About This Course
Donald C. Farber has been practicing Entertainment Law for over 50 years. His vast experience in theatre resulted from his having to learn on the job. As a result, he wrote his first book on producing an Off-Broadway play. This course could easily take its title from that of his book, “From Option to Opening.” This course sets forth exactly what one must legally do to represent a play from beginning to end--that is from the Option to Opening. Along the way, after discussion of the Option, and the Literary Purchase Agreement, the agreements covering the relationship between the creative people and producers is covered as well as the producing entity, how the pie, that is the potential profits, are shared, what must be done to satisfy the securities laws, the importance of merger of rights, the difference between small performing rights and grand performing rights and the other myriad items that one faces in putting a play together. Many of the forms commonly used by attorneys working in theatre were created by Mr. Farber when he landed in "The Business" and had to create workable documents for a new burgeoning Off-Broadway scene. His practice expanded to teaching all over the United States and Canada. Whether you’re a specialist or novice, or are simply interested in this fascinating topic, this is a course you will enjoy.