October 29, 2004
In this newsletter:
“BUSH’S BRAIN” TO AIR ON SUNDANCE CHANNEL
Congratulations to our clients, Joseph Mealey and Michael Shoob. Their documentary, “Bush’s Brain” is set to air on Nov. 1 on the Sundance Channel.
For airtimes, check the Sundance Channel schedule: www.sundancechannel.com/schedule/?schedDate=11/01/2004+06:00:00
For further information about the documentary, visit www.bushsbrain.com/
“DEADBEAT CLUB” WINS DEEP ELLUM FILM FESTIVAL
“The Deadbeat Club,” by client Israel Luna, was given the 2004 Deep Ellum Film Festival Audience Award for Best Feature Film at the festival’s awards ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 21.
“The Deadbeat Club,” based on a true story written and directed by Israel Luna, was shot in HD on location in West Texas. Luna’s film, which the Dallas Voice heralds as “a sharp film that bursts with color…” is an inspiring and amusing story about a 15-year-old high school misfit who overcomes a tragic loss by uniting an unlikely group of friends.
Congratulations Israel.
PRODUCTION TAX INCENTIVE BECOMES LAW
Congress has passed, and President Bush has signed, legislation that gives a tax break to movies made in the U.S. This is the first federal tax incentive law to stop runaway productions.
Under the new law, independent producers may write off a movie in a single year if it has a budget of $1 million-$15 million and 75% of that budget is spent in the United States. The limit goes up to $20 million if the movie is made in a low-income area of the U.S.
Under this legislation, the cost of producing qualifying films can be fully deducted from income for tax purposes in the year the expenditures occur. This contrasts with prior law which provides that the cost of producing a movie is recovered over several years.
This tax break is a tiny piece of a $136 billion corporate tax bill.
Additional information is posted on the DGA web site: www.dga.org/thedga/leg_rp_updte-102204.php3?§ion=thedga&oldsection=&oldpage=
MARK’S UPCOMING SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Oct. 30, Los Angeles, CA CALIFORNIA LAWYERS FOR THE ARTS Film Business Seminar at Southwestern University School of Law. Call 310-998-5590 or email UserCLA@aol.com.
Nov. 5, New York, NY SWISSAMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL Email info@swisscinema.org for more information.
Nov. 6, New York, NY VOLUNTEER LAWYERS FOR THE ARTS NEW YORK. Mark will conduct his “Self-defense for Writers and Directors” seminar for New York Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. He will explain how writers and directors can prevent problems from arising by properly securing underlying rights and by encouraging the other party to live up to agreements by adding performance milestones, default penalties and arbitration clauses. Participants will also learn what remedies are available to enforce their rights in the event of a dispute. Call 212-319-ARTS, ext. 10 to register or request more information.
Nov. 27–28, CALGARY, CANADA Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Mark will present his two-day workshop, “Self Defense for Writers and Filmmakers.” During the discussion Mark will cover topics including
· character portrayal – defamation, privacy and unfair competition
· copyright – limits, duration and protection · contracts – negotiation, conclusion and remedies
· financing and presale agreement
· film distribution
For more information and to reserve your seat, contact Sheila Connell by phone: 403- 230-4617 ext. 242; by fax: 403-277-8930; or email: sheila@macphailharding.com
Preferential hotel accommodation rates are available for out of town delegates.
