Dentons Entertainment & Media Law Signal Podcast Series

Fair Dealing in Canada, Part two

Dentons — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 14:30:00 -0400

In this episode of the Entertainment and Media Law Signal podcast series, Bob Tarantino speaks with David Steinberg about fair dealing in Canada. The second in a two-part series, this episode focuses on the complexities of obtaining Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance when relying on fair dealing exemptions, and the practical challenges that arise when dealing with insurers, distributors, and rights holders.

As counsel in the Toronto office, Bob focuses his practice on the interface between the entertainment industry and intellectual property law. David is a partner in the Toronto office whose practice focuses on the areas of entertainment and media law, specifically in the film, television and music industries.

Fair Dealing in Canada, Part one

Dentons — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Entertainment and Media Law Signal podcast series, Bob Tarantino speaks with David Steinberg about Fair dealing in Canada. The first in a two-part series, this episode focuses on the basics, including defining what exactly fair dealing is, how to think about applying it, and generally how it functions in the context in which it works.

UK tax incentives for Canadian producers

Dentons — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 11:02:00 -0400

In this episode of the Entertainment and Media Law Signal podcast series, Bob Tarantino speaks with Isla MacGillivray about recent updates to UK tax incentives for film and television productions and their relevance to Canadian producers. The Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit (AVEC) for film, high-end TV, animation, and children’s TV was introduced on January 1, 2024 and the new enhanced AVEC (aka Independent Film Tax Credit) was introduced on April 1, 2024.

As counsel in the Toronto office, Bob focuses his practice on the interface between the entertainment industry and intellectual property law. Isla is a partner and Head of Film and TV at Saffery LLP, a UK audit, accounting and tax practice that operates throughout the UK and Ireland.

Online Streaming Act updates and future plans

Dentons — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 10:50:00 -0400

In this episode of the Entertainment and Media Law Signal podcast series, Bob Tarantino speaks with Margot Patterson about the Online Streaming Act and the progress made since the Act received Royal Assent in April 2023. This legislation, which amends the Broadcasting Act, extends Canadian regulations to include both audio and audiovisual streaming services that generate more than CA$10 million in annual revenue from Canadian operations operating within the country. As counsel in the Toronto office, Bob focuses his practice on the interface between the entertainment industry and intellectual property law. Margot is counsel in the Ottawa office in our Intellectual Property, Communications Law, Competition Law, and Media, Entertainment and Sports groups, with a practice focused on media, brands and intellectual property.

Contacts: Bob Tarantino, Margot Patterson

Unpacking business affairs with Lindsay Paquette

Dentons — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 11:34:00 -0400

In this episode of the Dentons Entertainment & Media Law Signal Podcast Series, Jayme Alter speaks with Lindsay Paquette, senior manager of business affairs in the Media and Entertainment group. Lindsay discusses the unique role of business affairs within the legal community, providing insights into the various ways in which she supports the media and entertainment team − from conducting legal and industry research to navigating financial incentives and the tax credit process − all while pursuing her PhD in copyright.

Production financing

Dentons — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 10:44:00 -0400

In this episode of the Entertainment and Media Law Signal podcast series, Jim Russell and David Steinberg dive into the complexities of production financing. They discuss the intricacies of securing loans, managing lender expectations and navigating assignment documents to ensure your film, TV or digital media project is fully funded. This episode is perfect for producers looking to understand the nuts and bolts of financing their next big project and is a must-listen for industry insiders. Jim and David are both partners in the Media, Entertainment and Sports group. Both are based in Dentons’ Toronto office.

Trademarks and copyrights: What’s the big deal?

Dentons — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 09:24:00 -0400

In this episode of the Entertainment & Media Law Signal Podcast Series, David Steinberg speaks with, Meredith Bacal about trademarks and copyrights; two important parts in the IP toolkit in the media and entertainment space. Meredith is a partner in the Firm’s Intellectual Property, and Litigation and Dispute Resolution groups and has extensive experience litigating media, entertainment, defamation, and technology disputes. David is a partner in the Media and Entertainment group. Both are based in Dentons Toronto office.

Episode 16: Regulatory considerations for buying or selling a film, TV, and entertainment business in Canada

Dentons — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 14:06:00 -0400

In this episode of the Entertainment & Media Law Signal Podcast Series, Bob Tarantino speaks with Media and Entertainment Partner, Jim Russell and antitrust and foreign investment Partner, Adam S. Goodman about regulatory (foreign investment) considerations that need to be taken into account when a film, TV or other entertainment related business is being bought or sold in Canada.

