Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Is an Expired Rule to Blame for Diversity Issues in Entertainment?
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: February 22, 2016
Key Contacts
Back
Expired rule to blame for diversity issues in entertainment?
The expiration of a rule governing independent talent agents in 2002 could be behind what many people characterize as a diversity problem in Hollywood.
The unveiling of this year’s Oscar nominees brought a longstanding conversation back to the forefront of the mainstream media: Why is Hollywood so white? Diversity has long been cited as an issue for the movie and television industries.
Lenhoff Enterprises, Inc. v. United Talent Agency, Inc. et al
Now, a lawsuit over employee poaching may provide an answer to those individuals who question Hollywood’s lack of diversity. Lenhoff Enterprises, Inc. v. United Talent Agency, Inc. et al, began as a lawsuit accusing the defendant of poaching talent. However, the litigation touched on an agreement between the Screen Actors Guild and the Association of Talent Agents that expired in 2002 as the reason for a lack of diversity in television. Rule 16(g) mandated that agents be independent and required them to abstain from holding any financial interest in production or distribution companies.
The plaintiff claims that following the rule’s expiration actors, directors and writers have found it difficult to find good representation. Often agents will provide production and distribution companies with a package of talent, rather than individuals, and make money from fees rather than commissions. This concept of packaging talent for these companies to use, rather than shopping individual clients, has contributed to the diversity issue, according to Lenhoff’s lawsuit. Minorities, he claimed, are not the marquee elements of these talent packages, and thus find themselves on the outside looking in far too often.
While talent agencies can counter Lenhoff’s arguments using shows such as “Empire” as examples, a problem with diversity has become apparent. Whether his claim that “talent packaging” is to blame is less clear.
If you believe you’ve suffered as a result of a lack of diversity in Hollywood, or the tendency of talent agencies to package talent together, speak to an experienced for advice.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Guardianships in New Jersey: When a Loved One Can No Longer Manage Personal or Financial Affairs
When a family member can no longer make important decisions for themself, the question is often not whether the family will step in, but whether they have the legal authority to do so. A spouse may manage household finances, or an adult child may arrange medical care and pay bills. Still, informal assistance does not […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
New Jersey’s Revised UHAC Regulations: What Residential Developers Need to Know About Affordable Housing Commitments
New Jersey residential developers with affordable housing obligations should carefully review their existing approvals, development agreements, and proposed deed restrictions in light of the State’s revised UHAC regulations (Uniform Housing Affordability Controls). The regulations, which took effect on November 6, 2025, significantly change the administration and physical requirements for affordable housing units. For developers with […]
Author: Wendy Rubinstein Quiroga
“No Comment” Culture: Why Silence Is Often the Riskiest Legal Strategy
A “no comment” response is sometimes the right call when a legal problem arises. As a blanket policy, however, it lets allegations go unanswered, deadlines pass, evidence disappear, and manageable disputes grow into expensive litigation. The businesses that fare best are usually the ones that say little publicly while acting decisively behind the scenes. When […]
Author: Sean M. Pena
Utility-Scale Battery Storage Projects: A Legal Roadmap for Developers, Property Owners and Other Stakeholders
Utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming an increasingly important component of the electric grid throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. As renewable generation expands, electricity demand increases and grid operators seek greater flexibility, battery storage can help balance supply and demand while providing additional capacity and reliability. For developers, battery storage presents […]
Author: Nicholas Wall
Navigating Disputes: Hire a Partnership Dispute Lawyer
A falling out between partners can be disastrous for any business. In many cases, the partnership will not survive. If you are in an unworkable situation with your partners, it may be time to consult a partnership dispute lawyer experienced in handling partnership breakups and dissolutions before the situation deteriorates any further. It is easy […]
Author: Jay McDaniel
Section 363 Sales in Bankruptcy: What Businesses, Lenders, and Buyers Need to Know
When a company enters Chapter 11 bankruptcy, many assume the process will culminate in a lengthy reorganization plan. However, distressed businesses are increasingly being sold through a different mechanism — a sale under Section 363 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. A Section 363 sale allows a company, as a debtor-in-possession in bankruptcy, to sell […]
Author: John D. Giampolo
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.