Let EASL Entertain You: Build Your Entertainment Law Knowledge While Catching Up on Your Watchlist

During the worst of the pandemic, when we were locked in our homes, the one thing that helped many of us stay busy (and sane) was entertainment. Many of us were still able to conduct business from home thanks to virtual meetings, email, and cell phones – but found that without the commute to work or having to attend in-person meetings, we had more time to catch up on the movies and television shows on our watchlists. During this time, I set out to build my entertainment law knowledge—while reducing my own vast watchlist – by focusing on films and TV shows, which stories highlighted legal issues in entertainment, arts or sports, or addressed the business side of those areas. As attorneys, we are well aware that stories about the field of law are not always realistically told. However, many of the films or TV shows listed here, especially those that are documentaries or based on true stories, can be both insightful and educational—particularly for law students and EASL members.

This past spring, the EASL Section held a networking event—“Law Students in the Mix.” At this event, law students interested in EASL-related topics spoke with attorneys about practicing in this area. The event was well received, and several students asked about how they can build their knowledge in this area. Many also approached me to say they had read my last article about EASL movies and television shows and asked if I had updated my list. I was thus inspired to do so.

Inevitably, as soon as I submitted the first list for the Winter 2021 EASL Journal, I discovered several new films to add; also, several people pointed out films that were missing from the previous article. I want to thank the EASL members who helped me build these recommendations by contributing their own film and TV picks.

I am, of course, grateful that we are no longer confined to our homes due to the pandemic. As a huge fan, I will always seek opportunities to learn from and simply be entertained by movies and TV. I look forward to seeing EASL members at future events and at our 2024 Annual Meeting. In the meantime, I hope this list keeps you well entertained!

Movies and TV Shows About Movies and TV Shows

Documentaries

Casting By (2012) – Chronicles the history of casting directors. Focuses on casting director Marion Doughtery who cast films such as Midnight Cowboy, Escape from Alcatraz, and Lethal Weapon. Discusses how she cast Jon Voight, Dustin Hoffman, Gene Hackman, Robert Duvall, and Jean Stapleton early in their careers. Addresses issues in film credits and contracts.
A Classy Broad: Marcia’s Adventures in Hollywood (2016) – Tells the story of Marcia Nasatir, who in 1974, became the first female vice-president at a major film studio. During her career she worked on films such as One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, Rocky, and Apocalypse Now.
Cleanflix (2009) – Describes the legal battle between companies that would buy DVDs of films and edit out adult scenes, profanity, and graphic violence, then resell the discs. The Directors Guild of America filed suit, claiming violation of copyright.
His Way (2011) – Biography of manager and producer Jerry Weintraub. During his career he managed Elvis Presley, John Denver, and Frank Sinatra. He also produced films such as Nashville, The Karate Kid series and Ocean’s 11, 12, and 13.
This Film Is Not Yet Rated (2006) – A history of the Motion Picture Association of America, how films receive their designated rating and how the ratings appeals process works. The film addresses and contains scenes on how violence, profanity, and adult situations are rated.
The Kid Stays in the Picture (1994) – Biography of producer Robert Evans, who worked on productions such as Chinatown, Rosemary’s Baby, and The Godfather.
Other People’s Footage: Copyright and Fair Use (2016) – Interviews with attorneys exploring fair use in motion pictures. Includes illustrative examples that use film/news footage, art, and music from artists without permission or payment. Discusses a variety of legal situations that filmmakers encounter during production and how the Documentary Filmmaker’s Statement of Best Practices in Fair Use changed filmmaking.
Strictly Background (2007) – Documentary about professional background actors. Contains interviews with actors who have appeared in several films playing courtroom spectators, sports fans, airplane passengers, wedding guests, funeral attendees, and military members. Discusses considerations in union (SAG-AFTRA) membership and union agreements.
United We Fan (2018) – Explores the campaigns of save-our-show television by fans from letter writing to social media. Discusses how TV shows have been “saved” from cancellation by fans and how many shows went on to broadcast for several seasons, winning numerous awards.

