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.
Corporate consolidation involves two or more businesses merging to become a single larger entity. The result is often a stronger and more competitive company that can better navigate today’s competitive marketplace. What Is Corporate Consolidation? Corporate consolidation closely resembles a basic merger transaction. The primary difference is that a consolidation creates an entirely new business […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Business law plays a critical role in nearly every aspect of running a successful enterprise, from negotiating a commercial lease to drafting employee policies to fulfilling corporate disclosure obligations. Understanding what is business law and your legal obligations can help your business run smoothly and build productive relationships with clients, business partners, regulators, and others. […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Corporate transactions can have significant implications for a corporation and its stakeholders. For deals to be successful, companies must act strategically to maximize value and minimize risk. It is also important to fully understand the legal and financial ramifications of corporate transactions, both in the near and long term. Understanding Corporate Transactions The term “corporate […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Ongoing economic uncertainty is forcing many companies to make tough decisions, which includes lowering staff levels. The legal landscape on both the state and federal level also continues to evolve, especially with significant changes to the priorities of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) under the Trump Administration. Terminating an employee is one of the […]
Author: Angela A. Turiano
While filing annual reports may seem like a nuisance, failing to do so can have significant ramifications. These include fines, reputational harm, and interruption of your business operations. In basic terms, “admin dissolution for annual report” means that a company is dissolved by the government. This happens because it failed to submit its annual report […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Antitrust laws are designed to ensure that businesses compete fairly. There are three federal antitrust laws that businesses must navigate. These include the Sherman Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, and the Clayton Act. States also have their own antitrust regimes. These may vary from federal regulations. Understanding antitrust litigation helps businesses navigate these complex […]
Author: Robert E. Levy
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!