Clause & Effect
June 29, 2005
Film Release/Approvals <br>Production Projects/Agreements In Principle
A Primer on Protecting Investments In Motion-Picture Productions
June 29, 2005
If not for the infusion of private capital, many independent films ' generally films produced outside the traditional studio system ' would probably never have been made. That's because banks are unlikely to loan money for such an uncertain and risky venture ' the success of which is greatly dependent on the fickle nature of audiences. But most independent film investors are either unaware of, or pay little attention to, the realities of the theatrical film market. Given the limited potential for widespread independent film success and other inherent investment risks, an entertainment attorney must be diligent and proactive to fully protect a client's film investment.
Cameo Clips
June 29, 2005
Recent cases in entertainment law.
Bit Parts
June 29, 2005
Recent developments in entertainment law.
Courthouse Steps
June 29, 2005
Recently filed cases in entertainment law, straight from the steps of the Los Angeles Superior Court.
Arbitration Clauses: Do's and Don'ts for Leasing Lawyers
June 29, 2005
When faced with a transaction in which the arbitration of potential future disputes would offer advantages over court litigation or other forms of dispute resolution, a critical first step is to create a workable, enforceable arbitration agreement. In most instances, this agreement will be the "arbitration clause" included in the lease. A poorly drafted arbitration clause can create time-consuming and costly delays to the arbitration process. Arbitration agreements must be drafted carefully, and expert advice should be sought on all but the most straightforward two-party, single-contract cases. For U.S. parties involved in cross-border transactions, an arbitration agreement may be more appealing than court litigation because of the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (the "New York Convention") under which awards may be enforced abroad with relative ease. The New York Convention currently has 137 signatory countries. No analogous treaty currently exists for court awards rendered in the United States.
The Latest News on NorVergence
June 29, 2005
There have been three recent developments in two state courts in the closely watched NorVergence matter. First, a Florida circuit court judge dismissed the State Attorney General's suit against a number of leasing companies, holding that the leasing companies had not violated Florida's laws. Among other things, the court stated that the hell and high water and the waiver of defense and warranties clauses are permitted under Florida law and that the NorVergence forum selection clause is valid and enforceable under Florida law.
Cross-Border Disputes and the Potential for Resolution via Mediation
June 29, 2005
The world is rapidly becoming a smaller place in which to do business. And as international borders and boundaries become less of a barrier to business, participants in equipment leasing and finance find their world getting smaller, as well. "Globalization" is now an accepted and well-understood concept in most industries and markets, and it is no longer limited to large multinational corporations or institutions. With suppliers, vendors, and customers in many countries on several continents, all linked through the omnipresent Web and Internet, even small, independent businesses may successfully operate across borders.
