Living in Chicago there is so many people working in the entertainment business and the guy Matt sent me to is working with many well know artist in Chicago. Scott Shapiro form Shapiro, Vasilatos & Cotter, P.C. started small as an entertainment lawyer but has made a little name from himself because the level of artists he is working for has grown too. The artists have grown form local acts to national acts. Shapiro is from Chicago and after high school he attended University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa and majored in English and Journalism. After graduating in 1994 Shapiro attended John Marshall Law School in Chicago and graduated in 1997. After law school Shapiro he started practicing law in the Chicago area mostly for workers’ compensation defense. Scott’s dad was the one that introduced him to entertainment law. Scott said his dad had a band walk in his office off the street and said they needed help. His dad helped the band out and Scott just started getting involved with other bands after that.
Scott is one of the founders of Shapiro, Vasilatos & Cotter, P.C. in 2001 where they still focus on workers’ compensation defense as their present day path for the law firm. Shapiro still works as an entertainment lawyer for some bands. A few of the acts he is currently working with Umphrey's Mcgee and the newest band he is working with is Holding Mercury. Most of the his past and present involvement in entertainment law is focused on negotiation of contracts where he represented solo musicians, musical groups, producers, poets, actors, as well as entertainment promotion companies, and talent agents.
One of the biggest mistakes young act make when it come to making an agreement with other people is not getting thinks in writing. When talking with Scott he forced this concept on this many of time. He requires everything that is in writing to be paced through him first to ensure everything is good.
Being a lawyer in the entertainment business can be changeling. I asked Mr. Shapiro what is his favorite/shining moment in practicing law in the entertainment field? He could not really give me one particular moment but his favor part about work with bands is to see them grow and become major player in the business. Not every band is able to make it to the level where they are make a living of just playing music. The weak ones will fade away and the strong groups will continue to make great music and impact the music industry. A good example of a band that is doing this is a band the Shapiro represents Umphrey's Mcgee. They started small in Chicago and have grown to a national act over the years.
Chicago has a great music seen and millions of music fans come here to see all kinds of music. Last night I saw Nine Inch Nails at the Agora Ballroom on the north side. About have way through the show Trent Reznor explained to the crowd when he did his first album he started off in Chicago. He told the crowd how great the music scene is in Chicago and how the people here are nice. This makes me feel great about what I am doing here and how to go about starting my own business. Trent also said, “don’t believe everything that someone says to you especially not record labels.” This ties in o the next question I asked Shapiro. What is a major legal liability/challenges in my business field as a Talent Buyer? “Get everything in writing no mater how small you think it is. This will save you down the road if something goes wrong.”
After interviewing Scott Shapiro I am taking a new approach on how I do business with my company and band. I will be doing more contracts and agreements all in writing. Scott did give me some good advice on books to read by Moses Avalon and also to keep an eye out for any good networking event that have to do with entertainment law. I feel taking the advice that Mr. Shapiro gave me will help lead me to long career in the entertainment business and keep me safe as well.
Advanced Entertainment Law (PDF)
No comments:
Post a Comment