Hollywood Dealmaking : Negotiating Talent Agreements

This easy-to-follow reference–written clearly, without confusing legal jargon–is packed with expert insights on distribution, licensing, and merchandising. The book's invaluable resource section includes definitions of lingo for acquisition agreements and employment deals, twelve ready-to-use sample contracts, and a directory of entertainment attorneys in both New York and Los Angeles. With the negotiating tips in this guide, agents, writers, directors, actors, financiers, and filmmakers will save thousands of dollars in attorney fees.

If you ever wanted to leave your mundane corporate law job and get into the exciting world of entertainment law, or if you work in the mail room and aspire to become the creative director of a Hollywood studio, or aspire to become a talent agent, this book is your GPS to guide you on your way.

I enjoyed reading the book


WISH I BOUGHT IT 2 YEARS AGO!   June 5, 2002
9 out of 12 found this review helpful

WOW! THIS BOOK IS AWESOME. I'M A LAWYER IN PRIVATE PRACTICE, AND REPRESENT A COUPLE OF WRITERS. THIS BOOK HAS EVERYTHING I COULD EVER WANT OR NEED TO MAKE A KILLER DEAL FOR MY CLIENTS. MY WIFE READ IT TOO, AND FOUND THE INFORMATION FANTABULOUS! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!


Hollywood Dealmaking is like having the main course and dessert all at once   January 25, 2010
James Madison (NYC)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

I recommend Hollywood Dealmaking not only to those with dreams of working in the entertainment business, but also for those who are already in the business.

So many books make promises. Well Dina Appleton and Daniel Yankelevit's "Hollywood Dealmaking" delivers.

Hollywood Dealmaking breaks down, with clarity, the duties/responsibilities of feature and television actors, producers and directors.

Ms. Appleton and Mr. Yankelevits breaks down the negotiating process, so that the reader can understand the steps needed to achieve their goal. The reader will understand what executives want and what they, as creatives need.

A great addition to the book is the "Deal Point Summary" at end of every chapter. The summary is a breakdown of every detail discussed within the chapter. It is more than helpful because it highlights points that protect the reader's interest.

The book has a disclaimer that states -

"The information in this book is intended to help the reader better understand the dealmaking process in Hollywood. It is not offered as legal advice, nor should it be construed as such. The authors strongly recommend that the reader consult with an experienced entertainment attorney to address each individual situation and any legal documentation".

That being said, Hollywood Dealmaking will give the reader the utmost confidence when discussing and understanding the intricacies of Hollywood dealmaking.

Ms. Dina Appleton and Mr. Daniel Yankelevits have successfully produced the best, informative read on negotiating agreements. With it's informative insight and easy to understand style, Hollywood Dealmaking is like having the main course and dessert all at once.

There are not enough stars to properly rate Hollywood Dealmaking.

Buy this book.


Quick. Easy. Digestable.   January 14, 2010
Brian Truman
"Quick. Easy. Digestable. This book helped me when I was starting my own production company to help me appear like I knew what I was talking about. A fantastic resource. "