Cut to Legal with James Pacitti

Distribution Deals Explained: Sales Agents, Streamers, and the Fine Print

Episode Summary:Entertainment attorney James Pacitti explains what filmmakers must know before signing a distribution deal. He breaks down how streaming, theatrical, and physical distribution agreements differ, the risks of bad contracts, and how producers can protect their rights, profits, and creative control.
Key Timestamps:
00:00: James Pacitti introduces the topic of film and TV distribution deals.01:20: Explains how distribution contracts connect projects to audiences across streaming, theaters, and more.03:00: Details the role of sales agents and how their relationships help filmmakers secure fair deals.04:40: Breaks down how contracts and revenue differ between streaming platforms and theater releases.07:30: Highlights how unclear fees and deductions can reduce filmmaker profits.09:50: Discusses desperation in a crowded market and why due diligence is critical.11:15: Explains how much power distributors usually hold and how producers can negotiate meaningful consultation rights.14:30: Warns against clauses that give distributors control over remakes or sequels.17:00: Stresses the need for experienced legal review before signing any distribution contract.
About the Show:Cut to Legal is hosted by Attorney James Pacitti, managing attorney at Pacitti Law Firm. The show simplifies entertainment law for producers, filmmakers, and creators—offering insight on how to protect creative work and navigate Hollywood’s legal landscape.

Funding Your Film: What Creators Need to Know About Investors and Contracts

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 basics of film financing.01:20: Explains equity, debt, pre-sales, gap financing, and tax incentives.03:15: Covers what producers must include—investment terms, waterfalls, and profit participation.05:10: Warns about vague contracts, investor control, and unclear ownership rights.07:30: Discusses how platforms like Kickstarter and GoFundMe can trigger securities laws.10:00: Explains the legal consequences when a project runs out of funds mid-production.13:45: Highlights why producers must form entities before taking investor money.15:30: Stresses professionalism, legal structure, and transparency in financing deals.
About the Show:Cut to Legal is a legal podcast hosted by Attorney James Pacitti, managing attorney at Pacitti Law Firm. The show simplifies entertainment law for filmmakers, producers, and content creators—helping them protect their projects and avoid costly mistakes in the

The Clearance Checklist: Music, Footage, and Trademarks Every Filmmaker Needs

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 appearance releases—sharing common myths, real-world examples, and practical advice for independent filmmakers.
Key Timestamps:
00:00: James Pacitti discusses what “clearance” means in the entertainment industry.01:30: Debunking misconceptions like the “10-second rule” and “YouTube content is free.”03:45: Why filmmakers must secure rights to properties and people shown on screen.05:20: What happens when producers skip the clearance process.07:00: Where independent filmmakers should start to protect their work.09:10: Why verbal agreements aren’t enough for songs or compositions.11:45: How a simple piece of art in the background can cause legal trouble.13:20: How attorneys review projects to ensure all rights are properly secured.15:00: Why every creator should invest in proper legal review before release.
About the Show:Cut to Legal is an educational legal podcast hosted by Attorney James Pacitti, managing attorney at Pacitti Law Firm. The show simplifies complex entertainment law topics for filmmakers, producers, and content creators—helping them protect their work from costly mistakes.

How to Protect Your Film in a Distribution Deal.

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 reversion rights. It emphasizes the need for reputable distributors and legal counsel to ensure fair deals and maximize financial returns.
Key Timestamps
00:00 - Show Introduction and Welcome
01:30 - Understanding Distribution Agreements
05:00 - Key Rights in Distribution Deals
09:00 - Revenue Splits and Distributor Fees
13:00 - Pitfalls of Unclear Expenses
17:00 - Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive Rights
21:00 - Distribution Windows and Platforms
25:00 - Red Flags in Distribution Agreements
29:00 - Protective Clauses for Filmmakers
33:00 - Importance of Legal and Reputable Distributors
37:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action
About the Show
Cut to Legal is a podcast dedicated to empowering filmmakers, producers, and entertainment professionals in California with expert legal insights. Featuring attorney James Pacitti, the show provides practical guidance on navigating contracts, protecting intellectual property, and maximizing project success. Through clear explanations and actionable advice, the podcast helps listeners bring their creative visions to life while avoiding legal pitfalls.

Contract Clauses Creators Should Never Ignore.

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 the importance of consulting an entertainment attorney to navigate complex contracts, avoid disputes, and ensure fair compensation and creative control.
Key Timestamps
00:00 - Show Introduction and Welcome
01:30 - Dangerous Contract Clauses for Creatives
05:00 - Risks for Producers in Entertainment Contracts
09:00 - Understanding Work-for-Hire Agreements
13:00 - Pitfalls of Vague Contract Language
17:00 - Timelines and Deliverables in Contracts
21:00 - Buyout Clauses in Entertainment Agreements
25:00 - Recourse for Unfair Contracts
29:00 - Talent Agreements Explained
33:00 - Importance of Legal Counsel for Contracts
37:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action
About the Show
Cut to Legal is a podcast dedicated to empowering creators, producers, and entertainment professionals in California with expert legal insights. Featuring attorney James Pacitti, the show provides practical guidance on contracts, intellectual property, and project protection. Through clear explanations and actionable advice, the podcast helps listeners navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry to bring their creative visions to life.

What Is an Option Agreement? How to Legally Secure a Script or Story Idea.

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 avoid major pitfalls that could jeopardize their projects. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or a first-time screenwriter, this episode is a must-listen for protecting your work in the entertainment industry.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Show Introduction00:54 – Defining option agreements in entertainment law01:52 – difference between option and purchase agreements02:40 – Option agreement terms, fees, and time periods explained03:52 – What every option agreement should include07:02 – Additional rights: sequels, remakes, and script modification08:26 – Risks of hidden rights issues and improper contracts10:08 – Contract negotiation challenges with established vs. new writers11:47 – Importance of legal counsel and understanding industry norms16:16 – Risks of locking up a project for too long18:49 – Top legal advice for negotiating your first option agreement21:30 – Final thoughts and episode close
About the Show:
Cut to Legal with James Pacitti is a podcast that breaks down legal challenges in entertainment with clarity and expert advice. The show features veteran entertainment attorney James Pacitti sharing real-world legal guidance to help writers, filmmakers, and producers avoid costly mistakes and protect their intellectual property.
Learn More:
Visit PacittiLawFirm.com to learn more or schedule a consultation.

Legal Steps to Take Before Filming Your Movie or TV Series.

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 the importance of proper agreements during development and production.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 – Show Introduction00:27 – James Pacitti’s background and path into entertainment law02:31 – First legal step after coming up with a project03:03 – Copyright basics and registration05:04 – When and why to form an LLC07:27 – Common legal documents before filming begins08:47 – Writer collaboration agreements and copyright ownership09:45 – What is “chain of title” and why it matters11:56 – Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance explained13:46 – What can go wrong if agreements are missing15:22 – Who James represents: creators, producers, and more17:22 – Biggest legal mistakes content creators make18:39 – Final thoughts and takeaways
About the Show:
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.
Learn More:
Visit pacittilawfirm.com to learn more or to schedule a consultation.