What Is Actually in Your Brand Deal and Why You Should Care Before You Sign
Brand deal contracts are written for the brand. Here is what every content creator needs to understand before signing — deliverables, usage rights, exclusivity, kill fees, and approval rights in plain language.
The five contract clauses every creator and filmmaker should understand before they sign anything
Grant of rights, reversion clauses, accounting terms, morality provisions, and IP ownership and entertainment lawyer Iris Jackson breaks down the five contract clauses that matter most before you sign anything.
What the AI laws actually mean for your entertainment career right now
AB 2602 is in effect. The NO FAKES Act is advancing. The Copyright Office has weighed in on AI-generated work. Entertainment lawyer Iris Jackson breaks down what it all means for your contracts and rights today.
What every content creator needs to know before signing a brand deal
Brand deals have legal weight most creators don't see until it's too late. Entertainment lawyer Iris Jackson breaks down exclusivity, ownership, payment terms, and FTC rules every creator needs to know.
What California AB 2602 Means for Actors, Influencers, and Creators
California AB 2602 took effect in January 2025. Entertainment attorney Iris Jackson breaks down what the AI likeness protection act requires, where the gaps are, and what your contracts still need to reflect more than a year in.
What every indie filmmaker needs to know before signing a distribution deal
Exclusivity windows, reversion clauses, royalty structures, and the red flags that should give every filmmaker pause. A plain-language guide from entertainment lawyer Iris Jackson.
AI & Influencer Contracts: What Creators Must Protect in the Age of Generative Media
How AI impacts influencer contracts, likeness rights, digital clones, and synthetic content. An entertainment lawyer explains what creators must protect.
What Is Production Legal?
Production legal is the behind-the-scenes legal work that ensures a film or series can be released without delays or disputes. From contracts to clearances, here’s what every creator needs to know.
Production Legal Services: Why Delivery and Proper Contracts Are Essential for Film Success
Every filmmaker dreams about the premiere—but few realize that without the right contracts and delivery documents, their film might never make it to an audience. From chain of title to music licenses, production legal services ensure your project is not only creatively compelling but also legally airtight.
At ELLA, we help filmmakers avoid costly delays by setting up contracts correctly from day one and preparing complete delivery packages that distributors and streamers require. Because a great story deserves more than a finished cut—it deserves a successful release.
Do I Need an LLC for My Film Project?
Thinking about forming an LLC for your film project? You’re not alone. In this guide, we break down when a Limited Liability Company is necessary during development, how it protects your work, and what mistakes to avoid—based on real experiences from the industry. If you're pitching, signing, or spending, it's time to think legally.
Backend & Ownership: Why the Real Money Isn’t Just in the Upfront Deal
In Hollywood, the real money isn’t always in the upfront check—it’s in the backend. Whether you’re a writer, actor, producer, or IP creator, backend deals like profit participation and ownership can turn a one-time project into a long-term revenue stream. But these deals are only as strong as the contracts behind them. At ELLA, we help creatives understand, negotiate, and protect their backend rights—because your work should keep working for you.
Hollywood Spin-Offs Are Booming — Here’s What Writers Need to Know About Their Rights
Learn how to protect your rights as a writer in today’s spin-off-heavy entertainment industry. Understand sequel rights, character ownership & more.
How to Option a Book for Film or TV: A Legal Perspective
Thinking about adapting a book into a film or TV series? Learn how to legally option a book—from securing film rights to structuring your contract—straight from our Los Angeles entertainment law team. Whether you're a producer, screenwriter, or indie filmmaker, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to protect your next book-to-movie deal.
The Difference Between a Manager and an Agent: Legal Considerations for Talent
Wondering whether you need a talent manager or an agent—or both? This guide breaks down the legal differences between managers and agents in the entertainment industry, including their roles, commission structures, and what to look for in contracts. Whether you're an actor, musician, or content creator, understanding talent representation is essential for protecting your career and legal rights.
The Essential Guide to Understanding Chain of Title in Entertainment Law
Discover why chain of title is essential in entertainment law and how an attorneycan protect your intellectual property rights.