Where can I learn about legal issues for artists and creatives?
Advanced Legal Topics in Film & Audiovisual Media
How do I protect my idea for a film? What do I need to get in writing when working with a production company? What are my rights in my movie? It can take a village to make a film (or television production, or music video, or any audiovisual work). Video production is a technical craft that combines dozens of artistic disciplines. In this presentation, art and entertainment lawyers will introduce legal issues that uniquely impact film, TV, and AV creators.
- This workshop was held on April 20, 2023
Planning Your Artistic Legacy
Is it too early or too late to start planning for my legacy? What are the general benefits of estate planning? What is the estate planning process? Legacy planning gives you control over the final distribution of your assets. In this presentation, arts and estate planning lawyers will discuss essential estate planning law concepts for creative professionals, and discuss best practices for giving your creative work, your name, and your reputation continued life after your passing.
- This workshop took place on March 15, 2023.
- Watch the workshop recording.
Employment Law 102: Hiring a Creative Workforce
What should I know about hiring and retaining employees? What should I do if my workers have a complaint? Should I allow my workers to moonlight? Employment law governs the relationships between employers and workers. In this presentation, arts and employment lawyers will discuss essential employment law concepts for employers and discuss best practices for hiring creative professionals and fostering a fair and productive work environment.
- This workshop took place on February 8, 2023.
- Watch the workshop recording.
Employment Law 101: Creative Worker's Rights
Am I an employee or an independent contractor? What is a non-competition agreement? Do I own creative assets I make in the course of my work? Employment law governs the relationships between employers and workers. In this educational presentation, arts and employment lawyers will explain best practices around common issues in creative workplaces, and how you can protect your rights as a creative worker.
- This workshop took place on January 25, 2023.
- Watch the workshop recording.
Contract & Negotiation Best Practices
What is a contract? What does it do? How long should it be? Do I need an attorney to negotiate for me? A contract provides legal protection for you and your creative business. Effective negotiation means a win-win for all parties to the contract. In this educational presentation, art lawyers will explain best practices of contract and negotiation: what they are, why you need them, and how you can be proactive in protecting yourself and your creative work.
- This workshop took place on December 8, 2022.
- Watch the workshop recording.
Copyright Law for Creatives
What is copyright? What does it do? Do I “own” copyright? Why does this matter? Copyright is a fundamental legal protection that gives creators the power to control access to their work. In this educational presentation, art lawyers will explain basic principles of copyright: what it is, what it protects, what protection entails, and how you can be proactive in securing copyright protection for your own creative work.
- This workshop took place on November 1, 2022.
- Watch the workshop recording.
Legal Entities 101: Legal Entities for Creative Businesses
Whether you’re a new art school grad or a seasoned veteran, managing the business of your creative practice can be overwhelming, and maybe even a little scary. In this workshop, we aim to take some of the mystery out of being a small business owner by introducing you to basic, common legal entities. In this workshop, we’ll discuss traditional business structures—sole proprietorships, corporations (including benefit corps and co-ops), and limited liability companies (LLCs)—the advantages and disadvantages of each, and general formation and maintenance requirements. Artists of all experience levels and creative disciplines are welcome!
- This workshop took place on January 21, 2022, on Zoom.
- Watch the workshop recording.
- Read the transcript.
Legal Entities 102: Charitable Nonprofits
What’s the difference between a nonprofit corporation and a for-profit corporation? Do “nonprofit” and “not-for-profit” mean the same thing? What is a “501(c)(3)”? Why do I need to file a return if my company is exempt from taxes? Whether you’re hoping to create a brand-new charitable nonprofit or you’re currently a leader in an existing one, if you’ve also struggled with any (or all) of these questions, then this workshop is for you! All start-up nonprofits are invited to attend this workshop led by experienced nonprofit attorneys, where we’ll walk through the fundamentals of the important (but complicated) process of establishing a charitable, tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation. Topics include:
- For-profit vs. nonprofit organizations
- Fiscal sponsorship
- Nonprofit corporate structure
- 501(c)(3) federal tax-exemption
- Duties of nonprofit directors and officers
- State and federal reporting requirements
This workshop took place on February 14, 2022, on Zoom.
Helpful links:
- CT Secretary of State Corporate forms
- CT Dept. of Consumer Protection Charity Solicitation Registration page
- US Census NAICS system
- Our Get on Board! seminar about serving on nonprofit boards