Legal Clearances for Filmmakers - Panel Discussion

Whether you are in the planning stages of your next film, currently in post-production or preparing for release - anticipating legal clearance issues is a crucial step. What can you do to avoid or reduce potential rights clearance issues with music and other media? What are the boundaries of “fair use”? How do you obtain a “Producer’s Errors and Omissions” insurance policy? When should you establish an LLC? We bring in experts to address the issue.

When: Thursday, April 30th, 6-8pm

Where: NW Documentary - 115 SW Ash Street, Suite 540

What: $20 admission fee, register online

Who: Our panelists are listed below

Bart Day is a long-time entertainment attorney and former VP of legal and business affairs for an L.A.-based entertainment company. He recently worked on rights clearances for Heaven Adores You, a documentary about Elliot Smith. He is the co-author of two books on legal aspects of the entertainment industry.

Sean Clancy is an associate attorney at Day and Koch LLP, focusing on business, entertainment, and intellectual property law.  Before becoming a lawyer, he was a filmmaker in Seattle, Washington.

Eric Nordby is the Director of Music Supervision at Marmoset Music, heading up the music clearances department. He is also the lead guitar and singer-songwriter for the local alt-country band Norman.

Christi Deardorff has been a media entertainment E & O  (Errors & Omissions) underwriter for more than 20 years and was one of the first underwriters to partner with documentary filmmakers in LA to offer Fair Use coverage.  She is now Senior Vice President at Hiscox USA.