AN OVERVIEW OF KAUFMANN FEINER'S PRACTICE

Kaufmann, Feiner, Yamin, Gildin & Robbins LLP, one of New York's leading theatrical law firms, prides itself on the comprehensive service it provides for its clients in all areas of the arts.

The theatrical department traces its history back to 1928, when Edward E. Colton began representing the legendary George Abbott. Today, the lawyers of Kaufmann Feiner represent clients in all areas of: Film; television; theater and other live productions; licensing; copyright/trademark; music; not-for-profit law; art; computer interactive and other multimedia applications; book publishing; and, advertising.

In theater, for example, the firm's lawyers have recently been counsel to numerous Broadway and other theatrical productions, including: John Leguizamo's "Sexaholix: A Love Story"; "One Mo' Time"; "Mr. Goldwyn"; "American Rhapsody"; "Havana is Waiting"; "True Love"; "Eat the Runt" ; and, John Gray's "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus".

In film, the firm's lawyers have recently been production counsel for, among others: "Junebug", "212" (both accepted into the Sundance Festival), "In the Bedroom"; "Piñero"; "Whipped"; "Trick"; and, "Slingblade".

Other important clients of the firm include: Stage Holding - international producer of theatrical productions including "Dracula", "Urinetown," "Into The Woods" (revival),"42nd Street", and "Saturday Night Fever" on Broadway, and in Europe, "The Lion King", "Aida" and "Saturday Night Fever"; Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) - presenter of major international productions in theater, opera and dance, as well as an independent film exhibitor and presenter of cinema art events.; Bob Vila - producer, star of syndicated television show, television personality, and spokesperson for Sears; David Brown - film and theater producer ("Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," "Sweet Smell Of Success" (revival) on Broadway; "Mr. Goldwyn"and "A Few Good Men" Off Broadway; and, in films, "Chocolat", "Along Came a Spider", "Angela's Ashes", "The Verdict", "Cocoon" and "Jaws"; The Big Apple Circus -- New York's premier circus; True Love Productions ("The Retreat from Moscow"); Niko Productions ("Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" with Ann-Margret); The Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles; The Triad Theatre in New York City; Rabbi Shmuley Boteach - author of "Kosher Sex" and "Why Can't I Fall In Love?"; James McBride, author of "The Color of Water"; internationally known documentary filmmaker Andrea Simon; Tony Award-winning designer Judy Dolan; Cyma Rubin, producer of the Emmy Award-winning documentary "Moment of Impact" and the Broadway production of "No, No Nanette", which was nominated for numerous Tony Awards; television production company Big Chief Entertainment ("Repo Men" and "Get The Hook-up"); Tony-nominated actress Tsidii Le Loka of "The Lion King"; Glyn O'Malley, author of the plays "Paradise" and the award-winning "A Heartbeat to Baghdad"; Bridgette Wimberly, author of "St. Lucy's Eyes"; Stevie Phillips - theatre producer ("The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and "Blood Wedding," presently in development); and, South Carolina Educational Television - one of the five major U.S. public television stations.

For those clients whose business interests are in film, television, theater, licensing, copyright/trademark, music, not-for-profit law, art, computer interactive and other multimedia applications, book publishing, or advertising, the legal team at Kaufmann, Feiner, Yamin, Gildin & Robbins LLP offer the following services (list not inclusive):

Motion Picture and Television

- Preparation and negotiation of agreements for the optioning and/or acquisition of underlying rights and scripts

- Negotiation and review of various types of distribution and financing agreements

- Counseling concerning union obligations and agreements

- Libel review

- Advice concerning packaging and placement of product

- Preparation of all other production agreements necessary for the independent producer

- All aspects of representation of individuals performing services as actors, writers, directors, composers, designers and producers

Theater

- Acquisition of underlying rights for musical and dramatic plays both on and off Broadway

- Collaboration agreements among bookwriters, composers and lyricists

- Option and production agreements for Broadway, Off-Broadway, touring and international productions

- Regional theatre, workshop and other developmental production agreements

- Preparation of offering circulars, limited partnership and limited liability company agreements and other investment documentation and all necessary securities filings

- Drafting and negotiation of all other agreements for theatrical productions, including the agreements with directors, stars, choreographers, designers, orchestrators and general managers

- Joint venture agreements among producers/financing parties

Licensing and Merchandising

- Celebrity endorsement and spokesperson agreements

- Character licensing in all media

- Agreements concerning the manufacture and distribution of various types of merchandise

- Infomercial agreements

- Broad range of advice concerning acquisition and licensing of products and intellectual properties while using the firm's extensive licensing experience in related areas such as franchising, fashion, computer software and other high technology fields

Copyright/Trademark

- Advice concerning literary properties and protection of ideas, stories, products and existing and proposed trademarks and service marks

- Advice concerning federal, state and international registration and filings

- Enforcement of copyright and trademark through cease and desist letters and administrative and legal proceedings

Music

- Review and negotiation of performing artist, record company, producer, re-mix, distribution and music publishing agreements

- Establishing music publishing companies and labels, and preparation of all necessary agreements

- Preparation of agreements for the licensing of performing, synchronization and mechanical rights

- Drafting of various agreements for production of music videos and concert films

- Soundtrack and original cast albums

There are, however, two (2) types of services The Firm does not render.  We do not offer investment advice to our clients and we do not manage our clients' assets.