governance. One of her significant contributions was launching the CAA Vault, a service that securely stores clients’ digital likenesses and voices, giving talent control over their digital identities.
Brandt also played a crucial role in the CAA/Artemis transaction, finalizing the sale of a majority stake in CAA to Artemis during the actors’ and writers’ strikes. She emphasizes the importance of protecting the rights of creators in the face of AI advancements, which was a central issue during the strikes.
Steve Chung: Embracing innovation and collaboration
As the Chief Counsel at Walt Disney Television, Steve Chung oversees a vast array of brands, including ABC Entertainment, ABC News, Disney Television Studios, FX, National Geographic, Hulu, and Disney+. Chung recently worked with Disney’s production lawyers to create an international practice group, fostering collaboration among lawyers of all levels and specialties.
Chung highlights the rapid changes in the industry as one of the biggest challenges. He believes in prioritizing innovation and creative collaboration to ensure Disney remains at the forefront of the industry.
Janell Coles-English: From kids’ TV to high-profile deals
Janell Coles-English, the Executive VP of Business & Legal Affairs at Sony Pictures Television — Nonfiction, has had a remarkable journey. Starting her career in kids’ TV regulations, she spent two decades at Discovery before moving to Sony Pictures Television in 2022. At Sony, she has negotiated significant deals with producers like Jeff Collins (Dance Moms) and high-profile production agreements, including Meghan Markle’s new Netflix lifestyle series.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland: Leading SAG-AFTRA through historic times
As the National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator at SAG-AFTRA, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland led the union through a record-long 118-day strike in 2023. The new contract secured more than $1 billion in additional compensation and benefit plan funding. Crabtree-Ireland has been a central figure in several historic events, including the SAG-AFTRA merger in 2012 and navigating the COVID crisis.
Stephen Dormer: Innovating legal processes at Netflix
Stephen Dormer, the Senior Director of Business & Legal Affairs at Netflix, plays a crucial role in the company’s constant content creation. He focuses on developing tech tools to increase efficiency in contract drafting and workload management. Dormer’s innovations in data management have helped bring projects like Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, the Knives Out sequels, and a new Happy Gilmore sequel to life.
Tommy Finkelstein: Guiding mergers and growth
Tommy Finkelstein, the General Counsel and Partner at Independent Artist Group, played a pivotal role in the merger of APA and AGI to form IAG. Finkelstein guided the legal and negotiating team through the merger and oversaw the business, legal, and administrative integration of the two companies. He highlights the challenges of navigating aggressive growth in the past year.
These legal professionals have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and leadership in navigating the complex landscape of the entertainment industry. Their insights and experiences offer valuable lessons for anyone interested in the intersection of law and entertainment.# Navigating the future of entertainment: Key players and their impact
In the ever-evolving landscape of cinema, TV series, and music, certain individuals stand out for their contributions and strategic decisions. This article delves into the stories of some of these influential figures, offering insights and personal reflections for enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
The rise of AI in storytelling
The debate around artificial intelligence (AI) in storytelling is more relevant than ever. While some fear that AI might replace the human touch in narratives, others see it as a tool for enhancing production efficiency. The real impact of AI will likely be felt in areas like visual effects (VFX), animation, and physical production. These sectors could see significant cost savings, leading to a shift in how projects are executed.
Irene Flores: A journey from Ukraine to Hollywood
Irene Flores, a native of Ukraine, moved to Los Angeles at the age of six. Her parents envisioned three career paths for her: doctor, lawyer, or engineer. Disliking blood and math, she chose law, a field in which she has excelled. As General Counsel at Boardwalk Pictures, Flores has closed deals for numerous series, including America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE, and Encounters. Her recent work also includes Season 3 of Welcome to Wrexham and a documentary on Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Stuart Goldstein: Steering Vice Media through turbulent times
Stuart Goldstein played a pivotal role in leading Vice Media out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023. Despite massive layoffs, Goldstein worked with management to transition to a new model, Vice Studios Group. This new entity boasts a large library and production arms, overseeing projects like Season 3 of Gangs of London, Bama Rush, and ESPN’s American Gladiators documentary. Goldstein emphasizes the importance of team morale and looks forward to a year of growth and exciting new projects.
Horacio Gutierrez: Disney’s legal mastermind
Horacio Gutierrez, Senior Executive VP and Chief Legal and Compliance Officer at Disney, has been instrumental in navigating the company through complex legal landscapes. He played a key role in defeating a major proxy battle and continues to advise on corporate governance and regulatory matters. Gutierrez is excited about the potential of AI to augment Disney’s creative capabilities, emphasizing that human imagination will always be at the heart of creativity.
Robert Hilton: Merging giants in the sports entertainment world
Robert Hilton, Senior VP and Deputy General Counsel at Endeavor and TKO, was a key figure in the $21 billion transaction that created TKO Group Holdings, combining WWE and UFC. His recent deals also include acquisitions of BDA Sports, True Grit, Red 11, and Ross Yoon. Hilton believes that sports ownership remains a compelling area of focus due to the finite number of teams and leagues, which drives their value.
