Print Email this page Employment - Executive Talent: Entertainment  

In recent years, it has become apparent that the ability to retain and attract talented managers is frequently as important to an entertainment company as attracting the performers and artists whose work they produce and distribute. For example, the importance of individuals like Clive Davis and the Weinsteins and the management changes at Focus, Paramount and MGM illustrate the critical role of talented executives in key positions.

The broad experience of our attorneys gives us an in-depth understanding of the competitive environment and what is achievable regarding current and deferred compensation as well as benefits and perks. Our firm is a leader in representing key entertainment executives as well as those joining new entrepreneurial endeavors or starting companies themselves, and we provide guidance concerning the pitfalls and opportunities of such undertakings. As a result of our extensive experience, we maintain close personal and professional ties with such executives throughout the major studios, independent film companies and music companies as well as in the book and magazine publishing world.

We have played significant roles in sensitive negotiations resulting in key executives moving into new positions. We have represented chief operating officers, chief financial officers, executive VPs of finance, heads of production, heads of distribution, heads of public relations and marketing, and many of the junior executives who have transformed the entertainment landscape in the last five years.

Our representation includes:

• Advice on the enforcement or avoidance of restrictive covenants
• Litigation
• Negotiating and structuring equity participations
• Negotiation of contracts
• Severance packages and claims
• Structuring incentive compensation
• Structuring of compensation of executives of international companies
• Tax advice