Announcements

Entertainment litigators routinely use the Talent Agencies Act, California Labor Code 1700 to their advantage.   Disgruntled clients seeking to stiff former managers for money owed under percentage compensation agreements have made the Talent Agencies Act their first line of defense for many years.  For the first time, an entertainment lawyer has been held subject to the Talent Agencies Act, and his fee agreement with the client voided.  The reason?  The Commissioner found Blancarte’s services were rendered as an unlicensed talent agent in violation of the Talent Agencies Act.  

In September 2013, the Labor Commissioner ruled in Solis v. Blancarte that Los Angeles attorney James Blancarte had violated the Talent Agencies Act by “procuring employment” for his client without a talent agent license. As a result, Mr. Blancarte was ordered to forfeit his right to payment from his client.  His crime?   Doing the job he was hired to do—negotiate a contract as an entertainment lawyer. The ruling in Solis is not surprising, but the inevitable next step in a long line of rulings by what could be considered a power drunk California Labor Commission. Solis could turn out to be a defining moment in the rather long history of the California Talent Agenciy Act, Labor Code § 1700, since insiders say entertainment lawyers are preparing to storm Sacramento.

The California Copyright Conference presents “Exploring the Digital Landscape” on February 12, 6:15 p.m., Sportsmen’s Lodge. Join moderators Ed Arrow, Sr. VP Universal Music and James Leach VP, SESAC as they ask the tough questions of representatives from YouTube, MusicNotes,  Android and Google Play.   Where exactly is all the money going?

An informative, and we hope a provocative evening.  Register here:   http://theccc.org/events/exploring-the-digital-music-landscape-

On November 13, 2012 Cheryl Hodgson will be discussing the various ways in which artists and composers can recapture of rights in songs and masters based upon termination and non-payment of royalties. The discussion will include a review of the recent jury verdict finding the publisher of the Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds hit “Fallin’ In Love” guilty of defrauding the widow of Dan Hamilton.

The CCC presents monthly panel discussions of interest to music industry professionals. Visit the CCC website for more information. 

HL client Hay House arrives in Pasadena for a three day I CAN DO IT! conference featuring mind, body and spirit-energizing workshops and keynotes by many of its authors. We will be attending where Hodgson Legal clients Louise Hay, Denise Linn, Doreen Virtue, Geneen Roth and Sonia Choquette will be presenting.

Register for this Hay House Events conference here.