What is a distribution agreement, and what are its legal requirements?

A distribution agreement is a contract between a producer and a distributor, typically used to facilitate the sale and distribution of a film or television show. In this agreement, the producer grants the distributor the right to promote and distribute their work. The legal requirements of a distribution agreement will depend on the specifics of the agreement, the parties involved, and the laws that govern the agreement. Generally, however, the agreement should include the scope or extent of the distribution rights granted, the time frame of the agreement, payment terms, and a clause specifying the territory in which the distributor is authorized to distribute the work. In New York, demand for entertainment-related services is regulated by both federal and state law. Under the New York Arts and Cultural Affairs Law, for example, any agreement associated with a multimedia production must be in writing and must include the name and address of the producer, a description of the project, and specifics regarding the rights granted. The law also requires that the producer receive an audiovisual worksheet, describing the extent of the distribution rights, prior to signing the agreement. For distribution agreements in New York, the parties must also conform to the applicable federal copyright laws. In addition, any agreement should contain a clause addressing dispute resolution, should the need arise. This clause should include the governing law for any potential litigation, as well as the venue for any potential legal proceedings. As such, legal counsel should be consulted before entering into a distribution agreement in New York.

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