Canadian Lawyer

REGIONAL WRAP-UP LAWYER SEES AGE OF THE 'CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR' T assist with what Vancouver entertain- ment "creative entrepreneur." lawyer Aren Altman calls the emerged from a changing dynamic of economics, technology, and audience preference in entertainment, says Alt- man. These individuals are creative art- ists who are now able to launch a ven- ture independently without signing film or recording studio contracts. Altman, who has 400 clients in the entertain- ment industry, says his main role these days is helping these artistic clients translate their creative efforts into a The "creative entrepreneur" has he area of media entertain- ment is evolving and leading to a greater need for lawyers to commercial entity and ensuring they "do not shoot themselves in the foot" while bringing it to market. "I also play an educational role, says Altman. His advice ranges from protecting an idea, " contract, and ensuring the rights to a musical score in a film are nailed down, to making sure errors and omission insurance is in place prior to distribu- tion to mitigate any lawsuits. There is a range of factors pushing forging that first first-time artists into the marketplace. Tours have replaced CDs as money generators for recording artists. "At one time the tour promoted the CD, says Altman, adding it's now reversed. Downloading from the Internet is pre- the big " ferred for selecting songs, and the popu- larity of a song will prompt concert ticket sales to see that artist. Current technolo- gy, he points out, makes it easier to set up a sophisticated sound studio in a home and record. The Internet has provided a place for an artist to display work and seek public approval. Digital image tech- nology is also leading to independently produced movies. "The growth has always been inde- pendent producers of music and film and these are the individuals just com- ing out of school, diminished tax breaks for major pro- duction companies and studios to shoot films in B.C., companies are moving to greener areas such as Ontario, where The Chambers of Choice for Mediation and Arbitration ARBITRATION MEDIATION SPEEDY TRIALS NEUTRAL EVALUATION PRIVATE APPEALS " he says. But, with The Hon. Lee K. Ferrier, Q.C. FERRIER The Hon. Douglas Cunningham, Q.C. CUNNINGHAM Gregory W. Cooper, C.F.Arb. COOPER Gordon Kaiser, FCIArb KAISER William G. Horton HORTON Our independent members have expertise in the following areas: Competition Law and Trademarks, Corporate and Commercial Disputes, Energy and Infrastructure Disputes, Estates, Family Law, Insolvency, Personal Injury/Insurance Claims, Professional Liability, and Securities and Shareholder Matters. 12 N O VEMBER / D ECEMBER 2012 www.CANADIAN Lawyermag.com Untitled-1 1 Kimberley Neeson NEESON The Hon. Jack D. Ground, Q.C. GROUND Neeson Arbitration Chambers Located at Adelaide St. W. and York St. in downtown Toronto. 416.640.4730 NEESONCHAMBERS.COM 12-10-16 6:09 PM

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