Features

Bowfinger (1999) – Satirical comedy where Steve Martin plays a director making a movie with a movie star (Eddie Murphy), without the star knowing he is in the film. Addresses contract issues in entertainment with humor.
Entourage (2004-2011) – TV series. Comedy-drama on the life of an actor (Adrian Grenier) navigating his career through Hollywood with the help of his best friends (Jerry Ferrara, Kevin Dillon, Kevin Connolly) and agent (Jeremy Piven). Addresses several legal issues in areas such as contracts and copyright.
Entourage (2015) – Feature film presenting the conclusion to the TV series. Addresses contract and legal issues in production.
The Last Tycoon (1976) – Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s last book. Robert DeNiro plays a producer in the 1930s, during the golden age of Hollywood. Addresses contractual issues with screenwriters and how the industry began to change with the creation of the Writers Guild of America.
The Last Tycoon (2016-17) – TV series based on the book and movie with Matt Bomer and Kelsey Grammer. Addresses contract issues in entertainment.
The Late Shift (1996) – Based on the book, The Late Shift: Letterman, Leno and the Network Battle of the Night. The story chronicles the behind-the-scenes competition between Jay Leno (Daniel Roebuck) and David Letterman (John Michael Higgins) as they vie to become the new host of The Tonight Show after Johnny Carson’s (Rich Little) retirement. Addresses contract issues in entertainment.
The Player (1992) – Robert Altman’s satire of Hollywood. Tim Robbins plays an executive being stalked by a screenwriter whose script he declined. Robbins takes matters into his own hands. Explores the business production side of film making.

