Kean Miller is actively engaged in the film / entertainment, and digital media industry in Louisiana. We work closely with clients and industry professionals in a variety of services areas, including: production legal, economic development and tax incentives, tax credits, business and corporate matters, dispute resolution, and intellectual property. Our lawyers were instrumental in the drafting, modifications, and re-enactments of the Louisiana Motion Picture Incentive Act, and in the implementation of the Louisiana Digital Media Act.
Production Legal
- Representation of various motion pictures, television series and commercial productions as local and production counsel
- Structured numerous motion picture tax credit financing arrangements
- Provide updates and analysis regarding the changes to the Louisiana film tax credit program
- Assist with the Louisiana motion picture tax credit application process
- Provided counsel on location agreements relating to major motion pictures
- Representation of script writers in negotiations with production companies and financiers
- Provided counsel for the development, pitching and negotiation of reality television series
- Representation relating to the formation, business and contracts regarding television shows, motion pictures and animated web series
- Representation of various film and entertainment concerns with respect to intellectual property protection and brand management programs
- Handled hundreds of tax credit transactions involving motion picture, infrastructure, digital media, historic, live entertainment and R&D tax credits
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 entertainment industry investment / tax credit finance companies
- Representation of financial institutions in connection with production lending and tax credit financing
- Representation of the state-of-the art water filming production facility located in Shreveport, Louisiana
- Representation of various film and television production studios in the state of Louisiana, including the largest studio in the state located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Lobbying and active involvement with the passage of legislation enacting the Louisiana Digital Media Act and subsequent revisions of the Act designed to encourage development in Louisiana of a strong capital base for the production of digital interactive media
- Representation of various digital media and software development companies throughout the state of Louisiana
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
- Negotiation with major studio for the option acquisition rights of an author's book
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
