Risky Business: Financing & Distributing Independent Film

Program ~ Registration ~ Planning Committee ~ Sponsors

Risky Business: Financing & Distributing Independent Films
October 15th, 2005
Wayne State University
Community Arts Auditorium
Detroit, MI

Mark Litwak We are proud to present Mark Litwak (left), a veteran entertainment attorney with offices in Beverly Hills, California. His practice includes work in the areas of copyright, trademark, contract, multimedia law, intellectual property and book publishing. Litwak also functions as a Producer’s Rep, assisting filmmakers in the financing, marketing and distribution of their films.

Litwak is the author of many books including: Risky Business, Financing and Distributing Independent Films (Silman James Press, 2004); Reel Power, The Struggle for Influence and Success in the New Hollywood; Dealmaking in the Film and Television Industry; Contracts for the Film and Television Industry; Litwak’s Multimedia Producer’s Handbook and more. Litwak has been interviewed on more than 100 television and radio shows including ABC, “The Larry King Show,” National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered,” and CNN Network. Don’t miss this Mid-West appearance!

What you will learn

This comprehensive seminar explores how independent films are financed and distributed. Topics include organizing your company, raising financing via pre-sales, debt and limited partnerships, negotiating tactics, principal terms of the acquisition/distribution agreement, cross-collaterization and creative accounting. Particular attention is paid to how producers and filmmakers can protect their interest by watering down warranties, getting added to the E& O policy, using lab access letter to retain possession of the negative, and utilizing termination and arbitration clauses.