Legal Question in Entertainment Law in New Jersey

Re: protecting myself?

Technically there are two distinct rights to protect, the copyright on the pilot, and the idea behind the pilot. Register the pilot with the copyright office before you show it.

As for the idea, it is best to explicitly agree with those you are showing it to that they won't use the idea without your permission and without paying you. (This may take some finesse).

If you are showing a finished pilot to established distributors, keep a record of who you send it to, and follow this advice, you are in good evidentiary shape as far as those entities and that pilot. (There may be other entities to consider though).

A good intellectual property/entertainment lawyer can cetainly handle the legal issues involved. A lawyer admitted in New York can practice in other states such as Califonia under certain court rules if needed. If you'd like more info feel free to contact me.

Re: protecting myself?

First, you must protect yourself by copyrighting the script. It also would be a good idea to register it with the Writers Guild in NY. Otherwise, my advice is trust no one with your work product that you do not already know. Second, a lawyer will work out the drafting and/or details of any contract you may need. A manager does much more, as such involves being involved with the totality of managing one's career and finances. Sometimes a manager is a lawyer or an accountant, combining skills in those areas with that of a career guide. However, management fees can be 25% or more of a talent's income. I am not sure if you are quite ready for a manager or even if one would take you on. Hiring a manager is usually a consideration for someone who's career has already taken off, unless the manager has taken an interest in developing the person's career. In any event, don't get too far ahead of yourself. Obtain the copyright, then either peddle it yourself or try to get an agent to sell it (which in itself will involve a contract for which you might need legal advice.) Good luck. Ralph Soukis, Esq., 2 Sears Drive, Paramus, NJ: 201-599-0744. Licensed in NY and NJ.