By Gordon Firemark | November 28, 2008
Topics: General Information
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Barkeepers beware: Providence pub must pay the piper (ASCAP / BMI / SESAC)
By Gordon Firemark | December 2, 2008
You’d think business owners would have gotten the word about music licenses by now, wouldn’t you? The Providence Journal reported last Sunday about a barkeeper who’s been running his place for 16 years, featuring live and recorded music, and never thought about paying for the music that helps draw a crowd into the venue… Providence pub must pay the piper, musicians say [Providence Journal]
This is another object lesson for any small business owner who plans to play music (live or recorded) on the premises. Sure, there are some very limited exceptions (consult your entertainment lawyer for details) in the law, but the general rule is, if you use music, you need to obtain licenses from the performing rights organizations.
Topics: Entertainment law
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Academy for New Musical Theatre launches Online Holiday Auction Fundraiser
By Gordon Firemark | November 25, 2008
The Academy for New Musical Theatre is an organization that’s close to my heart. I serve on their Board of Directors, and believe very strongly in their mission to foster the development of new Musicals.
November 28 through December 7, 2008, ANMT will be auctioning off some fun and unique items that you can bid on to help raise money for the organization. Many of these auction items will make great holiday gifts, so I hope you’ll take a look.
The bidding starts at 8:00 AM/PST on November 28 so please come join in the fun! Your bid will help support the Academy do what we do best, which is to develop new musicals and new writers. Auction items range from exotic vacation getaways to one-of-a-kind items guaranteed to delight and surprise. So, tell your friends, family, community. With your help, we’ll reach our goal and raise $10,000!
About ANMT
The Academy for New Musical Theatre is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization. Our programs include opportunities for writers, lyricists, composers, actors, singers, directors, music directors, and everyone with a love for new musical theatre. Learn more about us at www.anmt.org.
Photo is from ANMT’s 2008 15 Minute Musicals featuring Elise Dewsberry, Barry O’Neil, Paul Wong, Kendra Munger, and Brent Schindele in KEEPING SCORE by ANMT writers, Yolanda Mendiveles, Chana Wise, and John Piraino.
Academy for New Musical Theatre - Auction Home Page - cMarket Fundraising Auction.
Topics: General Information
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ASK THE READERS: Will SAG go on Strike? Does anybody care?
By Gordon Firemark | November 24, 2008
Nikki Finke’s Deadline Hollywood is one of my favorite places for industry news and information. She’s published a press release from AMPTP about the breakdown of mediation talks this past weekend. The upshot is that AMPTP believes SAG is out of touch with the reality of the new media marketplace, especially in light of the current economic climate(crisis).
The press release is worth reading, but don’t miss the comments… strong opinions abound, and express some important points of view. This feels like we’re hearing the rank-and-file of many industry labor unions voicing their gripes.
ASK THE READERS
Will SAG go on strike? If they do, what will be the result for the industry? Will AMPTP beat them to the punch with a lockout? Can we in the industry ride out another industry shutdown, now that the world economy’s gone south?
Will we see a mass financial-core movement within SAG’s membership?
I’m asking the readers… post your thoughts in the comments!
Topics: Entertainment law
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Year End a good time to wrap up corporate affairs
By Gordon Firemark | November 23, 2008
As year’s end approaches, it’s a good time to consider dissolving and winding-up the affairs of unused corporations and Limited Liability Companies, thereby avoiding taxation for 2009.
Similarly, if you’re considering starting a new corporation or LLC, you may wish to realize the expenses associated with corporate start up in 2008 by getting things underway before December 31. In California, articles of Incorporation and/or organization can be filed after December 15th, with no minimum tax due for 2008 (and sometimes for 2009, also).
The process is relatively simple, but the advice of an experienced attorney is invaluable. Please give me a call if you’re considering dissolving your company or starting a new one.
My office can help you decide when and how to organize your new business, close an old one, and everything in between.
Even if you’re not closing out your company, or starting a new one, year’s end is a good time to clean up your corporate records, make sure your minutes are in order, and to give your business an overall annual “Checkup” by reviewing bylaws, contracts, intellectual property holdings, etc. Call us for a consultation.
Topics: Entertainment law
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