Entertainment

“The Barnes & Thornburg team is both knowledgeable and responsive on a global scale.” – Client comment in Best Lawyers

Strategic counsel from award-winning insiders

Recognized by Variety and Billboard as among the industry’s top music and entertainment lawyers, our attorneys leverage deep legal and business affairs experience from senior roles at major networks, studios, and media companies to deliver strategic counsel across the media landscape. We provide targeted guidance across development, production, distribution, and monetization, with deep fluency in:

• Entertainment transactions and licensing – Representing producers, directors, composers, and private equity groups in multi-platform distribution, licensing, and production agreements.
• Film and television finance – Advising venture and production funds, independent producers, and distributors on tax-advantaged financing, subsidies, co-financing agreements, and output deals.
• Guild and union compliance – Advising on SAG-AFTRA, DGA, and WGA agreements, and resolving disputes related to separation of rights, director’s cut rights, and arbitration matters.
• Intellectual property and rights clearance – Managing complex multi-party rights issues and optimizing IP usage across film, TV, and digital platforms.
• Music and live events – Advising artists, songwriters, producers, labels, and publishers on recording, licensing, royalty, and distribution agreements, and guiding promoters, sponsors, and venues on performance, touring, sponsorship, and compliance matters.
• Production incentives – Structuring and implementing state, national, and international film and TV tax credits for studios, production companies, and government entities.
• Talent and endorsement agreements – Negotiating sponsorship, endorsement, and services deals for actors, TV personalities, and corporate sponsors.

Powering the future of entertainment

In an industry where innovation and regulation move in tandem, we help clients structure deals, protect creative assets, and navigate shifting market dynamics with clarity and confidence. Whether negotiating high-profile talent deals, navigating complex entertainment transactions, or addressing First Amendment and media law matters, we provide strategic guidance to help turn creative vision into commercial success.