Back to Basics: Introduction to Copyright in Film & TV with CMS

WFTV invites you to part two of two legal webinar sessions, hosted by international law firm CMS. Join Media Associate Anna Colless, along with her colleague in the CMS Commercial team, Rebekah Hayes, as they discuss the basics of copyrighting within film and TV.

This second session of the two will cover questions such as: What is copyright? What types of work are protected? What does it not protect? Why does it matter a production context? What copyright works might need to be cleared for inclusion in a film/TV show? What about fair dealing? What copyright might exist in relation to a film/TV show? Who owns it? What is assignment vs. licensing? What are collecting societies? What in particular should a writer/producer/etc think about/expect when it comes to copyright?

The first part of the legal webinar sessions (Back to Basics: Production Contracts 101 with CMS) will be availible to WFTV members on our catch up hub after the 13 February when the event will take place. 

About CMS

Over the last 30 years, CMS has worked on industry defining commercial arrangements, corporate transactions and litigation in advertising, film, TV, digital and social media, games, music, publishing and sport. During this time, the team has gained extraordinary knowledge of the film & TV sector, acting for a wide range of rights holders, producers, financiers, distributors and broadcasters. We understand the issues facing rights holders, filmmakers and TV producers in today’s competitive landscape – from development and rights clearance to financing, accessing tax credits and other production incentives and all production, distribution and broadcasting related matters. As a result, CMS is able to help its clients make the right strategic decisions, both in the UK and across the globe thanks to its fantastic international network of media specialists.

Anna Colless

Anna is a Media Associate in the Commercial team at CMS with experience across the breadth of the entertainment industries, including film, television, theatre, and audio. She advises broadcasters, producers, distributors, venues, authors, rights holders and more on all aspects of the development, production, and exploitation of content. Anna won the Sports & Entertainment category of the Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards 2021 and was named in the Australasian Lawyer Rising Stars List 2022. She is qualified in both News South Wales (Australia) and New York (US), but is currently practising in the United Kingdom.

Rebekah Hayes

Rebekah is a Partner in the Commercial team at CMS and is head of the Production Finance Practice. She has a breadth of experience in the film and television sector acting for both producers and financiers. Rebekah regularly advises producers and financiers on a range of issues, including co-production funding and access to appropriate subsidies and incentives, single picture and slate deal facilities and funds, and the production, distribution, and exploitation of audio-visual content. Rebekah also works alongside the corporate media team advising on media sector specific issues on M&A and joint venture transactions

Event Schedule:

17:55: Please join the webinar waiting room

18:00: In conversation with  

18:45: Attendee Q&A opens

19:00: Finish

How will the online event work?

This event will be live streamed via Zoom.us. Viewing details will be sent via your confirmation.

Attending participants will not be visible to others and will be muted throughout the session. After the talk, there will be an opportunity for audience members to ask their questions to the panel by using the Q&A feature.

This event is for existing WFTV members only.

If you are not a member and would like to join, membership costs just £100 + VAT/yr , please click here or email admin@wftv.org.uk

At WFTV we’re really keen to ensure that all our events are accessible for everyone. So if you have any particular access needs, please can you let us know before an event and we will do our best to accommodate you. We would be grateful if you can give us as much notice as possible – please contact admin@wftv.org.uk