Industry Expert

For my industry expert blog, I interviewed Entertainment Lawyer, Elliott Alderman of The Alderman Law Office. The Alderman Law Office is located in Washington D.C. near the White House. Mr. Alderman has been serving clients in the Washington D.C. Metro, as well as nationally and throughout the world for nearly 30 years. Mr. Alderman is a very busy man and was swamp with cases, but was able to have a brief meeting with me.

Can you give a little background about yourself?

Well, I was an English major at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, where I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in 1978. I was a William V. Frankel Scholar and the Root-Tiden Nominee to New York University Law School. I then attended American University, Washington College of Law in Washington D.C., where I received my Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in 1982. I was associated with The Dean's Fellow Program and a Summer Research Assistant. I passed the District of Columbia Bar Exam in 1983 and the Virginia Bar Exam in 2004. I have worked with the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Copyright Office. I have done some counseling for tax analysts and I started The Alderman Law Office in 1994.

Why did you become an Entertainment Lawyer?

As a kid, I've always been into my schoolwork. I was one of those kids who liked to study. Even though I was into my studies, it didn't stop me from being a normal kid, I was always outside playing sports and just being a kid. As I got older it was the interest in arts and literature led me to my current position.

What kind of cases do you handle on a daily basis?

I do a lot of content licensing, rights clearance, opinion letters about copyright infringement, advice on monetizing content, sue people for violating my clients' intellectual property and defend people who are sued.

I want to start a movie production company, what should I be aware of?
Violating another company's intellectual property. Trademark infringement is always a major issue with companies, you want to make sure you're not stealing someone else's mark and using it as your own. Copyright infringement will also gain you several lawsuits. Anything you use that is not your own creative work, get a clearance from that party. Everything should be in a written contract, no verbal contracts, period.

Does the profession interfere with your personal life?

Practicing law is very consuming and definitely interferes with your personal life. It can be very stressful at times, but you learn how to corporate it in your daily routine. Although it demands a lot of time, I wouldn't change it for the world.

Can any lawyer be an Entertainment Lawyer?

Many lawyers claim to do entertainment law but unless you have particular copyright and trademark expertise, it is really impossible to do entertainment work. Any persons seeking legal counsel in the entertainment industry should make sure their lawyer is an expert in those particular areas.


I was glad to interview with Mr. Alderman, due to his busy schedule. His advice was great and would help me with my future business. I now know that any lawyer isn't always the right lawyer to have in the entertainment industry, also what to be aware of when starting my own business. With the right counsel, any business can be successful.

Contact Information:

Elliott C. Alderman

The Alderman Law Office

1629 K Street, N.W. Suite 300

Washington, DC 20006

Phone: (202) 973-0188

E-mail: thecontentlawyer@verizon.net

Web sites:  http://www.aldermanlawoffice.com

                  http://www.thecontentlawyer.com

                 

Twitter:      http://twitter.com/#!/ContentLawyer

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/thecontentlawyer.com

Linkedin:   http://www.linkedin.com/pub/elliott-alderman/9/38b/658

Controversy

This week's class assignment is to locate three articles, videos or podcast detailing any legal liabilities within our desired industry. Today I have decided to discuss the Charlie Sheen controversy, the Oscar nomination controversy and the 2011 NFL Lockout.

Charlie Sheen and "Two and a Half Men"

As many know, Charlie Sheen has been in numerous counts of trouble over the past 15 years. Since his recent drug issues and custody battles, he finally snapped. In recent reports, Sheen blurted out outrageous rants about owner Chuck Lorre and this eventually got the show cancelled. Since the show is cancelled, the network is not obligated to pay them. The question now is will Charlie pay for his actions. I believe since the situation is because of him, he should be given a fine to pay for suffering. Although it's not legal there shouldn't be a penalty for someone else's mistakes. Click here for the article.

Oscar Nominations

I have never been a big fan of the Oscar's; to be quite honest, I have never watched them. After reading the following article, I can continue to not watch them. In the article, they discuss the nominees and how this is big for their promotional sales. I don't think it's right that this happens to a lot of films because many films, actors and directors don't always get the credit deserved. The real talent isn't always portrayed and a lot of celebrities that received the award aren't as talented. Click here for the full article.

2011 NFL Lockout

In the following article, Law professor; Director, Tulane Sports Law Program, Gabriel A. Feldman discusses the NFL Lockout Legal Negotiations. Gabriel explains the reason behind the allegations in the NFL and what steps would be taken throughout the process. When I think about the 2011 NFL Lockout, I don't see it as a big deal. In my opinion, NFL players are over compensated. I know that the NFL is a contact sport and many players can get hurt at any time in the game but at the same time they aren't heros. When I say they aren't heros, meaning they aren't public service providers. Police officers, firemen and teachers are all underpaid. These are people who change lives everyday, these are the people who should make the big bucks. To follow the article click here.

Source: 

Inside TV

IP Finance

The Huffington Post

Best Practices

Going into this course, I was sure I knew a few things about how to be a manager. I mean, I am in the entertainment industry. But, I was sure to find out, that I really didn't know much at all. During my week 1 readings, I discovered that there are many different roles in a manager depending on the agreement and state laws. For example, I thought the one of the major duties of a manager was to book events for the artist, but in California, it's prohibited. In fact, that's not the role of a manager at all unless it's in the agreement.