Chi Kephart: From construction sites to TV hits
Chi Kephart, Head of Business Affairs and General Counsel at A. Smith & Co. Prods. and Magical Elves for Tinopolis USA, learned the value of hard work early on. She has closed deals for shows like Roku’s WWE series with John Cena and oversees legal matters for long-running hits like Top Chef, American Ninja Warrior, and Hell’s Kitchen.
Lori Landew: Crafting the future of audiobooks
Lori Landew, General Counsel at Audible, has been instrumental in securing deals for the release of “full-cast” audiobook versions of the Harry Potter series in 2025. She also played a key role in winning a patent infringement case and overseeing deals with major companies like Mercedes Benz, Air Canada, and Sirius XM. Landew sees herself as a conductor, ensuring that her team’s work comes together in harmony.
Scott Lindley: From accounting to talent acquisitions
Scott Lindley, Associate General Counsel at Wasserman, leverages his background in accounting to evaluate M&A targets. He has been the lead in-house counsel for Wasserman’s acquisitions of Paradigm Talent Agency’s live music business and Brillstein Entertainment Partners. Lindley notes the complexity of acquiring companies where the core assets are people, rather than products.
Stephanie Kyoko McKinnon: Navigating complex negotiations
Stephanie Kyoko McKinnon, General Counsel at Skydance, has been at the center of negotiations to form a new Paramount. This complex transaction includes the acquisition of National Amusements and the merger of Skydance and Paramount. McKinnon continues to handle legal matters for Skydance’s various divisions, including its new horror label Nocturna.
In the dynamic world of entertainment, these individuals exemplify the blend of strategic thinking, legal acumen, and creative vision needed to navigate the industry’s challenges and opportunities. Their stories offer valuable lessons and inspiration for anyone passionate about cinema, TV series, and music.# Navigating the evolving landscape of entertainment law
The entertainment industry is in a state of constant flux, with rapid changes reshaping the way content is created, distributed, and consumed. This dynamic environment demands legal experts who can navigate the complexities and ensure that the industry adapts to new challenges. Here, we delve into the roles and insights of some of the key legal minds steering the ship in these turbulent waters.
Chris Miller: Embracing change at NBCUniversal Studio Group
In 2023, Chris Miller was promoted to general counsel of the newly formed NBCUniversal Studio Group, a merger that brought together the company’s film and television studios. This transition occurred amidst significant industry upheaval, with the WGA strike already in progress and the SAG-AFTRA strike looming. Miller reflects on the rapid evolution of the industry, noting, “The industry has changed more in the past five years than the 20 years that preceded it. But history has taught us that change is constant, and our industry needs to keep adapting to whatever comes our way.”
Paige Olson: Guiding Walt Disney Studios through labor challenges
Paige Olson’s journey at Walt Disney Studios began in 1996 as an entry-level production counsel. Today, she oversees all legal matters for the studio’s various production divisions, including Marvel, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, Pixar, and Searchlight. Olson has played a crucial role in navigating the studio through a series of labor issues that have gripped the industry. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration in negotiations, stating, “Negotiations are about bringing people together to develop solutions that are balanced, sustainable, and that allow the entertainment ecosystem to thrive.”
UnJu Paik and Lee Goldberg: Expanding Wondery’s podcast empire
At Wondery, UnJu Paik and Lee Goldberg are at the forefront of crafting podcast deals for popular shows like “Armchair Expert” and “New Heights.” Paik, who manages Wondery’s global content deals, highlights the synergies offered by parent company Amazon, which have allowed them to extend podcast IP into other areas, including TV adaptations and e-commerce. Goldberg, head of legal, underscores the importance of staying compliant with current and upcoming regulations, ensuring that Wondery remains a leader in the podcasting space.
Marni Pedorella: Leading Universal Studio Group’s legal team
From a young age, Marni Pedorella knew she wanted to be a lawyer. Today, she leads a global team of approximately 75 lawyers and legal staff for Universal Studio Group’s 100-plus active series, including popular franchises like “Law & Order” and “One Chicago.” Pedorella’s team handles rights acquisitions, talent agreements, and outbound licenses to more than 25 platforms worldwide. Her passion for problem-solving and helping people has been a driving force in her successful career.
David Perez: Pioneering AI partnerships at WME
David Perez is at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry. As the head of business affairs for non-scripted content at WME, Perez has negotiated groundbreaking partnerships with technology firms that combat “deepfakes” and enable clients to control authorized likenesses. He also closed deals for non-scripted shows, including Julia Fox’s “OMG Fashun” for NBC/Peacock. Perez believes that the full potential of AI in the industry is yet to be realized, but the progress made in recent years is promising.
