Entertainment/Art Law is actually a combination of certain core areas of law, including the law of contracts, intellectual property (i.e., copyrights, trademarks, rights of publicity, and idea submissions), business law, and resolution of disputes through litigation and negotiation. Cheryl L. Slay maintains a base of expertise in each of these areas for a broad range of clients, and also focuses her practice on representing the Publishing, Video/Film, Music, & Fine Art Industries.

Your art endeavors are important assets in the entertainment industry and require planning and protection from an attorney who understands both how and why. Cheryl L. Slay possesses a base of experience spanning both law and the arts. Ms. Slay’s art and entertainment perspective is enhanced by her career as a performing artist. She is a skilled singer-songwriter with 20 years of performance experience with bands, opera companies, churches, and as a soloist for various entertainment venues. Her studio experience includes work on her own recording project. She brings a unique perspective to this legal practice area.

• Negotiation of Contracts/Deals
• Startup of Recording, Music Production, Film Production, and Book Publishing Companies
• Counsel for Indies, including independent recording companies, book publishers, electronic and on-line publishers, independent artists, independent film companies and producers, and other Indie arts entities
• Literary publishing agreements and representation of authors
• Recording contracts and negotiations
• Production agreements
• Management agreements
• Counsel to talent agents/agencies
• Songwriter/publishing agreements
• Co-production agreements
• Literary Non-disclosure Agreements
• Screenplay Option and Literary Purchase agreements
• Film production and distribution agreements
• Film releases for crews, location, film clips, use of name and likeness, depictions, etc.
• Contracts for photographers, graphic artists, and visual artists
• Copyright and trademark services
• Planning services for Artists (i.e., authors, musicians, screenplay writers, filmmakers, etc.), including career & business developmentand selection of managers/agents
• Workshops, seminars and consultations to provide individualized or small group guidance

Ms. Slay offers workshops in the following areas:

• Succeeding in the Music Industry (and Beyond)
• Succeeding as an Independent Filmmaker
• Self-Publishing Your Book
• Internet Marketing for Indies
• Copyright Do's & Don'ts
• Trademark Do's & Don'ts
• Keeping Pace with Changes in the Music Industry
• Business Do's & Dont's
• Understanding Entertainment Industry Contracts
• Making Money, not just art!

Workshops include materials, and are designed to offer practical solutions. Call to schedule a workshop for a group (of at least 5 or more), and to find out upcoming workshop dates.

One-on-one consultation is available for customized business planning, or on any of the workshop/seminar topics. Ms. Slay offers solution-oriented counsel concerning your specific issues, interests, and opportunities.

Information about Maryland entertainment law and services

Information about Nashville entertainment law and services