DESCRIPTION

Learn and discuss how filmmakers can protect their intellectual property, conduct business in an effective and efficient manner, and avoid common pitfalls when developing, producing, and distributing media projects. This workshop will examine basic types of intellectual property and the unique legal features of each area; discuss why LLC’s are used so prevalently in the entertainment industry; review how to select the “residence” of a business; learn why asset valuation is so challenging; and hear some fun but important lessons about “how and how not to” deal with business conflicts.

Speaker

Shirley Roberson is Senior Associate at Hughes Media Law Group PC in Seattle, where she focuses on corporate transactions – including mergers & acquisitions, software licensing and distribution management – and business asset management. At HMLG, Shirley works with a broad range of clients, including those in the entertainment, media, gaming, and tech industries. Before joining HMLG, Shirley was a founding partner of Arrow Law Group. She serves Seattle’s local arts community in many ways, including as a member of the Book-It Repertory Theatre Board of Directors; President of the Rain City Rock Camp Board of Directors; and as an Arts Fund Associate from 2009 to 2013.

As the former in-house Programming Director for Wave Broadband, she implemented a number of prototype corporate initiatives addressing HD and VOD programming during the initial roll-out of these technologies to the cable industry.  Shirley has earned both a JD and MBA.  Prior to law school, she worked as a communications manager for DIRECTV, driving projects that introduced local satellite programming, international programming, VOD, geography-based sports broadcasting and DVR technology to DIRECTV’s international customer base.