Ep 194: Navigating Filmmaking Through the Law with Katherine Imp

Episode Overview: Welcome to "Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby," where we explore the inner workings of the film industry and the intricacies of cinema through insightful discussions with professionals from all facets of the movie-making process. I'm your host, Damien Swaby, and in today's episode, we delve into the nuanced world of entertainment law with special guest Katherine Imp.

Katherine comes with a wealth of knowledge, having juggled the dual hats of a film producer and a legal expert. Her formidable tenure at DLA Piper LLP, one of the most distinguished law firms globally, provides her with a unique perspective on the convergence of law and film production.

Podcast Highlights:

Transitioning from Filmmaking to Law:

• Katherine discusses her significant shift from producing documentaries to pursuing a career in entertainment law.

• She reflects on how her filmmaking background influences her current legal practice by bringing a creative storytelling perspective to the table.

Understanding Production Counsel:

• An inside look at the daily responsibilities of a production counsel, including negotiating contracts for film and TV.

• Katherine explains how she uses legal frameworks to support and protect a film's vision and storyline.

Protecting Intellectual Property in the Digital Era:

• The current challenges of protecting intellectual property in an age of streaming services and digital content.

• Strategies that content creators can use to secure their creative works.

Legal Aspects of Film Finance and Distribution:

• Understanding the complexities of legal processes as films move from funding stages to reaching audiences.
• The role of law in maintaining the financial stability and economics of a film project.

Educating New Legal Minds in Film:

• Insights from Katherine's experience as a guest lecturer at top institutions like USC's Gould School of Law and Marshall School of Business.

• Useful knowledge she imparts to students, blending her industry experience with academic learning.

Foreseeing Changes in Entertainment Finance and Law:

• Predictions on how the financial and legal sides of entertainment will evolve to keep up with industry changes.

Exploring Legal Implications of NFTs in Film:

• A discussion on the emerging roles of NFTs in the entertainment industry and the legal considerations surrounding them.

Merging Film Passion with Legal Expertise:

• Katherine shares her personal journey of combining her love for film with her legal career.

Analyzing a Documentary Case:

• A look into a complex legal scenario in documentary production and how it was resolved.

Due Diligence in Acquiring Rights:

• Katherine spotlights the importance and process of due diligence when obtaining rights for film projects.

IP Protection for Filmmakers Amidst Digital Shifts:

• Tips and strategies on securing intellectual property for films in a quickly changing digital landscape.

Demystifying Film Finance Law:

• An explanation of the legal structures involved in film financing and their importance for filmmakers.

Connecting Education with Real-World Legal Experience:

• How Katherine's practical industry experience enhances her teaching and provides value to her students' education.

Impact of Blockchain on Film Financing:

• Future predictions regarding the influence of blockchain technology on film financing and distribution from a legal standpoint.

Understanding DLA Piper's Role in Film:

• An overview of DLA Piper's financial influence and its support for filmmakers through legal advocacy.

Staying Ahead in Entertainment Law:

• Unveiling the strategies that DLA Piper uses to maintain its competitive edge in the evolving world of entertainment law.

Katherine Imp's Professional Legacy:

• Katherine's vision for her future contributions to the fields of law and cinema and her anticipated legacy at DLA Piper.

w: https://www.dlapiper.com/en/people/i/imp-katherine

This episode offers a unique perspective on the intersection o