This course explores the legal and business framework governing talent representation in the entertainment industry — including actors, musicians, models, athletes, influencers, directors, writers, and digital creators. It covers how agents, managers, attorneys, and publicists operate; what laws regulate them; how contracts are negotiated; and how talent can protect themselves from exploitation and unfair deals.
Whether you are an aspiring or working artist, talent manager, agent-in-training, entertainment lawyer, or producer — this course teaches you the real-world rules, rights, risks, and legal strategies behind talent representation in film, television, music, sports, theatre, and digital media platforms.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
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Understand the legal distinctions between agents, managers, attorneys, and publicists.
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Explain the laws and regulations governing talent agencies and talent contracts.
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Navigate SAG-AFTRA, WGA, DGA, AFM, and state-specific Talent Agency Acts (especially California & New York).
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Analyze and negotiate agency, management, and endorsement contracts.
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Identify talent exploitation, financial abuse, conflicts of interest, and “unconscionable” contract terms.
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Protect artists legally through contracts, licensing, and enforcement of rights.
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Know how agencies earn revenue — commissions, packaging fees, residuals, royalties, and brand deals.
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Understand digital-age representation issues — influencers, NIL (name-image-likeness), streaming, esports, AI.
