LEGAL VISION

Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode, Damien Swaby sits down with attorney and fair use advocate Michael Donaldson to explore the critical concept of "fair use." They discuss how it protects creators, common misconceptions, and practical examples that impact filmmakers, content creators, and digital storytellers alike. What You’ll Learn: What fair use actually means Why it's essential for...

Episode Summary:In this episode, we sit down with Madison Karsenty, Partner at Donaldson Callif Perez LLP, to explore the legal framework supporting today’s most compelling media and entertainment projects. Madison shares how her practice spans every stage of the production process—from rights acquisition and clearance to financing and distribution—and unpacks the legal risks tied to defamation an...

Episode Summary: In this episode we sit down with Dale Nelson, a legal trailblazer whose career spans blockbuster franchises, international IP strategy, and a lifelong defense of creative freedom. Dale joined Donaldson Callif Perez in 2019, bringing with her over 25 years of experience from Warner Bros. Entertainment, where she served as Vice President and Senior Intellectual Property Counsel. At...

EPISODE SUMMARYIn this episode of The Filmmaker’s Legal Lens, we sit down with Chris Perez, partner at the entertainment law firm Donaldson + Callif + Perez, to unpack the financial and legal realities of getting your film made and distributed. Chris brings deep insight from years of working with independent producers, helping them navigate equity raises, tax credits, debt financing, and investor...

Episode Description: In this episode, we sit down with Alex Yousefzadeh, a seasoned attorney at Donaldson Callif Perez, to explore the legal intricacies of entertainment and media law. From his early academic days at NYU to his specialized legal training at Southwestern Law, Alex has carved a niche helping filmmakers and creatives tackle everything from rights acquisition to distribution. Topics c...

LEGAL VISION — Episode 1 Title: The Oscar-Winning Intersection of Creativity and Legality – "The Only Girl in the Orchestra"In our premiere episode, we explore what it takes to tell bold, socially relevant stories—and how to legally protect them. Host, Damien Swaby sits down with two trailblazers: Together, they unpack the intersection of storytelling and legal strategy: How to tackle high-risk su...