Roy Rosenthal: Steering Scopely through major acquisitions
Roy Rosenthal played a central role in Scopely’s $4.9 billion acquisition by Savvy Games Group in July 2023, one of the largest deals in video game history. He has also engineered strategic partnerships with major brands like Marvel, Disney, and Warner Bros., and content creators such as MrBeast. Rosenthal’s work on Scopely’s hit mobile game “Stumble Guys” includes integrations with iconic IPs and deals to bring the game to Sony and Microsoft consoles. He sees this as an opportune time to identify ambitious game makers looking for a stable, long-term home.
Savalle Sims: Expanding Warner Bros. Discovery’s global reach
Savalle Sims has been instrumental in Warner Bros. Discovery’s global rollout of Max, which debuted in Latin America and much of Europe in 2023 and is set to launch in Southeast Asia in late 2024. Sims also leads the company’s DEI efforts, including the development of its Diversity in Entertainment Fellowship and its partnership in the Street Law pipeline program. She acknowledges the unique challenges posed by COVID and industry strikes, which have redefined shared motion picture viewing and collaborative experiences.
The future of entertainment law
The entertainment industry is undergoing unprecedented changes, driven by technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and evolving regulatory landscapes. Legal experts like Chris Miller, Paige Olson, UnJu Paik, Lee Goldberg, Marni Pedorella, David Perez, Roy Rosenthal, and Savalle Sims are at the forefront of navigating these changes, ensuring that the industry continues to thrive. Their insights and expertise are invaluable as the entertainment world adapts to new realities and embraces the opportunities that lie ahead.# The evolving landscape of cinema, TV series, and music
In the ever-changing world of cinema, TV series, and music, enthusiasts are constantly on the lookout for the next big thing. This article delves into the latest trends, offering personal reflections, in-depth analysis, and distinctive comments to enrich your understanding and appreciation of these art forms.
Cinema: A journey through storytelling
The rise of independent films
Independent films have been making waves in the industry, offering fresh perspectives and unique storytelling techniques. Unlike mainstream blockbusters, these films often explore niche topics and present them in innovative ways. For instance, the recent indie hit Movie Title Name has captivated audiences with its raw portrayal of human emotions and intricate plot.
Blockbusters: The spectacle continues
While indie films are gaining traction, blockbusters remain a staple in the cinematic world. Movies like Blockbuster Title continue to draw massive crowds with their high-octane action sequences and star-studded casts. These films often push the boundaries of visual effects, creating immersive experiences that transport viewers to fantastical worlds.
Personal reflections on cinema
As a cinema enthusiast, I find myself drawn to the diverse range of films available today. Whether it’s the thought-provoking narrative of an indie film or the adrenaline-pumping action of a blockbuster, each movie offers a unique experience. The beauty of cinema lies in its ability to evoke emotions and provoke thought, making it a powerful medium for storytelling.
TV series: The golden age of television
Streaming services: A game-changer
The advent of streaming services has revolutionized the way we consume TV series. Platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime have made it easier than ever to access a vast library of content. This shift has also led to the rise of binge-watching, where viewers consume entire seasons in one sitting. Series like Popular TV Series have become cultural phenomena, sparking discussions and fan theories across social media.
The art of episodic storytelling
TV series offer a unique storytelling format that allows for deeper character development and more intricate plotlines. Shows like Critically Acclaimed Series have mastered the art of episodic storytelling, weaving complex narratives that keep viewers hooked from episode to episode. This format also allows for more experimental storytelling techniques, pushing the boundaries of what television can achieve.
Personal reflections on TV series
As a TV series aficionado, I appreciate the depth and complexity that this medium offers. The ability to explore characters and storylines over multiple episodes creates a more immersive experience. Whether it’s a gripping drama or a light-hearted comedy, TV series have the power to captivate and entertain in ways that few other mediums can.
Music: The soundtrack of our lives
The resurgence of vinyl
In recent years, vinyl records have made a surprising comeback. Music enthusiasts are drawn to the warm, analog sound that vinyl offers, as well as the tangible connection to the music. Albums like Vinyl Album Title have seen a resurgence in popularity, with both new releases and classic records being pressed on vinyl.
The digital age: Streaming and beyond
While vinyl has its charm, the digital age has transformed the way we listen to music. Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music provide instant access to millions of songs, making it easier than ever to discover new artists and genres. Albums like Digital Album Title have reached global audiences, thanks to the power of digital distribution.
Personal reflections on music
As a music lover, I find joy in both the old and the new. The tactile experience of playing a vinyl record is unmatched, but the convenience of streaming services cannot be denied. Music has the power to evoke memories and emotions, serving as the soundtrack to our lives. Whether it’s the latest hit or a timeless classic, each song holds a special place in our hearts.
Final thoughts
The worlds of cinema, TV series, and music are constantly evolving, offering new and exciting experiences for enthusiasts. By embracing both the traditional and the modern, we can appreciate the rich tapestry of storytelling and artistry that these mediums provide. So, whether you’re a fan of indie films, binge-worthy TV series, or the latest music trends, there’s always something new to discover and enjoy.