Options for Optioning: Monetizing Your Audio, Film & Streaming Rights

In this hour-and-a-half discussion, panelists will share real-world examples from their experience optioning books, articles, and other content for various platforms including audio (read: podcasts), film, television, and streaming. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of what is standard for an optioning agreement as well as what is negotiable and what is not. Panelists will highlight also red flags to be aware of and discuss the legal complexities of optioning a book from both the author and filmmaker perspectives.

This course is approved by the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education for a maximum of one and a half (1.5) hours of general CLE credit.

Moderator: Courtney Sabatini, Attorney & Founder, Tennessee Entertainment Law

Courtney Sabatini is the founder of the film and television law firm, Tennessee Entertainment Law. Courtney started her career at a boutique entertainment law firm in Los Angeles, where she worked with talent, negotiating contracts for film and television projects and providing day-to-day legal advice on both scripted and unscripted television productions. Courtney then moved in-house to join the legal affairs department of Paramount Television, and she subsequently consulted for both the Legendary Television and Anonymous Content business and legal affairs departments. Courtney is excited to bring her many years of experience to Nashville and its ever-expanding film and television industry.

Panelists

Nick Barnes, Agent, UTA

Nick Barnes serves as head of the Heartland initiative at leading global talent and entertainment company, United Talent Agency (UTA). Heartland is dedicated to representing creators like TV hosts, producers, filmmakers, comedians, podcasts, production and finance companies, authors, musicians and other talent that demonstrate the distinct voices of – and for – this region, and is headquartered out of Nashville, TN. With a focus on faith-based talent as well as non-faith creators, storytellers, and IP within the region, Heartland focuses on the America that falls beyond the Coasts’ aesthetics.

UTA’s Heartland roster is home to clients including filmmakers The Erwin Brothers, Rove Productions, Tacklebox Films and creator of The Chosen – Dallas Jenkins, Kathie Lee Gifford, Duck Dynasty’s Willie, Korie and Sadie Robertson, pro-athlete Eric Decker, writer Holly Gleason, comedians John Crist and Leanne Morgan, kids media brand GoNoodle, TV producer John Eddie, pastors Carl Lentz and Chad Veach, and artists like Billy Ray Cyrus, Ross Copperman and Louis York.

Greg Howard, Writer 

Greg Howard was born and raised in the South Carolina Lowcountry, where his love of stories blossomed at a young age. Originally set on becoming a songwriter, Greg followed that dream to Nashville, Tennessee, where he spent years producing the music of others before eventually returning to his childhood passion for writing stories. His middle-grade debut, The Whispers, was nominated for an Edgar Award and is currently being developed for film. His second middle-grade novel, Middle School’s a Drag, You Better Werk! is being adapted for television by Harry Potter producer David Heyman, Heyday Television, and NBC/Universal.

Alexa Martin, Writer 

Alexa Martin is a writer and stay-at-home mom. A Nashville transplant, she’s intent on instilling a deep love and respect for the great Dolly Parton in her four children and husband. The Playbook Series was inspired by the eight years she spent as an NFL wife and her deep love of all things pop culture, sparkles, leggings, and wine. When she’s not repeating herself to her kids, you can find her catching up on whatever Real Housewives franchise is currently airing or filling up her Etsy cart with items she doesn’t need.

Source: Submitted