Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: February 22, 2016
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comThe 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.
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.
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Special purpose acquisition companies (better known as SPACs) appear to be making a comeback. SPAC offerings for 2025 have already nearly surpassed last year’s totals, with additional transactions in the pipeline. SPACs last experienced a boom between 2020–2021, with approximately 600 U.S. companies raising a record $163 billion in 2021. Notable companies that went public […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Merging two companies is a complex legal and business transaction. A short form merger, in which an acquiring company merges with a subsidiary corporation, offers a more streamlined process that involves important corporate governance considerations. A short form merger, in which an acquiring company merges with a subsidiary corporation, offers a more streamlined process. However, […]
Author: Dan Brecher
The Trump Administration’s new tariffs are having an oversized impact on small businesses, which already tend to operate on razor thin margins. Many businesses have been forced to raise prices, find new suppliers, lay off staff, and delay growth plans. For businesses facing even more dire financial circumstances, there are additional tariff response options, including […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
Business partnerships, much like marriages, function exceptionally well when partners are aligned but can become challenging when disagreements arise. Partnership disputes often stem from conflicts over business strategy, financial management, and unclear role definitions among partners. Understanding Business Partnership Conflicts Partnership conflicts place significant stress on businesses, making proactive measures essential. Partnerships should establish detailed […]
Author: Christopher D. Warren
*** The original article was featured on Bloomberg Tax, April 28, 2025 — As a tax attorney who spends much of my time helping people and companies who have large, unresolved issues with the IRS or one or more state tax departments, it often occurs to me that the best service that I can provide […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
On January 28, 2025, the Trump Administration terminated Gwynne Wilcox from her position as a Member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or the Board). Gwynne Wilcox, a union side lawyer for Levy Ratner, was confirmed to the Board for an original term in 2021 and confirmed again for a successive five-year term expiring […]
Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
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.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!