MMW Event Report by Nicole Hansson

Media Law Talk

Demystifying Copyright in Film and Television

Talk by: Sonia Borella and Catherine Hoyle
Held on: Wednesday 21 January 2009
Held at: Holding Redlich

Copyright in Film and Television seems a rather long complicated tunnel to explore. What exactly is it? Who needs to know? Why do we need to know? To address these questions and more the Media Mentorship for Women (MMW) program offered as part of their workshop series: “Media Law: Demystifying copyright in Film and Television”.

MMW applicants, WIFT NSW members and non-members were invited to an evening hosted by Holding Redlich Partner Sonia Borella and lawyer Catherine Hoyle. They gave an excellent presentation in a relaxed manner that was very informative and clear. Areas covered included the basics of copyright in Film and Television, ranging from copyright definitions, ownership, exceptions, rights in a film, title searches, to a checklist covering when you need to obtain permission to use material in your film. With all the information covered in the handouts we were able to sit back and just absorb everything in.

Opportunities to ask both general and specific questions were given both throughout the presentation and informally afterward with drinks. This was an invaluable opportunity to not only discuss individual projects but also to network with a variety of people involved in many different media areas.

Whether you are a producer, director, writer or other creative contributor to a film or television project this information evening very much enforced just how important it is to have at least a basic knowledge of copyrighting in the Media Industry.

So, at the end of the evening those initial questions and more were certainly answered and that copyright tunnel maybe just a little less long and complicated.

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Holding Redlich

Holding Redlich has a unique personality which distinguishes them from other law firms. It is a personality based on a strong commitment to ethical behaviour, trust, respect for the individual, a strong sense of their obligation to society, excellence in everything they do, and a resolve to work as partners with their clients.

Founded over 30 years ago, they have developed and grown into a leading national Australian commercial law firm with offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Consistent with their values, their partners and staff dedicate time and funds to strengthen our community through support for human rights, social justice and the arts.

They provide high level services in all aspects of media and entertainment, and have a reputation as Australia’s leading national media and entertainment law firm. Holding Redlich offers practical advice to clients to meet all their legal requirements, including contracts, intellectual property, co-productions, talent, finance, corporate structures and taxation (including the Location, PDV, and Producer Offsets).

Website: www.holdingredlich.com.au