Mark Levy

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Mark Levy has been contributing articles to Videomaker magazine since 1988. He is past president of the Amateur Movie Makers Association and has won awards internationally for his short films and videos. He practices intellectual property law (patents, trademarks, and copyrights) in Evergreen, Colorado.

When do you need a model release form?

Permission Mark Levy

Whether you’re working on a documentary, hip-hop music video, social media ad or anything in between, remember that if you’re going to be recording...

What you need to know about video production and the law

Permission Mark Levy

When you start any business, you should know the legalities of the business. It is difficult enough to set up a business with suitable...

What is an entertainment attorney and what do they do?

Sometimes, people want to know how they can videotape in a public place, or adapt a story or a song or a commercial film to make a new movie. Sometimes, they are looking for an agent or contacts to help them distribute their production. This is where an entertainment attorney steps in.

SAG-AFTRA: Should you hire union? Here’s what New York labor attorney Wendy LaManque thinks

Speech Mark Levy

Your decision to work with SAG-AFTRA or other unions will directly impact your talent pool, budget, daily schedule, overall timeline and many other factors.

Taking stock of your stock footage

Much like crowdfunding websites like Kickstarter or Indiegogo have created a platform for individuals to fund projects or receive crowdsourced investments, stock footage websites...

How does fair use apply to fan fiction video?

Can you legally create and distribute fan fiction that uses existing plots and characters from your favorite books, shows and movies? And if so, to what extent and under what circumstances?

The importance of video release forms when recording people

Permission Mark Levy

Whether you’re working on a documentary, hip hop music video, or social media ad, certain components are key. If you’re recording people, you must make sure they sign a release form.

Everything you need to know about starting an LLC

Admittedly, determining how your business will be organized is not nearly as exciting as picking your company name, creating a logo or building a...

How to write a comprehensive video production contract

Management Mark Levy

Have you ever asked yourself whether your video production contract was good enough? If you’re like most freelancers or small business owners, you probably...

What You Can Do When Your Video is Misused Online

Cyberbullying and nonconsensual pornography (otherwise known as ârevenge pornâ) are two of the most common ways in which videos are misused online to harm...

How to Safely Use Someone’s Likeness in Your Social Media Video

Permission Mark Levy

It’s safe to say that almost everyone is on social media. We post videos of ourselves and our friends often without thinking about it. But what happens when that video goes viral and suddenly becomes a source of revenue? How can we avoid the legal complications that might accompany such success?

The Legal Dos and Don’ts of Crowdfunding Videos

Distribution Mark Levy

So you’ve decided to raise money for your creative project through crowdfunding. You’ve researched different crowdfunding methods, chosen a platform that fits your needs,...