September 30, 2004
In this newsletter:
iHOLLYWOOD FORUM PRESENTS “THE DIGITAL STUDIO” AT AFM
On Nov. 2, iHollywood Forum will hold its annual industry summit and showcase about digital technology’s transformation of film and television production. Attendees will learn about digital rights management and legal implications of digitization and distribution of media and entertainment.
The forum also offers an opportunity to network with potential clients, including top Hollywood dealmakers, producers, directors, editors, production companies, writers, content creators, investors and studio executives. In addition, attendees can earn MCLE credit. Mark will moderate the panel, “Distribution and Financing for Digital Films: Challenges and Opportunities.”
This year’s iHollywood Forum is conducted in partnership with the American Film Market. The conference will be held at Laemmle Theatre, 1332 2nd Street, Santa Monica, CA from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tickets are $125 for a Basic ticket; $195 for a Deluxe ticket, which includes networking lunch and cocktail party). Register using Discount Code “DS25” to save $25.
MARK’S UPCOMING SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS Oct. 2-3, UCLA
Mark will be teaching a UCLA Extension course on Financing Independent Features and Negotiating a Distribution Agreement, Oct. 2-3. During the seminar, participants will examine how independent films are financed and distributed. Seminar topics include financing via pre-sales, debt, and limited partnerships; negotiating tactics; typical contract terms; cross-collateralization; and creative accounting. Particular attention is paid to how producers and filmmakers can protect themselves by watering down warranties, getting added to the E&O policy, using the lab access letter to retain possession of the negative, and utilizing termination and arbitration clauses. To enroll in the course online, go to www.uclaextension.com and enter Course Reg # Q6736U.
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. 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.
HOLLYWOOD FILM CONFERENCE
This year Mark will be chairing the Hollywood Film Conference, part of the Hollywood Film Festival, which will be held from Friday, October 15 to Sunday, October 17 at the Arclight Cinemas 6360 Sunset Blvd., in Hollywood. The conference will feature top industry speakers who will discuss financing and distribution of films.
In the past seven years over 600 industry professionals have participated as panelists in the conference, including executives from Columbia/TriStar, Fox Searchlight, MGM Studios, Miramax, NBC, New Line, Paramount Classics, Samuel Goldwyn Co., Seventh Art Releasing, Strand Releasing, Twentieth Century Fox, Showtime Networks, Walt Disney, and agents from CAA, ICM, William Morris and Writers & Artists among others. Additional info can be found at: www.hollywoodawards.com/conferences_film.html
