Maximizing Film Revenues
Independent filmmakers are caught up in an environment of shifting revenue sources. Once reliable revenue sources, such as DVD, cable and broadcasting, are eroding and being replaced by the growing although uncertain VOD, streaming and internet sales markets. Filmmakers must be savvier than ever to maximize their revenues.
This panel will shine a light on new and old sources of revenues for independent films and explore the future of revenues for independent films. The panel will discuss the revenue terms of distribution agreements and discuss: how to negotiate to maximize revenues, terms relating to recoupable costs, how to split rights among distributors and avoid pitfalls when structuring split rights deals, how definitions of rights and markets in one distribution agreement can conflict with other distribution contracts for the same film, accounting clauses, auditing and collections.
Presenters
Dan Satorius’ law firm is Satorius Law Firm, PC and he is Of Counsel with Lommen/Abdo. For over 25 years, he has represented clients in independent film and television including Academy Award, Emmy Award, Independent Spirit, and Sundance award winners. He frequently writes and speaks about entertainment law and was an adjunct professor of law at William Mitchell Law School. He is the Motion Picture and Television Vice-Chair of the ABA’s Forum on the Entertainment and Sports Industries. Dan has a Masters of Arts in Film Production and is a producer of award-winning films which gives him a unique ability to help his clients and their projects.
Jason W. Janego is Co-President of a new film label at The Weinstein Company, focusing on bringing new films and other specialty entertainment to audiences simultaneously across multiple traditional and digital platforms.
Prior to joining TWC, Janego had his own consultancy and legal practice focusing on the development of innovative strategies for the production, financing and distribution of content in all areas of the entertainment business.
Previously, he was the Chief Operating Officer at Big Beach Films, a New York-based production company whose credits include “Away We Go”, “Is Anybody There” and “Sunshine Cleaning”. Before joining Big Beach, Mr. Janego was Head of Business & Legal Affairs for Magnolia Pictures, Magnolia Home Entertainment, and Landmark Theatres, all of which are subsidiaries of the vertically integrated media company 2929 Entertainment. Mr. Janego has also worked at Miramax Films and with the film sales company Cinetic Media.
Earlier in his career, he was employed as an attorney in the legal department of the NBC television network and with Artemis Records. Mr. Janego serves on the Film Committee at the Museum of Modern Art. He received his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and his undergraduate degree from Bucknell University.
Andrew Hurwitz is a partner in the Entertainment Group at Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz. He has represented award-winning entertainment talent and leading media companies for almost 20 years, and is widely considered one of the nation’s top film and television industry lawyers.
Mr. Hurwitz has negotiated and structured virtually every type of development, production, financing, and distribution agreement, and he advises on corporate matters -- including acquisitions and joint ventures. He has brokered the sales of many high profile films to major studios and individual rights buyers in the U.S. and abroad. His clients include writers, directors, actors, producers, financiers, foreign sales agents, and media companies and their executives.
Tuesday, March 13