What’s Copyright Got to Do With It? Movies About the Music Business

Documentaries

20 Feet From Stardom (2013) – Follows the careers of professional backup singers, including some who have gone on to have successful solo careers. Addresses issues in music law such as contracts, royalties, and artists receiving credit for their performances. Winner of the 2014 Academy Award for Best Documentary Film.
Artifact (2012) – Chronicles the lawsuit of EMI Records against the band Thirty Seconds to Mars, whose lead singer is Academy Award winning actor Jared Leto, for breach of contract. The agreement with the record label said the band would deliver five albums over nine years. The band stated that under California law no services contract can exceed seven years, and therefore after year seven, the contract was void. The label sued, stating that only two of the five albums had been produced. The case was settled in 2009.1 Discusses contract considerations in music.
Atlantic Records: The House That Ahmet Built (2007) – Chronicles the life of Ahmet Ertegun, the founder of Atlantic Records. The label worked with musicians, such as Bobby Darin, Otis Redding, The Rolling Stones, Led Zepplin, and Crosby, Stills & Nash.
Band vs. Brand (2019) – Examines intellectual property rights in music, such as logos, merchandising rights, publishing, and the ownership of a band’s name. Also addresses tribute bands and whether a group can, or should, use a band’s name if the musicians are not all the original members. Explores the notion of having “two versions of the same band.”
Blue Note Records: Beyond The Notes (2018) – Accounts the history of the recognized jazz record label. The label worked with artists such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bud Powell, Ambrose Akinmusire, and Norah Jones. The label’s music has been credited in the development of hip-hop music by artists, such as A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, and The Beastie Boys. Discusses record label management and music sampling issues.
The Boy Band Con: The Lou Pearlman Story (2019) – Biography about music manager Lou Pearlman, who created groups, such the Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, and O-Town. Discusses the lawsuits filed by the bands regarding their contracts.
Breaking a Monster (2015) – Chronicles the band “Unlocking The Truth,” a heavy metal band formed by three seventh graders. The film shows how the band went from performing on the streets of New York, being discovered by manager Alan Sacks (who co-created “Welcome Back Kotter” and managed the Jonas Brothers) to being offered a $1.8 million record deal. Addresses issues with minors and contracts in music.
Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives (2017) – Explores the life of music attorney and executive Clive Davis. Davis worked at or co-founded record labels, including Columbia, Arista, and J Records, which represented artists such as Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, and The Grateful Dead. Discusses issues in music contracts.
Copyright Criminals (2009) – Examines the debate of creative and commercial value of sampling music with artistic expression and copyright law.
Dons of Disco (2021) – Prior to the 1989 Milli Vanilli scandal, where two dancers were hired to lip-sync voices of other artists,2 in 1985, two music producers in Italy noticed Stefano Zandri, a young man dancing at a night club who was attracting the attention of teen-aged girls. They signed Zandri, creating a persona of an American from Boston changing his name to Den Harrow. To succeed in the European market the producers said the songs had to be in English. Zandri did not speak English and could not sing. Subsequently the producers hired Tom Hooker, a disco singer who had success in Italy, to write and record the songs with Harrow, taking credit by lip-synching. In contrast to the Milli Vanilli scandal, where the voices were used without the real singer’s permission, Hooker agreed to let his voice be used by Harrow. The music became hugely successful (Harrow’s album took over the number one slot from Michael Jackson);3 however, when Hooker (the real voice) wanted to release recordings under his name, the producers used the agreement to stop him. Discusses contracts, royalties, marketing, and copyright in entertainment.
The Great Hip Hop Hoax (2013) – After having no success with record companies using their real selves, two students from Scotland created fake identities as California skateboard hip-hop artists. Soon they found themselves signed to a major recording label. Discusses the question: If artists write and perform original work but change their background, is it misrepresentation or marketing? Discusses the creative versus the business side of music.
Hired Guns (2017) – Features the impact that session and touring musicians, hired by bands and singers, such as Metallica, KISS, Quiet Riot, Michael Jackson, and Billy Joel, have had on the music industry. These talented musicians have not only performed with popular artists, they have also written music and lyrics to some of the biggest hits including Grammy winners. Discusses issues in contracts, music royalties, songwriting credits, and touring.
Hitsville: The Making of Motown (2019) – The story of Motown Records, founded in Detroit in 1958 by Berry Gordy, until its relocation to Los Angeles in the 1970s. Originally a songwriter for Jackie Wilson (“Lonely Teardrops,” “To Be Loved”) Gordy borrowed $800 from his family to create a label where a “kid could walk in one door an unknown off the street and come out the other a polished performer.”4 The label’s studio, Hitsville U.S.A., discovered and produced artists, including Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Temptations, and The Supremes. Addresses issues in music management and contracts.
It All Begins With a Song (2020) – Profiles songwriters and the songwriting process focusing on the impact of Nashville based composers to the music industry. These creators have written melodies and lyrics for hit songs of rock and country artists such as Elvis Presley, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Michael Jackson, Aerosmith, and Bon Jovi. Discusses issues in songwriting and publishing.
Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story (2007) – Chronicles the story of Stax Records, formed in 1957. By focusing on great music, the label was one of the first to racially integrate artists at a time when the United States was segregated. The MG’s (of Booker T & The MG’s) was an multiracial instrument quartet that served as the company’s house band. The label launched the careers of blues, soul music, and Memphis sound of artists such as Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. & The MG’s, and the Staple Singers. Discusses contracts, distribution, and the history of music.
Rudeboy: The Story of Trojan Records (2018) – Chronicles the story of Trojan Records, which in the 1960s and early 70s, created music combining Jamaican and British Youth culture. The label was influential in introducing reggae to a global audience working with artists such as Bob Marley, Nicky Thomas, Jimmy Cliff, Desmond Dekker, and The Pioneers. Addresses issues in record label and artist management.
Searching for Sugarman (2012) – The story of singer/songwriter Sixto Rodriguez, who in the 1970s released two albums that had poor sales in the United States, though were a huge hit in other countries. In South Africa one album went platinum, though Rodriguez, who had left the music industry and was residing in the United States, had no knowledge of his popularity and the album’s success. The film tells of Rodriguez’s life and the filmmaker’s quest to find the musician, who had reportedly died in several outrageous ways, including setting himself on fire and shooting himself on stage. Discusses copyright issues and royalties in the music industry. Winner of the 2013 Academy Award for Best Documentary.
Strange Fruit: The Beatles’ Apple Records (2011) – In 1968 The Beatles, wanting to protect the music interests of their band and to help the next generation of artists, created Apple Corps, Ltd., a record label (Apple Records) and publishing company. The company worked with artists, such as Mary Hopkin, The Iveys, James Taylor, Billy Preston, Doris Troy, Badfinger, and Yoko Ono. The documentary chronicles the early years of the company.

