Legal Question in Entertainment Law in California

Entertainment Law (Emails legally binding?)

I have been represented by a

manager for a script that I have

written, and stipulated that the

manager would receive 15% of

money earned if the project is sold.

This was stated in an email that I

wrote to the manager. He facilitated

a meeting with an agent, who now

represents me. However, the script

has not yet been sold to a studio, and

I have not signed any contracts with

the manager other than the email I

sent discussing the 15%. The

manager has since become unreliable

and I am choosing to terminate my

relationship with him. Because the

script has not yet been sold, and no

money is attached as of yet, is the

manager legally entitled to any

money based on a future sale despite

the termination of our current

relationship? Again, only an email

stipulation of percentage has taken

place. No contracts have been

signed.


Asked on 6/27/08, 12:47 am

3 Answers from Attorneys
Gordon Firemark Law Offices of Gordon P. Firemark

Re: Entertainment Law (Emails legally binding?)

Generally, an emailed promise is binding, and can be an enforceable contract.

That said, you may be free to terminate the agreement (really depends on what the email(s) said).

You should consult with someone who's familiar with management agreements, and contract law to advise you how to properly terminate the agreement you've made.

I can help, if you're interested.

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Answered on 6/27/08, 1:19 am
Jonas Grant Law Office of Jonas M. Grant, A.P.C.

Re: Entertainment Law (Emails legally binding?)

An email can be the basis of a binding contract, as can an oral agreement, so your presumption there is misguided, as Mr. Firemark indicates. Also, in accordance with his comments, your situation depends on the contents of the emails. You should invest in a few hundred dollars of legal advice (which you should have done before entering into any contract anyway).

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Answered on 6/27/08, 3:51 am
OCEAN BEACH ASSOCIATES OCEAN BEACH ASSOCIATES

Re: Entertainment Law (Emails legally binding?)

Yes. Contact me directly for assistance.

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Answered on 6/27/08, 2:45 pm


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