Film and Entertainment

Kean Miller is actively engaged in the film, entertainment, and video game industry in Louisiana.  We work closely with clients and industry professionals in a variety of practice areas, including: economic development and tax incentives, business and corporate matters, dispute resolution, intellectual property, and real estate. Our lawyers were instrumental in the drafting, modifications, and re-enactments of the Louisiana Motion Picture Incentive Act.

Economic Development, Governmental Affairs and Tax
  • Lobbying and active involvement in drafting, modifications, and re-enactments of the Louisiana Motion Picture Incentive Act.
  • Representation of Louisiana Production Capital (“LPC”) as legislative counsel since 2003.  LPC is the premiere tax credit broker/investment firm in Louisiana. 
  • Representation of the Motion Picture and Television Association of Louisiana (“MPAL”) as legislative counsel.  MPAL serves as the voice and advocate of the Louisiana motion, television, and video industry.
  • Representation of the Louisiana Wave Studio, LLC as legislative/governmental counsel and tax incentives consultant. LWS is the only computer-controlled precision wave-making facility designed for and dedicated to the making of motion pictures in the United States and is located in Shreveport, LA.
  • Lobbied and assisted with the passage of legislation enacting the Louisiana Digital Media Act designed to encourage development in Louisiana of a strong capital base for the production of digital interactive media.
Business, Corporate, Contracts and Licensing
  • Negotiation of all relevant agreements for a large public university in its formation of a multimedia joint venture for providing "stock" footage for use in films and other media.
  • Representation of a product manufacturer in connection with negotiations with Multi-Media Exposure, a broker/agent for the Home Shopping Network and QVC.
  • Representation of a music and music technology provider in the review of contracts regarding sponsorship of and products placement on a Fox Network television program.
  • Representation of a book author in a movie rights marketing agreement.
  • Representation of a major electronics manufacturer in contract negotiations and disputes with its celebrity spokespersons.
  • Negotiation of licenses with a musical artist and a music publisher regarding use of music for a television program.
  • Negotiation of joint development and license agreements for a company that provides multimedia training.
  • Representation of authors in obtaining copyright protection for audiovisual, audio and literary works, including CDs and DVDs.
  • Representation of a major advertising company regarding patent rights related to electronic transmission of media product.
  • Representation of a scaffolding and supplies contractor with a concentration in the movie industry.  
  • Representation of development stage e-learning company in connection with private equity financing.
  • Assisted and advised clients with regard to the licensing of copyrighted musical works.
  • Representation of publishing companies in obtaining federal trademark registrations.
Litigation
  • Representation of Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers in litigation in New Orleans.
  • Representation of the band Puddle of Mudd in copyright infringement claims.