Proven track record in entertainment media — from development and finance to production, distribution, and licensing.

ATTORNEY

Joanne Hoffman

Joanne Hoffman is an entertainment attorney with over 20 years of experience in the development, finance, production, distribution and licensing of media content. A former development executive, she has a rare insight into the creative and business dynamics of the entertainment industry, enabling her to provide straightforward legal advise, effective solutions and cost saving results.

LEGAL Services

How can we help you?

Acquisitions & Development

Whether your project starts with a novel, a script, a true story, or even your cousin’s “great idea,” the first and most important step is securing the rights.

Chain of Title

When it comes to film and TV projects, just having a great idea isn’t enough—you also need to prove you own or control the rights.

Copyright Registration

Copyright registration is the first step in making sure your work is legally protected and that you have control over how it’s used.

Development

Once the rights to a project are secured, the producer’s next big move is usually development—which, more often than not, starts with hiring a writer to create a screenplay.

Distribution & Licensing

Finishing your film or series is a huge achievement—but the job isn’t done until people can actually see it.

Financing

Once you’ve got a script, the next big step is figuring out how to pay for the project.

Guild Compliance

If you’re working with union talent or crew, chances are you’ll need to comply with one or more of the major entertainment guilds

New Media

The digital age has opened up exciting new ways to create and share content.

Production Legal

Bringing a film or TV project to life involves more than just creative vision—it requires meticulous legal groundwork to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Testimonials

Joanne is a stellar attorney. She explains issues clearly and is actually fun to work with! Her ability to get along with "the other side" helps bring about quick results and avoids "over-lawyering.

Aree Chung

Author and Illustrator

I’ve relied on Joanne for years on a wide range of entertainment matters. She’s sharp, efficient, practical, and consistently delivers excellent results. Beyond her legal acumen, she brings integrity, professionalism, and excellent judgment to every engagement—a trusted attorney who gets deals done.

Minh Vo

General Counsel, FilmRise

The legal profession needs more Joanne Hoffmans. Her combination of a sharp legal mind and keen interpersonal relationship skills make her the go-to lawyer for all things in the entertainment business.

Steve Bradley

Executive Producer, Headwire Media

Ethical, brilliant, trustworthy, loyal, respectful – Joanne Hoffman has a most trenchant legal mind, coupled with exceptional interpersonal relationship skills. She is my ‘magical’ cure to all things legalese.

Maria Florio

Earthworks Films Inc.

Joanne is a total standout — a sharp attorney whose knowledge and tenacity make her unbeatable. She’s got your back 100%, fighting hard for her clients while always staying thoughtful and easy to talk to. Her mix of heart and tenacity is rare, and it shows in everything she does. She keeps things clear, handles the details like a pro, and always delivers. Bottom line: you want Joanne in your corner.

Alex Molina

Spam Pictures

Contact Us

Law Office of Joanne L. Hoffman

If you are an artist, content creator, producer or entertainment company in need of advice or representation, please provide a brief description of the issue or issues for which you need assistance. Transmission of the information contained in this email is not intended to create – and any response will not form – an attorney client relationship.

Feel free to contact The Law Office of Joanne Hoffman if you would like to discuss representation. Please be aware, however, that the mere discussion of representation does not create an attorney-client relationship or attorney-client privilege. If you wish to establish contact via email, please be aware that no e-mail or other form of electronic transmission of information can be completely protected against disclosure to someone other than individuals within our office, in spite of the precautions we take. Therefore we strongly advise you not to send any confidential information until you and The Law Office of Joanne Hoffman have agreed to create an attorney-client relationship. Please note that our office does not offer litigation services, does not act as an agent or manager, and does not shop literary material or dramatic works.