Episode 15: Current policies and changes affecting foreign national workers

Dentons — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 15:39:00 -0400

In this episode of the Entertainment & Media Law Signal podcast, Bob Tarantino speaks with Helen Park about immigration issues affecting foreign national workers in the industry. While there have been ongoing changes and more are expected, Helen provides insight on the current policies in place and offers guidance for people travelling into Canada from different jurisdictions.

If you would like to discuss this podcast or an immigration-related issue regarding your production, please contact Bob Tarantino or Helen Park.

Episode 14: Entertainment Law Building Blocks Series (Part 3): Production financing

Dentons — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 17:02:00 -0400

In this installment of our Entertainment Law Building Blocks Series, Bob Tarantino and articling student Karin Kazakevich are joined by Media and Entertainment Partner, Jim Russell, to discuss key elements of production financing. In this episode they review the common sources of financing in Canada and tackle subjects such as tax credits, bank loans, completion bonds and production financing plans.

Episode 13: Locking it down; Attachment, shopping and option agreements

Dentons — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 09:31:00 -0400

Listen in to hear about the differences between option agreements, shopping agreements and attachment agreements, along with practical takeaways in drafting and negotiating.

Episode 12: Entertainment Law Building Blocks Series (Part 2): Clearances and permission

Dentons — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 12:45:00 -0400

With this newest installment of our Entertainment Law Building Blocks Series, Bob Tarantino and articling student Karin Kazakevich are back to discuss foundational elements in the practice of entertainment law. In this episode, they discuss clearances and permissions and dive into questions such as what even is a clearance and how do you get one? How do you make a movie about someone’s life? And what does having E&O insurance really mean?

Episode 11: Entertainment Law Building Blocks Series (Part 1): Content ownership and control

Dentons — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 03:21:00 -0400

In this new series, Bob Tarantino and articling student Karin Kazakevich discuss foundational elements in the practice of entertainment law. In today’s episode, they dive into a deeper conversation about content ownership and questions such as who actually owns the final film? What is “title” and why do we track it? And who really has creative control?

Episode 10: Pursuing Entertainment Law

Dentons — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 12:08:00 -0400

Are you in law school or are a new grad thinking of making the move into entertainment law? Listen in as Bob Tarantino chats with the newest member of Dentons Media and Entertainment team, Stephanie Provato, on how she found her niche in the media and entertainment space and tips for how you can too. Even if your law school doesn’t directly offer media and entertainment courses, hear about ways you can proactively position yourself to be ready to confidently enter the industry.

Episode 9: Licensing music for film and TV projects

Dentons — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 15:29:00 -0400

In this episode, Bob Tarantino and David Steinberg continue the discussion about the use of music in film and TV projects, with a focus on licensing pre-existing music. Find out when sync and master use licenses are needed (and when they’re not) and what potential limitations and pitfalls can be posed by the terms of such licenses.

Episode 8: Composer agreements for film and TV projects

Dentons — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 14:38:00 -0400

In today’s episode, Bob Tarantino and David Steinberg review the collision between the two worlds of film/television and music along with the importance of understanding the specific terminology associated with each. They will dive deep into discussion around publishing rights and master recording rights to help producers gain clarity on the phraseology between the two industries.

Episode 7: Financing fundamentals: Lessons learned from Grosvenor v Arc

Dentons — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 10:44:00 -0400

When producing in Canada, it’s common to consider our country’s tax credits when financing the deal. When those credits are assigned outright or as collateral to another party in the contract, it’s important to protect your interests.

In this episode of the Entertainment & Media Law Signal podcast, Bob Tarantino speaks with Jim Russell and Ken Kraft to dissect the Grosvenor v Arc decision, which offers useful insights for anyone advancing money against tax credits. Our team discusses the key takeaways that underscore the importance of registering assignments of accounts and security interests under the PPSA. And, as a best practice, be sure to pay close attention to standard subordination agreements to ensure your party’s priority collateral interests are defined and reserved.

If you would like to discuss this podcast, please contact Jim Russell, Ken Kraft or Bob Tarantino.

Episode 6: Careers in Canadian Entertainment Law: Part 2

Dentons — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:25:00 -0400

When preparing to become a lawyer, it’s important to test drive a few practice areas to find your perfect fit. Entertainment law, for example, sounds entertaining, but capturing opportunities comes with hard work at a fast pace.

