Cut to Legal with James Pacitti is a podcast focused on guiding content creators through the complex legal landscape of the entertainment industry. The show features James Pacitti sharing real-world legal advice for independent filmmakers, writers, producers, and anyone looking to turn creative ideas into successful productions.
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James Pacitti Podcasts
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Funding Your Film: What Creators Need to Know About Investors and Contracts
17:05
17:05
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17:05
Episode Summary: Entertainment attorney James Pacitti breaks down how independent films get financed — from investors and loans to tax credits and crowdfunding. He explains what producers need to include in contracts, how to spot red flags, and why legal clarity can save a project from collapse. Key Timestamps: 00:00: James Pacitti introduces the b…
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1
The Clearance Checklist: Music, Footage, and Trademarks Every Filmmaker Needs
18:53
18:53
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18:53
Episode Summary: In this episode, entertainment attorney James Pacitti breaks down the importance of clearances and rights in film and TV production. He explains how skipping this crucial step can lead to lawsuits, distribution delays, or complete shutdowns of a project. James covers everything from music and footage permissions to location and app…
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1
How to Protect Your Film in a Distribution Deal.
20:31
20:31
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20:31
Episode Summary Attorney James Pacitti discusses strategies for safeguarding films in distribution agreements, a critical step for California filmmakers. The episode covers the structure of distribution deals, including rights, territories, and revenue splits, and warns against pitfalls like uncapped expenses, vague terms, and lack of audit or reve…
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1
Contract Clauses Creators Should Never Ignore.
18:26
18:26
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18:26
Episode Summary Attorney James Pacitti examines key contract clauses that creators and producers in California’s entertainment industry must prioritize to protect their interests. The episode explores overly broad grants of rights, work-for-hire agreements, pay-or-play and most favored nations clauses, and the risks of vague language. It emphasizes…
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1
What Is an Option Agreement? How to Legally Secure a Script or Story Idea.
22:19
22:19
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22:19
Episode Summary: In this essential episode, entertainment attorney James Pacitti explains the legal mechanics behind option agreements—the contracts that secure film or TV rights to a script or story. James breaks down what option agreements are, how they relate to purchase agreements, what key terms every deal should include, and how creators can …
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1
Legal Steps to Take Before Filming Your Movie or TV Series.
19:10
19:10
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19:10
Episode Summary: In this insightful episode, James Pacitti, founder of Pacitti Law Firm, discusses the essential legal steps content creators must take before filming a movie or television series. James shares expert legal advice on protecting your intellectual property, forming business entities, securing a clean chain of title, and understanding …
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