Proven track record in entertainment media — from development and finance to production, distribution, and licensing.
LEGAL SERVICES & SPECIALTIES
Acquisitions
Getting the Rights: The First Step in Protecting Your Project
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. This process—often called “chain of title”—can be straightforward or surprisingly complex, depending on what the source material is and who owns it.
At The Law Offices of Joanne L. Hoffman, we help producers and creatives identify exactly what rights are needed, who holds them, and how to secure them properly. From option agreements and life rights to underlying literary rights and collaborations, we tailor our approach to fit your project and your budget.
We work to make sure you’re protected from day one—so that when your film, series, or digital content gets traction, your rights are clear and enforceable. No surprises. No loopholes.
Our goal is to simplify the legal side so you can focus on bringing your vision to life—securely and confidently.
Have a project in development? Let’s talk about locking down the rights.
LEGAL SERVICES & SPECIALTIES
Chain of Title
“Possession is nine-tenths of the law”… not in this case!
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. No financier or distributor will invest serious money until they know the legal rights are buttoned up. That proof comes in the form of a “chain of title”—a collection of documents showing a clear path of ownership.
Our office reviews the chain of title and fills in any gaps, making sure everything is clean and ready to go. We know exactly what distributors, financiers, and bond companies need to see—so you can focus on moving the project forward with confidence and avoid unexpected setbacks down the road.
LEGAL SERVICES & SPECIALTIES
Copyright Registration & Protection - Safeguarding Your Creative Work
Your creative work is valuable, and it’s important to protect it from unauthorized use. Copyright registration is the first step in making sure your work is legally protected and that you have control over how it’s used.
We help creators navigate the process of copyright registration, ensuring that your work—whether it’s a script, a film, or a piece of music—is officially registered with the U.S. Copyright Office. Registration gives you the legal tools to enforce your rights, including the ability to take action against infringement if someone uses your work without permission.
From filing your registration to advising on how to protect your rights in distribution and licensing deals, we’ve got you covered. With proper copyright protection in place, you can focus on your craft, knowing your work is legally secured.
LEGAL SERVICES & SPECIALTIES
Distribution & Licensing
Getting Your Project Out Into the World
Finishing your film or series is a huge achievement—but the job isn’t done until people can actually see it. That’s where distribution and licensing come in. These deals determine who gets to show your project, where it will be seen (theaters, streaming, TV, etc.), and how you’ll get paid.
We help producers navigate all kinds of distribution and licensing agreements—from traditional theatrical and broadcast deals to streaming platforms and international sales. Whether you’re working with a major distributor or selling territory-by-territory, we’ll make sure the terms are clear, fair, and built to protect your rights.
From negotiating deal terms to sorting out royalties and usage rights, we’ve got your back. Our goal is to help you get your project out there, maximize your revenue, and avoid any legal surprises down the line.
LEGAL SERVICES & SPECIALTIES
Financing – Show Me the Money!
Once you’ve got a script, the next big step is figuring out how to pay for the project. Financing can come from a lot of places—studios, streamers, private investors, or international partners—and the structure depends on the deal. But in most cases, unless the producer has a solid track record, financiers will want some control over how the money’s spent, and sometimes even a say in creative decisions.
We’ve worked on all kinds of financing deals, both in the U.S. and internationally. That includes distribution deals and negative pickups, co-financing and split rights arrangements, as well as bank loans backed by pre-sales or private equity investments. We help producers understand their options, negotiate smart deals, and keep things moving smoothly so the focus can stay on making the project happen.
LEGAL SERVICES & SPECIALTIES
Generative - AI
At The Law Offices of Joanne L. Hoffman, we help clients stay ahead of the curve as AI changes the creative landscape.
Common Issues We’re Helping Clients With:
Who owns AI-generated content?
If you’re using AI tools on your project, you may run into issues around authorship and copyright. We’ll help you make sure you still control your work—and avoid gray areas that could affect distribution or rights.
Protecting your likeness, voice, and brand
We draft and negotiate contracts that safeguard your image, your voice, and your performances—so they can’t be copied or manipulated without your permission.
Keeping your contracts AI-ready
From talent agreements to writer deals, we update contracts to reflect the reality of AI in production. Whether you want to allow AI use or set clear limits, we’ll make sure your paperwork matches your vision.
Navigating union rules and industry standards
SAG-AFTRA, WGA, and other unions are setting new boundaries on AI use. We stay on top of these changes so you don’t have to—ensuring compliance and avoiding costly mistakes.
Your Creative Work Deserves Strong Legal Support
At the Law Offices of Joanne L. Hoffman, we understand the unique challenges creatives face in a fast-changing industry. Whether you’re experimenting with AI tools or trying to protect your identity and career, we’re here to make sure you’re covered—so you can focus on creating.
Have questions about AI and your next project? Let’s talk.
LEGAL SERVICES & SPECIALTIES
Guild Complaince
Playing by the Rules
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—like the WGA (Writers Guild of America), SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild), DGA (Directors Guild of America), or IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees). Each guild has its own set of rules covering everything from pay rates and working conditions to credits and residuals.
We help producers navigate these complex requirements from the start, making sure contracts, paperwork, and timelines meet union standards. Whether you’re signing a union actor, hiring a WGA writer, or prepping a shoot under an IATSE agreement, we ensure you’re in full compliance—avoiding delays, penalties, or worse. Let us handle the fine print so you can focus on making your project happen.
LEGAL SERVICES & SPECIALTIES
New Media
Navigating the Digital World
The digital age has opened up exciting new ways to create and share content. From web series to streaming platforms, the opportunities in new media are endless—but they also come with their own set of legal challenges.
We help producers and creators navigate everything from web series and digital productions to licensing and distribution on major streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon. Whether you’re negotiating a deal for a digital-first project or managing digital rights, we make sure your legal bases are covered so you can focus on what you do best—creating.
Let us guide you through the fast-evolving world of new media, so you can take advantage of the opportunities without the legal stress.
LEGAL SERVICES & SPECIALTIES
Production Legal
Navigating the Legal Landscape of Filmmaking
Bringing a film or TV project to life involves more than just creative vision—it requires meticulous legal groundwork to ensure everything runs smoothly. Our production legal services cover all the essential agreements and compliance steps needed to keep your project on track and legally sound.
What We Handle:
- Above-the-Line Agreements: We draft and negotiate contracts for key talent, including directors, producers, and principal cast members.
- Crew and Vendor Contracts: From department heads to post-production teams, we ensure all crew members are properly contracted.
- Location and Release Forms: We secure necessary permissions for filming locations and obtain releases for individuals and products featured in your project.
- Music and Composer Agreements: We handle contracts for original scores and music licensing to ensure all musical elements are legally cleared.
- Copyright and Rights Recordation: We assist with registering copyrights and recording rights to protect your intellectual property.
- Union and Guild Compliance: We navigate the complexities of union regulations, ensuring compliance with SAG-AFTRA, DGA, WGA, and other guilds.
- Insurance and Bonding: We facilitate obtaining Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance and completion bonds to safeguard against potential liabilities.
With our comprehensive production legal services, you can focus on the creative aspects of your project, knowing that the legal details are in expert hands.
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.