In this episode of Geek Freaks, Frank Lourence sits down with Joshua Lastine, a seasoned entertainment lawyer based in Beverly Hills. Joshua shares insights into the often overlooked but critical world of entertainment law, discussing his role as a dealmaker for some of the biggest names in Hollywood. From the intricacies of contract negotiations to the impact of the recent Hollywood strikes, Joshua provides a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep the entertainment industry running smoothly. Whether you're an aspiring content creator or just curious about the legal side of Hollywood, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge and fascinating stories.

Timestamps and Topics:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction to Joshua Lastine and his career in entertainment law
• 00:01:18 - The role of a transactional entertainment lawyer in Hollywood
• 00:02:43 - Navigating the complexities of dealmaking in the entertainment industry
• 00:06:05 - The impact of the Hollywood strikes on actors and writers
• 00:08:19 - Changes in Hollywood over the last decade, from traditional TV to streaming
• 00:11:05 - The rise of YouTube and TikTok as major entertainment platforms
• 00:13:33 - The shift towards niche audiences in the digital age
• 00:17:01 - The importance of building and maintaining industry connections
• 00:19:02 - Expanding legal practice beyond Los Angeles to international clients
• 00:23:03 - Behind-the-scenes stories from major projects like The Simpsons and Avengers: Age of Ultron
• 00:27:01 - Common legal pitfalls for new content creators
• 00:29:32 - Starting a law firm during the pandemic and the future of entertainment law

Key Takeaways:

• Entertainment law is crucial in ensuring that all aspects of production, from contracts to rights management, are handled professionally.
• The Hollywood landscape has shifted dramatically in the last decade, with streaming services and digital platforms playing a more significant role.
• Building and nurturing industry connections early in your career can lead to long-term success.
• Content creators should be proactive in seeking legal advice as soon as they start making a significant income from their work.
• Flexibility and adaptability are key in both legal practice and content creation in the ever-evolving entertainment industry.

Quotes:

• "Everything that appears on screen has to have had a contract at some point." — Joshua Lastine
• "Hollywood is a very small town; the connections you make early on can pay off years later." — Joshua Lastine
• "The biggest amateur mistake is not being vocal enough about what you need." — Joshua Lastine

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Links and Resources:

• Visit Geek Freaks Podcast for all the latest geek news and updates discussed in our episodes.
• Follow Joshua Lastine on social media : https://lastineentertainmentlaw.com/

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Apple Podcast Tags: entertainment law, Hollywood, streaming services, YouTube, TikTok, content creators, legal advice, Marvel, The Simpsons, Geek Freaks.