Cinema, art and entertainment

For nearly two decades, Séguin Racine has been one of the leaders in the field of Cinema, Art and Entertainment law. Technological developments have a constant impact on cultural and audio-visual productions. We assist our clients in the process of legal distribution, dissemination and protection of their artistic works. The Firm’s clients include numerous filmmakers, creators, independent developers, distribution companies, artists, venture capital funds, non-profit associations and various other industry players.
Séguin Racine understands that copyright protection is paramount to the protection of artistic works. The Firm is well positioned to provide legal and business advice on day-to-day transactions such as licensing, assignment of rights, distribution or representation agreements and intellectual property protection, as well as commercial litigation and financing. Séguin Racine also offers strategic advice on tax planning, the use of government incentive programs, and obtaining regulatory approval. It also provides pragmatic advice on shareholder structures, non-disclosure issues as well as employment and competition law.
When it comes to the protection and dissemination of artistic and cultural works, the following issues are commonly dealt with by Séguin Racine’s team:

• Acquisition and management of films;
• Planning and organization of foundations and arts funds;
• Authors’ contracts (writers /editors / authors / production and development);
• Financial and tax arrangements;
• Establishment of theme parks;
• Writing co-productions and joint ventures;
• Mandates for the distribution and international sale of films;
• Work contracts (directors, writers, actors, technicians and directors);
• Pre-purchase contracts for rights (audio-visual / multimedia); and
• Museum representation and art galleries; and
• We also have significant experience in the sale or management of film catalogs and copyright portfolios, as well as in commercial reorganizations of businesses, specifically under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. C-36.