The Guild's Department of Business Affairs is committed to educating writers about business and legal standards in the theater industry. The staff lawyers in Business Affairs can review unsigned contracts and advise on a wide range of matters including options, commissions, royalties, copyright, collaboration, trademark, rights of privacy, rights of publicity, defamation, so-called “life-story rights,” and agents. It can also provide guidance, and follow up on complaints regarding theatres, producers, publishers, agents, attorneys, festivals, and contests.
Business Affairs also provides constructive comments to government and business leaders on balancing institutional tradition in the face of necessary innovation. Toward this end, the lawyers at the Guild track U.S. and worldwide theater business trends, advise members on immediate business concerns, and draft statements reflecting the Council’s position on issues of national import.
While the Guild’s purpose is to advocate generally for playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists, it does NOT represent individual members. With respect to this limitation, Business Affairs aims to give each individual member the tools necessary for successfully managing the business of being an author. As such, the lawyers in Business Affairs will not contact any non-members on an individual member’s behalf, nor will the lawyers analyze a contract that has already been signed or draft language for any member’s agreement. Start your conversation with Business Affairs today. Business Affairs is working hard for you. If you have an idea for a feature that you’d like to see, please email us. We’d love to hear from you.
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Business Resources For Dramatists