Thursday, March 12th
Our special guest this week,
Yakub Hazzard, Chair of Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp will Present on:
Competing Perspectives and Common Interests: Strategic Mediation On Behalf Of Artists, Studios, and Others Players In The Media and Entertainment Ecosystem
Entertainment mediations rarely follow a single script, and the plot lines differ dramatically depending upon who you represent. In an industry often defined by allegiances to just one side of the business, Yakub Hazzard has gained unique insight into the dynamics that exist in both rooms at a mediation. With 35 years of experience advising both A-list performers as well as major studios, he has earned a rare 360 degree perspective as both in-house counsel and a lawyer in private practice at pre-eminent entertainment firms in Los Angeles.
In this dynamic seminar told from both sides of the business, Yakub examines how advocacy and settlement strategy may differ depending on the client’s market position, leverage, and exposure. With a diverse background representing stakeholders across the media landscape, his discussion will span disputes between and among artists and other major celebrity talent (in film, television, music and beyond), major Hollywood studios and global record labels, and other litigants in the entertainment industry.
Emphasis will be placed on reputational management, the influence of agents and managers, internal studio decision-making, the control of premium intellectual property, Hollywood audits and accounting nuances, and the important roles of timing and confidentiality. The program concludes with a candid assessment of what litigators representing both individuals and institutions look for in a mediator handling high-stakes industry conflicts, and practical tips mediators can apply in their practices to help achieve breakthrough outcomes while managing complex and often highly emotional creativity driven dynamics.
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Our presenter:
Yakub Hazzard is the Chair of Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp. Mr. Hazzard specializes in litigating high-profile matters involving intellectual property, right of publicity, privacy, breach of contract, profit participation, commercial disputes, and other media & entertainment-related conflicts across a wide range of industries. He has also handled employment litigation matters for clients.
Yakub began his career at MSK in the 1990s, developing his entertainment litigation practice as the firm was representing the Recording Industry Association of America in the Napster dispute. Over his career, he has represented an array of entertainment industry clients, including Berry Gordy, the Ray Charles Foundation, Incubus, Weezer, NBCUniversal, Universal Music Group, Starz Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment in litigation spanning copyright, trademark, right of publicity and contracts. His clients have also included foreign distributors and leading video game companies.
At NBCUniversal, his most recent role prior to returning to MSK, Mr. Hazzard handled all profit participation audits and litigation for the company’s television, film and consumer products businesses. In addition, Mr. Hazzard oversaw copyright, trademark and general litigation matters brought by or against NBCUniversal.
Offered by Will Work For Food, founded by Natalie Armstrong-Motin (www.HowToMarketMyMediationPractice.com, moderated by Jeff Kichaven (www.JeffKichaven.com ) and Jean Lawler (www.LawlerADR.com), and Program Coordinator, David Shraga (www.DavidShraga.com).
This worldwide conversation will be like nothing else. Join in! Share, learn, have fun, and raise money for food banks.