Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: June 23, 2016
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comReality television programs developed by large production companies have saturated the TV lineup. However, the internet and crowdfunding services have opened new doors for unscripted hopefuls – reality tv crowdfunding could be the next big thing for the craze.
J.R. Smith, a basketball player whose exploits seem ready-made for TV, recently decided to crowdfund a reality program based on his life. However, the effort didn’t last long and the funding campaign is now suspended. The shooting guard didn’t get very close to his goal of $450,000. While funding was still open, however, Yancey Strickler, co-founder and CEO of Kickstarter, even tweeted his support for Smith’s effort.
His efforts to get “Team Swish” off the ground are a sign of the times – even reality TV can be DIY with crowdsourced backing and the internet. Smith’s proposed show isn’t the first of its kind, though.
“The Bedford Stop” is an example of another DIY reality program. It was created in 2014, according to the reality show’s Facebook page. Described as “a reality show about Brooklyn girls avoiding reality.” The low-budget program follows the lives of a few recent college graduates in the New York City borough. The episodes are hosted by YouTube and Vimeo. Each website allows users to post videos for free. Though the program did not receive great reviews – FREEwilliamsburg noted the show “has made its way to YouTube for all of your hate watching needs” – it is still yet another illustration of reality tv crowdfunding.
With a camera, an interesting idea and access to the internet, anyone can make a TV show. However, as a low-budget reality TV show gains a following, questions may emerge about how to maintain the growing operation. For example, if the time comes to draw up contracts, what will they look like?
Frankly, that depends on how much control the creators hope to have over their stars, if, that is, they’re not the same people. Most reality TV contracts are quite thorough and require participants to sign over rights to their image, forgo starring on competitors’ programs and give editors the freedom to dramatize situations. However, all of these restrictions may not be necessary if the show is DIY and not controlled by a larger production company. Consider reviewing contracts from established unscripted programs to learn more about what sort of language these documents should contain.
In addition, research local regulations that pertain to filming. Are drones allowed in the area, and if so what are the guidelines? Are permits necessary to set up in certain locations? These concerns should be addressed before shooting starts.
If you’re considering reality tv crowdfunding to produce show, contact an experienced entertainment law attorney to learn more about this process.
For more articles dealing with reality tv, check out:
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
If you’re considering closing your business, it’s crucial to understand that simply shutting your doors does not end your legal obligations. Unless you formally dissolve your business, it continues to exist in the eyes of the law—leaving you exposed to ongoing liabilities such as taxes, compliance violations, and potential lawsuits. Dissolving a business can seem […]
Author: Christopher D. Warren
Contrary to what many people think, corporate restructuring isn’t all doom and gloom. Revamping a company’s organizational structure, corporate hierarchy, or operations procedures can help keep your business competitive. This is particularly true during challenging times. Corporate restructuring plays a critical role in modern business strategy. It helps companies adapt quickly to market changes. Following […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Cryptocurrency intimidates most people. The reason is straightforward. People fear what they do not understand. When confusion sets in, the common reaction is either to ignore the subject entirely or to mistrust it. For years, that is exactly how most of the public and even many in law enforcement treated cryptocurrency. However, such apprehension changed […]
Author: Bryce S. Robins
Using chattel paper to obtain a security interest in personal property is a powerful tool. It can ensure lenders have a legal claim on collateral ranging from inventory to intellectual property. To reduce risk and protect your legal rights, businesses and lenders should understand the legal framework. This framework governs the creation, sale, and enforcement […]
Author: Dan Brecher
For years, digital assets operated in a legal gray area, a frontier where innovation outpaced the reach of regulators and law enforcement. In this early “Wild West” phase of finance, crypto startups thrived under minimal oversight. That era, however, is coming to an end. The importance of crypto compliance has become paramount as cryptocurrency has […]
Author: Bryce S. Robins
Earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services vitiating the so-called “background circumstances” test required by half of federal circuit courts.1 The background circumstances test required majority group plaintiffs pleading discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act to meet a heightened pleading standard […]
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!