New York City is one of the world’s great entertainment capitals — it is home to Broadway and Off-Broadway theatre, global music publishers and recording studios concentrated in Midtown Manhattan, major label headquarters, independent film production companies across Brooklyn and Queens, and a creative community that sets the standard globally. The deals you sign and the rights you protect today will shape what you earn and own for years to come.
The Fried Firm is a boutique entertainment law firm based in Brooklyn, representing musicians, theatre producers, film companies, recording labels, media businesses, and individual creators throughout New York City. We handle contract negotiations, intellectual property protection, licensing, dispute resolution, and business structuring — so you can focus on the work.
New York’s Entertainment Landscape (And Why Representation Matters)
New York’s entertainment industry is built on relationships, and on contracts. Music publishing companies in the Brill Building and midtown Manhattan have structured the business of recorded music for decades. Broadway and Off-Broadway producers navigate complex Dramatists Guild agreements, union rules, and production financing structures that have no equivalent anywhere else in the country. Film and television production companies operating out of New York work under both New York state law and federal intellectual property frameworks that govern rights, ownership, and distribution.
The Southern District of New York (SDNY) is one of the most active federal courts for entertainment and intellectual property disputes in the United States if a rights dispute goes to federal litigation, there is a good chance it lands in New York. New York also provides specific legal protections for creators: the state’s Right of Publicity statute, the New York Arts and Cultural Affairs Law, and New York’s robust case law on copyright and trademark matters all shape how entertainment agreements are drafted and enforced here.
At The Fried Firm, we have built our practice at the intersection of law and New York’s creative industries. Our clients are part of that community, and so are we.
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 has represented New York musicians, recording labels, theatre producers, film companies, and creative brands in copyright and trademark disputes, contract negotiations, licensing arrangements, and business transactions. Our clients range from independent artists navigating their first recording deals to established production companies structuring multi-party film finance agreements.
Founder Shana Fried and her team understand New York’s entertainment ecosystem from the inside. When you work with us, you’re not explaining your industry to someone who only sees it from the outside, you’re working with a firm that has been part of the New York creative community for years.
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.
What courts handle entertainment law disputes in New York?
Entertainment disputes in New York are handled in both state and federal courts, depending on the nature of the claim. Copyright and federal trademark infringement cases are heard in federal court, most commonly in the Southern District of New York (SDNY), which is one of the most active and sophisticated courts for entertainment and IP matters in the country. Contract disputes, business torts, and state-law claims may be handled in New York State Supreme Court. The right venue depends on your specific situation, and we can advise you on where and how to pursue or defend your matter.
Does New York have specific legal protections for artists and creators?
Yes. New York’s Right of Publicity statute protects the commercial use of your name, likeness, and image, important for musicians, performers, and public-facing creators. The New York Arts and Cultural Affairs Law addresses specific issues in the art world, including consignment relationships between artists and galleries. The federal Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA) provides certain moral rights for original works of visual art. New York courts also have extensive case law on entertainment contracts, music rights, and publishing agreements that an experienced New York entertainment attorney will know how to use in your favor.
What should a theatre producer based in NYC know about contracts?
Broadway and Off-Broadway production agreements are among the most complex entertainment contracts in existence. They involve rights licenses from playwrights and composers, union agreements with Actors’ Equity Association and other theatrical unions, co-producer agreements, general partnership or LLC structures for individual productions, and investor documents that comply with New York and federal securities law. The Dramatists Guild’s standard agreements govern many playwright relationships and include protections for writers that producers need to understand before structuring their deals. The Fried Firm has experience with theatre production agreements and can advise producers, writers, and creative collaborators on how to structure their arrangements correctly from the start.
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.