Though it is not discussed in the film, in 1978 Apple Corps filed a lawsuit in England against Apple Computer for trademark infringement of the record label’s name and logo.5 In 1981, the case was settled, with Apple Computer agreeing it would never enter the music business or use the whole or half of a green apple as a logo and Apple Corps agreeing they would never enter the computer business or use the rainbow apple with a bite missing.6 In 2003, Apple Corps sued again, stating the agreement of not entering the music business was violated after Apple Computer unveiled iTunes Music Store.7 In 2006 the High Court of Justice in the United Kingdom ruled in favor of Apple Computer.8 The court found that the digital distribution of music is a different market than the physical distribution of music and the previous agreement did not cover digital music.9 In 2007, another lawsuit, this time regarding trademark of the use of Apple Corps logo and name, was settled.10 In the agreement Apple Computer retained ownership of the name and logo in return for agreeing to license some of the trademarks back to Apple Corps.11

This is a picture of the Apple Corps logo (a Granny Smith apple) featured on a Beatles Album.12 The other is the Apple Computer logo,13 which were involved in the 1978 lawsuit mentioned above.

Stuck in the Groove (2021) – Explores the history, evolution and rise of “vinyl-mania” – the growth of vinyl records – in the age of downloads. Interviews with musicians, manufacturers of records, and independent record stores.
Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon (2014) – Chronicles the career of music manager Shep Gordon, whose clients included Alice Cooper, Blondie, Teddy Pendergrass, and Pink Floyd.
Who Let the Dogs Out (2019) – Discusses the history and legal battle of the song “Who Let the Dogs Out” by the Baha Men, which won the 2001 Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. After the song was released, copyright violations were filed by artists, record labels, composers, high school, and college sports teams all over the world, claiming they had created the chant and music years earlier. Addresses issues in copyright and songwriting.