The first week's discussion was one of my favorites because I learned to think how an artist can differentiate themselves from similar artist. The assignment made me expand my thinking and show what abilities I have as a potential manager. 

In the second week assignment, I thought it would be very easy, being as though I am good at event planning. There were still some things I had to learn when planning for an artist though. First, I was unaware of the rider agreement that most artist have. It was something that was always a mystery to me. 

I also like the second week's discussion because it really showed how having a good management and production team is beneficial to any artist.

In the third week's assignment, I learned how much of a hustler one must always be in order to gain success in the artist's career as well as the managers. If the manager isn't doing their job, than neither person will be successful in their career. In my interview with Melvin, I also learned that being a manager for the money isn't the best thing to do. Choosing this career path must be a passion if you really want to enjoy it.

As we worked our way into product management, I wasn't to trill to learn more about it. But, the one thing I did learn is if your going to pitch an idea for a new product, everything must be concise. One must be able to tell what the product is, what is can do for you, how it's different and how it can compete. Most importantly, do not forget how much money it can make the company.

All in all, I really enjoyed this class, but i know there is more to learn.  

Interview with Melvin Yerby

Melvin Yerby is a independent artist manager. He is the manager of Washington DC local artist Ms. Carry.  In the interview with Mr. Yerby, he gave me an insight of what an artist manager is and what he brings to the table.

What is your definition of artist management?
An artist manager is someone who manages the artist career as far as what gigs should be taken, any special appearances, things of that nature. Artist managers basically plan and organize the artist's career. There are many different things an artist manager can do for the artist but that all lies within their contract.

You say it all depends on what is in the contract, what are your duties as an artist manager?
Since I work with independent artists a lot, I pretty much do everything for them. The biggest thing I do for them is find clubs or other venues where they can perform. That is my main focus, getting their name in everyone's ear. I also set appointments for studio sessions, meetings with producers, photographers, radio personalities, the list goes on. Many local artists can't afford to have publicist, image consultants and all those other people, so I try to be as big a help I can.

Where do you search for other talents at?
Usually when I go to clubs with my artist, I search around for the talent. If I like somebody, I'll definitely give out my card. But, I meet different artists at studios, open mics, photo shoots and then there are times I just have to do some good networking.

What kind of artists do you manage?
Well, I'm not picky of what kind of artist they are, male female, singer, rapper, it doesn't really matter as long as they are focused, driven and are ready to work, I'm ok. If I am working hard to get these artists gigs and help them start their career, I want them to be just as driven and eager. They should want it just as much as I do.

What are some of the skills of an artist manager? 
The number one things I would say is to have the passion to do it. It won't be an easy job if your just doing it for the paycheck. You have to be dedicated and ready to hustle. Of coarse having the right education credentials is a plus and will get you further faster but that doesn't always guarantee success. Good communication with the artist, trust and loyalty is definitely the key to a good manager.

What are some of the things you have to negotiate when it comes to your artists?
I've had to negotiate compensation for some artists because many clubs won't pay for them to appear at their clubs, they want us to pay them. So I try to book them for open mics, where they can win prize money. I negotiate how much studio time can be provided and what deals I can get for it. There's a young lady who does an internet radio station name MzUnderstood, I try to get my artists on her show. Everything I do, I try to get the best deal I can that will be beneficial to both the artists and whoever.

What are the ups and downs of being an artist manager?
Well....the ups of being an artist manager is meeting the different talented people and hearing all the creativity they bring to the world. Even though I'm only in D.C., I get much respect from some of the smaller local clubs and people know who I am. It's just a fun experience all around. The down part is having to constantly be on the grind. This is a 24/7 job, so you have to always be working. There's no room for slack.

What advise would you give to anyone trying to become an artist manager?
Anybody in the process of becoming an artist manager should make sure this is what you want to do. If you can't see yourself doing this 5 years from now than this job isn't for you. Also make sure you have the right skills and knowledge of what an artist manager does because if you don't know what you're doing than your career as well as your artist career is going straight down the toilet. The last thing is be prepared to work and work hard. This job can be a challenge but if it's really what someone wants to do than they be good at it.

I'm sure Melvin and his artist are on their way to success. Good luck to them all.

New to Negotiating

I decided to interview someone who is new to negotiation. Many people want to know how negotiating is when your new to the business. This would be a good study guide on what is the right way to go about negotiating and the wrong things that can hurt the negotiating.

The person I chose for this interview is a young entrepreneur named Douglas Ricks III. His company is called 1004 Innovations, which will be a multi-media company, focusing in web designing and designing green eco friendly products in various markets. Douglas is currently located in Norfolk, Va and has met with a few investors.

How did you feel when you had your first negotiation?

When I went into the first negotiation, I thought I had a strong view on the subject at hand. I was real optimistic and thought the investor would understand what I wanted. However, I didn't want to be overwhelmed and big-headed. I just wanted the investor to hear my plan.

How did the negotiation go?


I think it went well because I learned what actual steps I should take. The investor could tell I was new to industry and I needed some guidance. He gave me some insight on what was realistic. I feel like I gained a good contact and he referred me to the right people who can guide me in the right direction.

Do you feel your company will succeed and how will you go about it?


I feel my company will succeed as long as I stay diligent and focus on what needs to be done. I will take the necessary steps needed in order to reach my goal. I know I need to do more research on competitors and stats. I feel that with the right connections I will be alright and on my way to the top.