Licensing 101 in Television, Film,& New Media Productions

Location: Online

This webinar will provide an overview of rights and clearances best practices in connection with television, film, and new media production. 

Knowing how to navigate the layers of rights clearances will ensure your content is free and clear to be exploited in a legally compliant way. However, the hardest part of licensing is sometimes knowing what materials actually require clearance. This course will take a deep dive into outlining the many types of copyrighted materials typically used in Creative Content. Attendees will walk away with a better eye for identifying what elements of their Projects might require licensing.

Specific topics that will be covered include commercial music clearances (master and sync), footage and image licensing, personality/likeness rights, rights of publicity, public domain, user generated content, artwork, logos, trademarked buildings, brands and products, quotes, book excerpts, speeches, Union re-use fees, iconic characters and more.

We’ll also discuss the dangers of using a copyrighted work as “inspiration” for original content. Attendees will also learn the difference between Editorial and Commercial Projects and how this impacts what types of Rights Clearances are required. This course will also cover the various forms of exploitation and their respective Rights terminology so that Creators know what Rights to ask for when they approach copyright holders.

Instructor:

Melissa Somosky is currently a Director of Global Rights at A+E Television Networks overseeing commercial music clearances and Rights Licensing. Prior to A+E, she worked at the National Geographic Channel. She is also a 2016 graduate of the Women in Cable Television Rising Leaders Program. Melissa attended the College of William and Mary and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and American Studies in 2006. Currently, she lives in Brooklyn with her two cats and enjoys live music, cooking and cultural exploration.

Membership Discount Code: Are you a VLA Member trying to register for this class? E-mail to get your membership discount code: registrations@vlany.org.

Fees:

$25 Full-Time Student (student must present proof of full-time status with registration)
$25 Artists Over Sixty
$35 Arts Professional VLA Member
$55 Arts Professional Non-Member
$85 Legal Professional VLA Member
$110 Legal Professional Non-Member
$55 Young Associate Members (YAM’s) and Associate Board Members

Please note you are not registered until full payment is received. To register by email, please contact registrations@vlany.org.

Refund Policy: All registration fees are non-refundable. Instructors are subject to change and no refunds will be given in the event that there is a substitution of the instructor.

Webinar Access: Participants will receive an email in advance with instructions to access. For more information on this program, please contact VLA at registrations@vlany.org.