Entertainment Law

In the ever-changing world of entertainment, an easy to read book is a worthy exercise. No upcoming artist, manager or performer can afford to be ignorant of the major issues that will arise in their careers. This is a series of helpful essays on selected issues that may affect those involved in entertainment in Australia. Topics include freedom of expression, defamation, obscenity and hate speech, confidentiality and privacy, the commercialisation of IP entertainment, contract law and the role of agents and managers. Written in a reader friendly style by various authors, it will be of interest to performers and industry players alike. The chapter on bigotry and hate speech and its relevance to the entertainment business is helpful as the author guides the reader through laws that are varied and “uneven” between states and the Commonwealth. Also, the chapter on copyright emphasises a theme that has emerged in recent times whereby copyright law is seen as a protector and stimulator of creative endeavour and also a potential disincentive force on creators. The last line of the book is probably?the best advice to anyone entering the entertainment business – “obtaining independent legal advice remains the first line of defence against many of the abuses and conflicts that can and do arise”. – Steven Castan, InPrint, Law Institute Journal Victoria, March 2018

This book covers a range of topics about entertainment law, beginning at the basics the Australian legal system. It is aimed at those working in the entertainment industry who may not have a legal background. The book looks at the history of? free expression, and the right ?to free expression as protected internationally by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and domestically by common law, noting that Australia does not have the same level of protection as the United States, who have a constitutional guarantee of free expression. This book then addresses some of the main intersects between the legal system and the entertainment industry – defamation, laws against vilification (including hate speech), obscenity and the role of censorship laws, confidentiality and privacy, copyright and commercialisation of IP, negligence, contracts and the agency relationship of agents and managers. From a legal sense, the book looks at the basic elements of each of these areas of the law, but provides interesting commentary about the application of the law in the entertainment industry. While the book does not discuss case law in detail in the text, substantial case law is referenced through the footnotes and there is a detailed? table of cases and of statutes at the beginning of the book. The book addresses current issues such as the leak of sex tapes, the balance between freedom of speech and protecting individuals from vilification, and the relationship between managers and their clients. The book covers? a large range of issues, and so does not go into each issue in great depth, but provides a good starting point by identifying the basics and the relevant cases. – Emily Shoemark, Ethos, ACT Law Society, December 2017