Features

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) – Biographical drama about the band Queen (Rami Malek, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, Joe Mazzello). Addresses royalties and contract issues in music.
Beyond The Lights (2014) – Follows the career of a modern pop singer (Gugu Mbatha-Raw). A scene in the film shows the importance of contract law in entertainment.
Cadillac Records (2008) – Based on the true story of Leonard Chess (Adrian Brody), who founded Chess Records in Chicago in 1947. The label was one of the first to feature blues, gospel and early rock and roll with artists, such as Muddy Waters (Jeffrey Wright), Chuck Berry (Mos Def), Willie Dixon (Cedric the Entertainer), and Etta James (Beyoncé). The story addresses contracts and music royalties.
CBGB (2013) – Based on the true story of Hilly Kristal (Alan Rickman),14 who founded the nightclub CBGB + OMFUG (which stood for Country Bluegrass Blues and Other Music for Uplifting Gourmandizers) on the New York Bowery in 1973. The club featured some of the biggest bands in the early stages of their careers from Street Rock to Punk, including Blondie (Malin Ackerman as Debbie Harry), Patti Smith (Mickey Sumner), Television (Johnny Galecki as Terry Ork, the band’s manager), Talking Heads (Jared Carter as David Byrne), The Ramones (Joel David Moore as Joey Ramone, Julian Acosta as Johnny Ramone, Steven Schub as Dee Dee COB Ramone), and The Police (Keene McRae as Sting, Thompson Newkirk as Andy Summers, Christopher Copeland as Stewart Copeland). Addresses issues in music management and contracts.
Straight Outta Compton (2015) – History of rap group NWA. The group’s members included Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson, Jr.), Dr. Dre (Cory Hawkins), Eazy-E (Jason Mitchell), MC Ren (Aldis Hodge), and DJ Yella (Neil Brown, Jr.) Addresses the group’s contract disputes and free speech issues of their lyrics.
Telling Lies in America (1997) – In the 1950s, a high school student (Brad Renfro) wins a contest to work at a local radio station and becomes involved in his DJ boss’s (Kevin Bacon) payola plan. Addresses the payola scandal in which radio stations/DJs received payment from music companies and music managers to play certain artists. Payola was officially made illegal in 1960 when Congress amended the Federal Communications Act to “require broadcasters to disclose if airplay for a song has been purchased.”15
That Thing You Do! (1996) – Directed by Tom Hanks, the story of the rise and breakup of a fictional one hit wonder 1960s pop band (Tom Everett Scott, Johnathon Schaech, Steve Zahn, Ethan Embry). Addresses the contract issues in music law.
Vinyl (2012) – Comedy about an aging rock group (Phil Daniels, Keith Allen, Perry Benson) that uses young band members to front their new recordings. A scene in the film illustrates how recording contracts protect labels from misrepresentation by artists who take credit for writing and performing the music of others.
Why Do Fools Fall in Love (1998) – Based on the true story.16 Feature film about the fight for the estate and music royalties of singer Frankie Lymon (Larenz Tate), who performed the popular 1956 song “Why Do Fools Fall In Love.” After his death, each of his three former wives, Zola Taylor (Halle Berry), Emira Eagle (Lela Rochon), and Elizabeth Waters (Vivica A. Fox) battled for his estate, each claiming that she was the rightful widow. Explores issues in contract law, royalties, and wills and estates.

Show Me the Movies: Examining the Business of Sports

Features

Any Given Sunday (1999) – Oliver Stone’s feature film about a fictional NFL team. Starring Al Pacino as the team’s head coach and Jamie Foxx as the team’s quarterback. Addresses contract issues involving players and teams.
Draft Day (2014) – Features Kevin Costner as the manager of an NFL team. Examines the business as well as contract issues that arise on the day of the NFL draft.
Jerry Maguire (1996) – The life of a sports agent, played by Tom Cruise, as he starts his own company after having an epiphany. Addresses contract issues in sports.

The Movie Must Go On: Movies About the Theater

Documentaries

Every Little Step (2009) – Follows the casting and pre-production for the 2006 Broadway revival of the musical A Chorus Line, as over 3,000 dancers try out for the sought-after spots. Chronicles the production history of the original 1975 show with interviews with the original cast and composer Marvin Hamlisch. Addresses the casting process for a musical, in which the show is about the casting of a musical.
On Broadway (2019) – Details the history of the theater industry in New York City from the late 1960s to present. Discusses the production of shows, how shows have changed the face of theater, how the theatrical environment was built near 42nd Street & Broadway/Times Square area, and how global events such as AIDS, 9/11, and COVID have affected the industry. Contains interviews with performers who began their careers on Broadway and how Broadway was pivotal to revitalizing New York City, beginning in the mid-1970s. Productions such as Cats, A Chorus Line, Rent, The Lion King, Hamilton. and the 10 plays of August Wilson, including Fences and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, are featured. Addresses production, merchandising, contractual considerations, and the history of theatre.
Show Business: The Road To Broadway (2007) – A behind the scenes look at the production of Wicked, Taboo, Caroline or Change, and Avenue Q. Follows the shows from pre-production through opening. Three of these four musicals were nominated for Best Musical at the Tony Awards – and one of them won.

