Ciao everyone. Happy Monday.
As you may know, I’ve been teaching entertainment law for years, but I’ve never taught the same class twice. I always update and improve the syllabus; it’s a constant evolution. Accordingly, I’ve spent the last few weeks updating and improving my game plan for the fall 2026 edition.
I’m still making minor adjustments, but later today, I’m giving a brief presentation about my class to prospective students. For those who can’t make the presentation and those who are just interested, here’s my still-evolving class plan as it stands on June 22.
Entertainment Transactions - Fall 2026
The fall 2026 program consists of fourteen classes, broken down into three modules (levels).
Module One - Contracts Boot Camp
Classes 1 through 5
Learn how to read, draft, analyze, improve, and redline contracts. We focus on film and television production contracts that grow more complex with each class, and the principles learned apply broadly, including to transactions involving technology, licensing, and all manner of commercial activities. We will also cover the basics of copyright and music clearance.
Module Two - Rights Acquisition and Client Representation
Classes 6 through 10
In module two, you will learn anything and everything about acquiring the rights to produce a television series or a movie, including writer-screenplay deals and option agreements, and the music composer.
You will also learn how to read a screenplay and the basics of how to write one. Module two concludes with a client workshop with a writer-director. They are not guest speakers - they are your hypothetical client. You will advise them about their contract (which you will see for the first time in class), and then represent them in hypothetical negotiations.
Module Three - The Future is Now
Classes 11 through 14
In module three, the classes incorporate AI into the workflow and focus on media licensing (including music publishing), international distribution, and financing. This ties together all of the skills learned throughout the class with cutting-edge technology.
Two required books:
Hollywood Dealmaking, 4th Ed, Dina Appleton and Daniel Yankelevits
Clearance & Copyright: Everything You Need to Know for Film, Television, and Other Creative Content - 5th Edition
I would love to take this class ... come East. You need to go on tour :-)