Entertainment Law

Designed as a deeper learning experience for all professionals, certificates are intensive, practice-based programs taught by faculty with real-world experience.The world of arts and entertainment — whether it be music, film, television, live theatre, games or books — can be very creative and exciting.

It is also a very challenging and complex environment, particularly for those working behind-the-scenes.

If you are working in the industry, as a lawyer, producer or business affairs professional, it is essential that you have a solid understanding of the legal aspects of your work.

 The Osgoode Certificate in Entertainment Law was created to provide those with or without a law degree with a comprehensive and practical overview of entertainment law in Canada.

Now in its 13th year, led by Program Director Susan Abramovitch, and taught by a highly distinguished faculty of experts drawn from the music, film, television, gaming, live stage events and publishing industries, this certificate covers the key principles you need to know, together with practical insights, strategies and tactics for tackling the most pressing issues in entertainment law. 

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to acquire a comprehensive overview, and to “drill down” into the key issues and challenges that you will likely encounter. You will also receive materials prepared by OsgoodePD’s expert faculty which will serve as a valuable ongoing resource.

What You’ll Learn

• Issues to consider when negotiating with “the talent”
• How the collective bargaining process works
• How tariffs in music are set and how collective rights translate into royalties for artists
• The rights that construct the chain of title and how to avoid drafting pitfalls that would undermine it
• Strategies to employ when negotiating and drafting option, distribution, format and licensing agreements for film and television
• How to understand net profits
• Canada and U.S. tax issues that arise for people in the entertainment industry
• Financing a co-production: what you need to know

Who Should Attend

• Producers
• Business Affairs Analysts
• Directors of Business Development/Business Affairs
• Development Executives
• In-House Counsel
• Rights Managers and Directors
• Entertainment Lawyers in Private Practice
• Union and Guild Professionals
• Contract Managers and Administrators
• Funding Administrators
• Policy Advisors
• Publishers