As a follow-up to our hit episode Careers in Canadian Entertainment Law (Part 1), Bob Tarantino and Caitlin Choi speak with a few of our Dentons Canada summer students about what it’s like to practice entertainment law. In this special episode of the Entertainment & Media Law Signal podcast, our lawyers-in-training flip the script and ask our hosts their questions – from whether it’s best to specialize or be a Jack/Jill of all trades, to what’s the most interesting thing about their practice, to whether you need a creative background to succeed in the industry. One thing is for certain – there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to becoming a successful lawyer. Bob and Caitlin share their experience and offer guidance for anyone looking to find their niche.

If you would like to discuss this podcast and what it takes to practice Entertainment law, please contact Bob Tarantino or Caitlin Choi.

Episode 5: Crossing the border during COVID-19

Dentons — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 15:45:00 -0400

Now that film and television production is opening up across Canada, how is talent getting across the border? Pre-pandemic, cast and crew from the US could cross the border into Canada for production with ease (generally), but as the case numbers between our countries continue to vary drastically, enhanced control measures are being enforced that affect work permits and include quarantine plans. In this episode of the Entertainment & Media Law Signal podcast, Bob Tarantino and Caitlin Choi ask Helen Park about immigration issues around film and television production taking place in Canada. While the details change on a daily basis, Helen shares her insight on what she has seen so far and offers guidance to producers on what steps they should take when planning to get someone across the border. If you would like to discuss this podcast or an immigration-related issue regarding your production, please contact Helen Park, Bob Tarantino or Caitlin Choi.

Episode 4: Careers in Canadian Entertainment Law

Dentons — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 14:07:00 -0400

Canada is a prime destination for studios and alternative media content producers to enjoy our country’s mature tax credits and attractive currency. “Hollywood North” is multicultural and multifunctional – there is availability of crews, studio space, local production and talents, whether they be actors, directors, editors or producers. While audiences sit back and enjoy the final product, there’s a lot of work that happens behind the scenes – including lots of legal. In this episode of the Entertainment & Media Law Signal podcast, Bob Tarantino speaks with Ken Dhaliwal and Caitlin Choi about their career paths. The pair look back on their experience of how they became entertainment lawyers, what their practices look like today, and offer some tips for anyone interested in the profession. If you would like to discuss this podcast and what it takes to practice Entertainment law, please contact Ken Dhaliwal, Bob Tarantino or Caitlin Choi.

Episode 3: Back to the basics: Five W’s for drafting morals clauses

Dentons — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 12:31:00 -0400

Morals clauses come in all different shapes and sizes. Did you know that we can trace the history of morals clauses back to 1920s Hollywood when movie studios tried to insulate themselves from scandals surrounding actors and their off-screen behaviour by giving them a contractual “out”? Fast-forward to today, where there are now reverse morals clauses, allowing the celebrity/performer to terminate the arrangement if the company is associated in a scandal. With so many options available, it’s best to understand the basics. In this episode of the Entertainment & Media Law Signal podcast, Bob Tarantino and Caitlin Choi provide you with the Five W’s of drafting morals clauses – What, When, Where, Who, “…and then What" – and discuss a case about a morals clause that went all the way to the Ontario Court of Appeal. If you would like further information on what makes a good morals clause, read our related blog post, or contact Bob Tarantino or Caitlin Choi.

Episode 2: Dealing with distribution delays due to COVID-19

Dentons — Wed, 27 May 2020 18:45:00 -0400

During a global pandemic, we are now generally accustomed to delayed deliveries – from our household essentials, to late-night impulse purchases – but what about the content we rely on to entertain us in an extended quarantine? Every producer that has a license agreement with a distributor, broadcaster or an SVOD service has an obligation to complete and deliver their content in accordance with the defined schedule. While productions have shut down in this current environment, producers have had to adjust those dates and improvise where possible to deliver content that will feed an almost-parched pipeline. In this episode of the Entertainment & Media Law Signal podcast, Bob Tarantino and Caitlin Choi speak with David Steinberg, who has been helping film and television producers deal with the challenges of delivery during the pandemic. David shares helpful provisions for renegotiating agreements, and looks ahead to the future hurdles content producers may face in the second, third, etc. waves of issues that will arise to due COVID-19. If you would like to discuss this podcast, a COVID-related delay to your delivery obligations or renegotiating a license agreement, please contact David Steinberg, Bob Tarantino or Caitlin Choi.