The entertainment industry moves fast, and protecting creative work, negotiating fair contracts, and working through complex legal agreements quickly and efficiently are essential for artists, producers, and businesses. Entertainment law covers everything from intellectual property rights and contract negotiations to dispute resolution and business structuring.
The Fried Firm helps professionals in music, film, television, and digital media do what they do best—create. You can leave the legal headaches to us.
Who We Represent
We offer representation for people working in the entertainment industry and related fields, including:
- Media companies, content creators & design firms
- Record labels & music publishing companies
- Management companies & booking agencies
- Film & television production companies
- Recording artists, songwriters & composers
- Television & social media personalities
- Film & television writers, directors & editors
- Digital agencies & marketing companies
- Web, software & app developers
- Video game, AR & VR developers
- Fashion, jewelry & lifestyle brands
- Performance venues, nightclubs, bars & restaurants
- Food & beverage companies
- Authors, illustrators & visual artists
- Event producers & catering companies
- Live performance production companies & lighting and sound designers
- Photographers & Videographers
- Architects, Developers, & Interior Designers
Note that The Fried Firm does not act as a sales team or shopping agency. Founder Shana Fried commented, “Our strengths lie in recognizing, negotiating and finalizing the perfect deal for you, not necessarily in securing the deal or pitching your project. Once the deal is on paper, it’s a lot more tangible and of course more enforceable. We’re here to make sure the deal works best for you—not just the other side.” – Shana Fried
The Benefits of Hiring an Entertainment Lawyer in NYC
You need an entertainment lawyer if you work in the entertainment industry and any of the following apply to you:
- You’re signing a contract or are otherwise negotiating the terms of a deal.
- You believe you may be involved in a legal dispute regarding your creative work.
- You are owed money for the use of your work and need assistance in getting paid.
- You’re curious about publication and/or distribution rights for your content.
Any time you feel you need to protect your creative rights and financial interests while working in the entertainment field, you should talk to a lawyer. That’s why we offer free consultations. If you have a case that fits into one of these categories, let’s talk:
- Art Law: We protect the legal rights of artists, galleries, and collectors.
- Fashion Law: We advise designers and brands on intellectual property, contracts, and business disputes.
- Production Counsel: We provide legal oversight for film, TV, and digital media productions.
- Theatre Law: We review contracts, copyright, and rights management for stage productions.
- Social Media Influencers: We structure agreements for and protect the rights of influencers.
- Film Financing: We secure and structure investments for film projects.
- Music Law: We manage rights, royalties, and contracts for creators and industry professionals.
- Publishing: We protect authors’ intellectual property and copyrights.
- Sports Law: We address legal issues for athletes, teams, and sports organizations.
- Intellectual Property Rights Clearance for Film and TV Productions: We ensure the legal use of creative content in visual media.
- Podcasts: We draft agreements and clarify rights for podcast creators and their partners.
- Talent Agency & Artist Management Contracts: We structure deals to protect and empower creative professionals.
- TV & Film Agreements: We draft and negotiate contracts for TV and film industry stakeholders.
Results-Driven Law Firm
The Fried Firm represents New York businesses preserving the identities that define them. We also champion local artists and creators, securing victories in copyright and trademark battles and protecting the creative spirit of New York City.
Entertainment Lawyer NYC FAQ
Here are some of the more commonly asked questions we receive from those looking to hire an entertainment lawyer in NYC.
How Much Does an Entertainment Lawyer in NYC Cost?
The cost of hiring an entertainment lawyer in NYC can vary based on the factors of your case. The best way to know how much to budget for a lawyer at The Fried Firm is by talking to us.
Should I Trademark My Name?
It is a good idea to trademark your name because if someone uses your name without your permission, you can sue them for using your intellectual property without your permission. This is particularly important if you author creative works like novels or music.
How Do I Get Paid for the Use of My Work?
There are various ways to get paid for your creative work. A good start would be to draft a contract with the party or parties who want to use your work. This contract needs to outline the terms of usage, the percentage of compensation to which you are entitled, and any other relevant rights that may pertain to your work, such as copyright ownership or licensing fees.
How Do I Protect My Intellectual Property?
We can help you protect your IP by registering your original work, negotiating contracts for you, and preparing documents to help prevent the infringement of your copyright.
Should I Have a Contract if I’m in a Band?
Absolutely. A band agreement isn’t just about money—it’s about clarity. Whether you’re lifelong friends or just starting out, a written agreement helps define roles in the band, ownership of songs, revenue splits, and what happens if someone leaves.
Contracts prevent misunderstandings and ensure creative and business decisions are handled smoothly. Even a simple contract can save a lot of headaches later.
Is It Better to Sign with a Major Label or Self-Distribute?
It depends. A major label offers industry connections, marketing power, and financial backing—but it can cost you creative control and a large cut of your earnings. Self-distribution gives you independence and a larger share of the revenue, but it also means handling all promotion, distribution, and legal matters yourself or with a smaller team that you pay out of pocket.
Some artists thrive with a label behind them, while others build successful careers on their own. Ultimately, you need to understand the terms of whatever deal you want to sign before you sign it.
What Are the Pros vs Cons in Streaming Distribution vs TikTok Revenue?
Streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.) offer a steady way to make your music accessible worldwide, but per-stream payouts are low. On the other hand, while TikTok and other social platforms can generate viral exposure and lead to direct monetization, trends are unpredictable. It might be better to do both—strategically use your social media for visibility while ensuring you keep the rights and earnings from streaming.
Protect Your Passion – Schedule a Free Consultation
At The Fried Firm, we can help you develop and protect your creative vision and take your career to the next level. We can advise you on contracts, protect your intellectual property, and represent you in complex negotiations. Let’s chat.
