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Ann Brigid Clark focuses her practice on transactional entertainment, media and intellectual property matters, including the representation of independent motion picture and scripted and unscripted television production companies, multinational entertainment companies, digital media companies, financiers, independent producers, showrunners, writers, directors, artists, musicians and on-screen talent in connection with all aspects of development, production, distribution, promotion and exploitation of motion picture, television, new media, print and music projects.

In addition, Ann advises fashion and retail brands and individual celebrities on the intricacies of advertising and promotional campaigns, including structuring and negotiating influencer and endorsement deals.

Ann brings a unique and comprehensive perspective to her practice, having begun her career as an entertainment litigator, and, later, as production counsel for motion picture studios. She often acts in the capacity of an outside business affairs advisor for her clients, structuring and negotiating financing and production agreements, the acquisition of rights, first look agreements, merchandising, music licensing, and book publishing agreements and ensuring clients stay ahead of the curve as the industry evolves, including advising on growth of AI and the latest contingent compensation formulae.

Ann counsels clients on union and guild matters, licensing, intellectual property rights, complex clearance issues, and has provided wide-ranging guidance regarding the engagement of minors in the entertainment industry. With over 20 years of experience serving as production counsel for numerous independent motion pictures with budgets ranging from $2 million to $200 million, scripted and unscripted television projects including game shows, competition-based shows, docu-dramas and dramatic series, and live stage (including augmented reality) productions, Ann has drafted and negotiated hundreds of agreements with above and below-the-line talent, financiers, bond companies, unions and guilds.

Concentrations

  • Transactional entertainment
  • Intellectual property

Capabilities

Experience

 

  • Represented Walt Disney Pictures in connection with the landmark decision, Wolf v. Superior Court, 106 Ca. App. 4th 625 (2003), in which the Court of Appeal held that the duty of a motion picture studio to account to a profit or revenue participant does not give rise to a fiduciary duty.
  • Production Coordinator for Texas International Theatrical Arts Society ("TITAS"), a major presenter of music and dance companies in Dallas, Texas, 1993-1997

Recognition & Leadership

  • Team Member, a Law360 “Media & Entertainment Practice Group of the Year,” 2022
  • Named, U.S. News - Best Lawyers "Law Firm of the Year" in Entertainment Law - Music, 2011-2012
  • Named, "Top 35 Entertainment Executives Under 35," The Hollywood Reporter "Next Generation" Issue, 2005
  • Member, Television Academy
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, Century City Bar Association
  • Member, NAACP Image Awards Nominating Committee
  • Mentor, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, 2023-Present
  • Member, UCLA Entertainment Symposium Syllabus Committee, 2003-2008
  • Member, UCLA Entertainment Symposium Advisory Committee, 2020-Present
  • Member, Beverly Hills Bar Association Entertainment Committee Board of Directors, 2004

Credentials

Education
  • J.D., Georgetown University Law Center
  • B.A., Art History and English, cum laude, University of Dallas
Admissions
  • California
  • U.S. District Court for the Central District of California