8 ANIMATION LEGAL TIPS EVERY ARTIST SHOULD KNOW

Below is an excerpt from the article, please read the full article HERE:

You can also see more from Mark Edwards HERE.

“Prior to the invention of the Internet, most animators worked in studios on someone else’s Intellectual Property (IP). Since the dawn of digital, however, many now find themselves playing the part of producer and distributor, promoting and propagating their creative capital across social media and video platforms like YouTube and Vimeo. While these new avenues for animation have doubtlessly democratized and broken down barriers within the industry, these opportunities also open up creators to a litany of legal issues.

To secure the leading legal advice, Toon Boom spoke to Mark Edwards, principal of Edwards PC, Creative Law. The boutique media and entertainment firm has offices in Ottawa and Toronto, and provides legal services to film and television, digital interactive media and music clients. Edwards also has a 20-year personal and professional connection to the animation industry

In 1997, he left a career in commercial litigation to join an animation company as its head of business and legal affairs. This started a journey that would see him go on to cofound a new studio, Amberwood Entertainment, where he would also find himself in the producer’s chair. His first show was “Hoze Houndz” and over the subsequent six years, he would produce $52 million worth of animation series.

Returning to full-time legal work with Edwards PC, animation is still at the core of what he enjoys doing. His clients in the industry include studios Big Jump and PIP Animation Services. Having both the expertise and experience, he also gives seminars for animators and has a presence at major events including the Ottawa International Animation Festival..”