IATSE, the union representing below-the-line production workers from cinematographers and editors to grips and hair stylists, has moved a crucial step closer to its first strike since 1945. In a
Continue Reading IATSE Members Overwhelmingly Vote Yes on Strike Authorization
Gaffers, Grips Going, Gone as IATSE Threatens Walkout
We are not out of the woods yet.
Just as Hollywood was coping with the early effects of the pandemic, it barely avoided a Writers Guild strike. After a
Continue Reading Gaffers, Grips Going, Gone as IATSE Threatens Walkout
TV Station Consolidation OK, Say Supremes
In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court voted to uphold a decision by the FCC to deregulate ownership of television broadcast stations. The Commission proposed the rule change in 2017
Broadcast Deregulation Reaches Supreme Court
In light of the ubiquity of cable and satellite, a controversy over the ownership of terrestrial broadcast stations may seem like a sideshow. The reality is, however, that an increasing
Continue Reading Broadcast Deregulation Reaches Supreme Court
Blessed Peace Descends Upon the Land as WME Settles with WGA
In what must be counted as a victory for solidarity among WGA members and the often controversial tactics of its executive director David Goodman, the leading agency WME reached a
Continue Reading Blessed Peace Descends Upon the Land as WME Settles with WGA
DOJ Keeps the Music Playing for ASCAP and BMI
On January 15th, the Department of Justice announced it has ended its two-year review of the 80-year old consent decrees that govern the operation of the largest music
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“Stranger Things”: Copyright Challenge to Popular Series Survives Motion to Dismiss
In response to a copyright claim that the Netflix series “Stranger Things” infringed the plaintiff’s unpublished screenplays, Netflix and the other defendants filed a Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss, arguing
Continue Reading “Stranger Things”: Copyright Challenge to Popular Series Survives Motion to Dismiss
Follow Up: Enola Holmes Case Settles, Leaves Unsolved Mysteries
Owners of copyright in characters are often well-advised not to press their claims too far in litigation at the risk of losing their rights altogether. This may be what motivated
Continue Reading Follow Up: Enola Holmes Case Settles, Leaves Unsolved Mysteries
Stories to Watch in 2021
Happy New Year to all. To kick off 2021, I’ve provided quick takes below on some of the bigger stories we’ll be watching
WME v. WGA
Just before Christmas, CAA
Continue Reading Stories to Watch in 2021
CAA, WME Head Back to Court in WGA Dispute
In my last blog, I expressed cautious optimism that the WGA was making progress in settling its long-running dispute with CAA and WME, the two largest talent agencies and
Continue Reading CAA, WME Head Back to Court in WGA Dispute