Entertainment andSports

With seasoned attorneys representing clients across the country, we offer a dynamic mix of professionals with extensive behind-the-scenes knowledge. We provide holistic counsel, including supporting clients with legal aspects tied to financial matters, employee relations, intellectual property, marketing, digital distribution, data security, promotions and contests. Removing the guesswork on business and legal matters means clients can focus on what matters most–their artistry and career.

Entertainment

At Taylor English, we take a client-first approach to all entertainment business matters. Our process hinges on proactive advisement that considers risks and benefits to develop a roadmap for success. The career of an actor, screenwriter, producer, director and other TV and film professionals is nuanced and requires a level of understanding that our tenured team can provide. With intimate behind-the-scenes knowledge, we are able to give guidance that recognizes the fluid nature of the industry.

Finance is a driving force for the entertainment industry and can be a challenging topic to navigate. From early stage funding with investors to stock options and compensation incentives for employees, having a pulse on capital is critical. We provide counsel on a variety of financial aspects, including venture capital and private equity/debt transactions, tax credit financing, transferring credits, managing ancillary credit matters, strategic acquisitions and company reorganizations.

Another foundational part of the entertainment business is contracts. We support a range of agreements that cover topics such as co-publishing, joint ventures, distribution, label, life story rights, script purchase, marketing, licensing, merchandising, endorsements and sponsorships. The goal is to be proactive and protect clients across all aspects of business, extending to matters of copyrighting, piracy and trademarks. Should litigation be on the table, we stand prepared to advise clients with long-term outcomes in mind.

One of the unique aspects of TV and film is the ability to showcase the collective talents of many individuals. Managing that artistry requires an intentional balance of employer and employee relations, which is a cornerstone practice for Taylor English. We support clients on a number of employee relations topics, including labor issues, sexual harassment and workplace training, performing rights organizations like ASCAP and BMI, labor issues and union contract grievances, arbitrations and negotiations.

Sports

With decades of experience in the sports industry, the Taylor English team works with an array of athletes, sports teams, leagues, license manufacturers and sports agents in the NCAA, MLB, NBA and NHL. Working with the above entities, the goal is to explore and advise on business opportunities that can yield long-term success.

Our services extend from college athletes to partnerships with marquis players and future hall of fame veteran players. The formula with each client remains the same: pairing a foundation of communication with strategy to help athletes revolutionize their careers. To support unique client needs, we broker deals tied to intellectual property support, brand protection and growth, financial and investment management, estate planning, retirement planning, deferred compensation and licensing.

The intrinsic talent of an athlete is something to be celebrated and protected. With so many factors at play during an athlete’s journey, having the right legal and business representation is critical to a successful career evolution.