Features

Birdman (2014) – A former superhero actor, played by Michael Keaton, attempts to revive his career by writing, directing, and starring in a Broadway production. Addresses contract issues in theater. Winner of the 2015 Academy Award for Best Picture.
Cradle Will Rock (1999) – Accounts the production of a musical drama at the height of the depression, funded by the Federal Theatre Project. Facing pressure from the federal government, during the investigation by the House Committee on Un-American Activities, funding is pulled from the Federal Theatre Project, ending the production. The cast, director Orson Wells (Angus Macfadyen), and producer John Houseman (Cary Elwes) act to hold a performance in a shuttered theater. Addresses labor, union, and contract issues in theater.
The Producers (1967, remade in 2005) – Mel Brooks’s satire about producing (Gene Wilder and Zero Mostel are the producers) a Broadway musical with the intention of making it a flop. Gives a humorous take on business issues in Broadway productions. Winner of the 1969 Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
SMASH! TV series (2012-2013) – Depicts the production of a Broadway musical. Starring Debra Messing, Jack Davenport, Katharine McPhee, Angelica Huston, Christian Borle, and Megan Hilty. The series received the 2012 Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography.

Ready To Watch: Movies About Fashion

Documentaries

The September Issue (2009) – A behind the scenes look as Anna Wintour, Vogue’s editor-in-chief, prepares for the magazine’s September 2007 issue – the “bible” of fashion for the coming year.
Valentino: The Last Emperor (2008) – Accounts the career of clothing designer Valentino Garavani. Explores areas including contracts and the business side of fashion.

Features

The Devil Wears Prada (2006) – Comedy-drama about a recent college graduate (Anne Hathaway) who becomes the assistant to the editor-in-chief (Meryl Streep) of a fictional fashion magazine.
Just Shoot Me (1997 – 2003) – TV comedy about a fictional fashion magazine. Starring Laura San Giacomo, David Spade, Wendie Malick, George Segal, and Enrico Colantoni.

Featured Exhibition: Movies About the Arts

Documentaries

The $50 Million Art Swindle (2019) – The story of art dealer Michel Cohen, who was accused of fraudulent activity. His alleged crimes included selling the same paintings to several collectors, receiving the funds, and failing to deliver the painting; and receiving paintings on consignment from galleries, which he then sold without returning the proceeds to the art gallery.
Art & Craft (2014) – Follows the life of Mark Landis, one of the most successful art forgers. Landis donated forged paintings, often the same print, to more than 40 museums. As he donated all his paintings, he never faced legal action. Discusses the registry process of paintings at galleries.
Art of the Heist: The Lady in Gold (2006) – Chronicles the organized looting of art by the Nazis during World War II. Discusses Maria Altmann’s legal attempt to recover a painting by artist Gustav Klimt of her aunt, known as the Lady in Gold, which was held by the Austrian government. The film includes interviews with Altmann’s attorney examining the legal process of this case, leading to the U.S. Supreme Court decision,17 followed by arbitration court in Austria. Addresses issues in art restitution law, international law, and wills and estates. The feature film The Woman in Gold, discussed below, is based on Altmann’s story.
The Art of the Steal (2009) – Chronicles the dispute between the will of Dr. Albert Barnes, who left an art collection valued at more than $25 billion and the State of Pennsylvania/City of Philadelphia. Barnes’s will strictly stated that his collection was to be used primarily for the teaching of art; it could not be moved from his home gallery and was not intended for public viewing. The State of Pennsylvania and City of Philadelphia took legal action to seize the collection to capitalize on its value as a major tourist attraction. The documentary touches on contract law, property law, and wills and estates.
Driven to Abstraction (2019) – The story of the Knoedler Gallery, one of the oldest galleries in the world, which sold over 40 fraudulent paintings. Addresses contract and criminal law issues in art.
A Genuine Forger (2016) – Follows the life of Guy Ribes, who for more than 30 years passed off forged paintings as originals created by artists, including Picasso and Matisse.
Herb and Dorothy (2008) – Herb Vogel, a postal clerk, and his wife, Dorothy, a librarian, built a world class art collection of nearly 4,800 pieces on their modest salaries. Starting in the early 1960s, the couple noticed there was little attention paid to emerging modern/conceptual works, which they also enjoyed and could afford. Their collection, which included Andy Warhol, Richard Tuttle, Robert Mangold, Roy Lichtenstein, Cindy Sherman, and David Salle, were stored in their one-bedroom apartment. Holding to their promise to never sell any of their art, when the collection was too large, they donated it to the National Gallery of Art. The National Gallery could only take 1,000 works, so the couple launched a national gift project to give 50 pieces to one museum in each of the 50 U.S. states by 2009. The 2013 follow up film, Herb & Dorothy 50 x 50 follows the couple on this journey. Addresses contractual issues in charitable donations and trusts and estate planning in art.
The Lost Leonardo (2021) – Tells the story of the Salvator Mundi, which sold for $450 million, making it the most expensive painting ever sold.18 Follows the story of the painting from the moment it was bought in 2005 for $1,175 at a small auction house in New Orleans (the painting was titled After Leonardo at the auction house) to the history-making sale in 2017. The documentary includes interviews with art dealers, curators, art restoration experts, and collectors, with everyone addressing the question: was it really painted by Leonardo da Vinci? Addresses business practices of art transactions and related ethics.
Made You Look: A True Story About Fake Art (2020) – Chronicles the largest art fraud in American history, causing the closing of the Knoedler Gallery, which had been in business for 165 years. The gallery sold $80 million in forged paintings to its clients. Explores contract and criminal law issues in art.
The Price of Everything (2018) – An analysis of the history and modern state of the art market with an emphasis on contemporary artists. Features interviews with collectors, dealers, auctioneers, and artists discussing the valuing and auction process.
Who the #$&% Is Jackson Pollack? (2006) – The story of Teri Horton, who bought a painting at a thrift shop for $5. She later learned it may have been painted by Jackson Pollack and valued at more than $50 million. The film details her attempt to have the painting authenticated. Discusses issues in art law.

