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Entertainment & Media Law

Dana D. McDaniel

Spotts Fain's entertainment and media lawyers can provide industry-specific and general legal advice to writers, musicians, producers, directors, production companies, record labels, independent filmmakers, as well as many other local and regional creative professionals and organizations.  Our attorneys believe that counseling clients in media, entertainment and creative matters requires more than a narrow knowledge of film, music, television and publishing; it also requires the backing of a firm with a broad range of experienced corporate and litigation attorneys.  Entertainment is, at its most fundamental level, a business with many of the same pitfalls and issues as any other business. In addition to pure entertainment law advice, our attorneys can help ensure that our creative clients receive expert advice in all aspects of their business or career affairs.  From our seasoned business lawyers and litigators to our extensive intellectual property practice, Spotts Fain has the necessary resources and dedication to represent you or your business.

The entertainment and media industries are composed of many different companies and individuals, which possess varying interests, needs, and areas of expertise.  Spotts Fain appreciates the diverse and sometimes daunting legal issues facing our clients.  As a result, we also recognize the importance of providing our clients with first-rate legal services in a cost-effective manner.  Our attorneys pride themselves on effectively representing our client's interests and meeting their legal needs, which range from basic contract services for individuals to complex production and financing deals for larger businesses.  We believe that achieving the goals of each and every client is paramount.  Whether the client is local or national, new to the industry or a seasoned veteran, our attorneys offer the same high-quality professional services and render them on a practical, personal level. 

Our attorneys are willing and able to assist new clients from the earliest stages of their careers.  We value newcomers to the entertainment industry and appreciate any opportunity to provide legal services for ambitious, young individuals and businesses.  Whether you are an up-and-coming entry to the market or an established staple of the entertainment or media industries, our dynamic, young team of attorneys can provide quality representation and services, but at competitive, economical rates that please the bottom-line. 

Our Entertainment and Media Law Practice Group provides business and litigation services that include:

  • Copyright, consents, releases and permissions
  • Recording, publishing and performance contracts
  • Band/musician partnership agreements 
  • Agent and management contracts for musicians 
  • Agent and publishing agreements for authors
  • Business formation services for corporations, partnerships and individuals
  • Employment contracts for producers, directors, writers, actors, musicians and artists
  • Labor and employment services for employers of all sizes 
  • Acquisition and sale of rights to literary, musical or artistic property 
  • Production, financing and distribution services for the film and television industry
  • Intellectual property, contract, and tort litigation representation 
  • Negotiation, interpretation, and creation of entertainment industry contracts 
  • Advice on compensation, credit, artistic control and ownership rights issues

October 5, 2010 - Mike Rothermel will speak at a seminar in Richmond, Practical Guide to Zoning and Land Use Law

August 20, 2010 - Michael Yager, a Legal Assistant in our Litigation Section, spoke at a NALA LIVE! presentation on electronic discovery, "E-Discovery - Slow Down the Train" 

August 5, 2010 - Four Spotts Fain lawyers named in Best Lawyers in America, Meade Spotts, Hugh Fain, Robert Chappell and Dana McDaniel.

August 2, 2010 - Spotts Fain attorney, Lee Stephens assisted clients with first Fort Pickett Army Compatible Use Buffer (ACUB) conservation easement held by a State agency.

July 28, 2010 - Lessons on Charitable Conservation Contributions from Schneidelman v. Commissioner, by Robert Allen and Lee Stephens.

July 2010 - Spotts Fain congratulates Brian Marron, who begins his term as President of the Greater Richmond Bar Foundation.

July 9, 2010 - 'Much Ado About Nothing' - Bilski v. Kappos, by Bob Barrett.

June 23, 2010 - We are proud to announce that six Spotts Fain lawyers were named in the Virginia Super Lawyers list for 2010 and six named Virginia Rising Stars.

June 21, 2010 - Section 1031 Update - Exchange Facilitators Act is effective July 1, 2010, by John Anderson

June 19, 2010 - You may be required to notify your employees of their right to join a union, by Betsy Davis.

June 15, 2010 - Spotts Fain Creditors' Rights lawyers spoke at a Virginia Association of Community Banks Teleseminar on Bankruptcy and Collections

May 24, 2010 - Virginia Supreme Court Affirms Circuit Court Decision Confirming Arbitration Award in Dispute Involving a Limited Liability Company, by Andrew Oxenreiter and John Anderson.

May 18, 2010 - Health Care Reform - Priorities for Employers 2010 by Elliot Fitzgerald

May 13, 2010 - Mark With Care: The Rise of § 292 False Patent Marking Lawsuits, by Bob Barrett.

April 23, 2010 - Business people should be aware of the consequences for violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).

April 23, 2010 - Bob Barrett presented The $612.5 Million Question: How to protect your intellectual property at the Greater Richmond Chamber.

April 7, 2010 - The Spotts Fain Intellectual Property Team welcomes Bob Barrett to our growing practice group.

April 1, 2010 - We are very pleased to announce that Connell Mullins has been elected a shareholder of the firm and Deborah Fourness has been elected a director. 

January 27, 2010 - We are proud to announce that Spotts Fain Managing Director, Hugh M. Fain, III has been elected Chair of the Board of Governors of the Virginia Bar Association

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