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
When to Settle and When to Fight: A Litigator's Framework
Every lawsuit comes with a cost, and knowing when to settle a lawsuit is one of the most consequential decisions a business owner will face. Experienced litigators understand how to minimize cost and obtain certainty for their clients. For many business owners, the decision is viewed almost entirely through a financial lens: What will it cost […]
Author: Sean M. Pena
A Whistleblower Just Filed a Complaint Against Your Company: Here's What to Do Now
Few situations create more uncertainty than learning that an employee has filed a whistleblower complaint. Questions arise immediately: Is the allegation legitimate? Should the employee be placed on leave? Do we need to notify our insurance carrier? Are we now prevented from disciplining the employee if there are unrelated ongoing work related issues? There is […]
Author: Sean M. Pena
Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors: An Alternative to Bankruptcy for Distressed Businesses
When a business reaches the point where it can no longer service its debts or otherwise resolve its liabilities, management is often faced with a difficult question: is a bankruptcy filing necessary or is there another way to perform an orderly liquidation or sale of the business assets? While Chapters 7 and 11 of the […]
Author: John D. Giampolo
Breaking Down New Jersey’s “Mansion” Tax: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
For many years, the New Jersey Mansion Tax has been a significant consideration in high-value real estate transactions. Recent legislative changes, however, have substantially altered how the tax operates, including who is responsible for paying it and the amount owed in certain transactions. Whether you are purchasing, selling, or investing in New Jersey real estate, […]
Author: George McGowan
Estate Planning for Digital Assets Under New Jersey Law
As our personal and financial lives increasingly move online, estate planning must evolve to address a new category of property: digital assets. From email accounts and social media profiles to cryptocurrency and cloud-stored business records, these assets often carry both financial and sentimental value. Yet, without proper planning, they can become inaccessible—or even lost—upon incapacity […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
The Role of Representation and Warranty Insurance in M&A Transactions
In today’s mergers and acquisitions market, representation and warranty (R&W) insurance has become a common feature of deal negotiations. Once used primarily in larger transactions, R&W insurance is now frequently incorporated into middle-market deals as buyers and sellers look for efficient ways to allocate risk and close deals. When structured properly, R&W insurance can help […]
Author: George McGowan
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.