Features

Big Eyes (2014) – Based on the true story.19 In the 1950s and 1960s, Walter Keane (Christoph Waltz) passed his wife Margaret’s (Amy Adams) “big eyes” paintings off as his own creation. After a disagreement about taking credit for the images and stating that his wife lied about being the paintings’ true artist, she filed suit against him for slander and libel. With only one way to decide who was the true artist, the judge had the two paint before him in the courtroom. Addresses issues of fraud in the art industry.
The Monuments Men (2014) – As World War II comes to an end, an art conservationist (George Clooney) convinces President Roosevelt of the importance of preserving artistic treasures. The army creates a unit nicknamed the “Monuments Men,” consisting of art historians, curators, and museum directors to work with Allied troops to return art to its rightful owners. Starring Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, Hugh Bonneville, Bob Balaban, and Cate Blanchett. Based on the life of George Stout, who led the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives section of the U.S. military to reclaim art taken by the Nazis. Examines issues in art restitution and international law.
Woman in Gold (2015) – Based on the true story.20 Chronicles the life of Maria Altmann (Helen Mirren), whose family’s art collection was stolen by the Nazis in the 1940s. The film details her attempts to recover a portrait of her aunt, The Lady in Gold, known as the Mona Lisa of Austria, which was housed in an Austrian government museum. The case was brought by her attorney (Ryan Reynolds) before the U.S. Supreme Court in Republic of Austria v. Altmann21 and then went to arbitration in Austria. Explores issues in art restitution law, international law, and wills and estates. The story is featured in the documentary Art of the Heist, discussed above.

Express Yourself: Movies About Free Speech in Entertainment

Documentaries

Can We Take A Joke? (2015) – Examines First Amendment issues in stand-up comedy. Discusses Lenny Bruce’s comedy, his several arrests, and trials for obscenity charges based on his humor.
Sellebrity (2012) – Documentary on the celebrity photography industry. Explores free speech issues in journalism and entertainment.
Smash His Camera (2010) – Tells the history of the paparazzi and Ron Galella, a New York City paparazzo, who has taken some of the most iconic celebrity photographs. Galella was known for his fascination with Jackie Onassis, after he shot a picture of her in 1971 crossing the street, named by Time Magazine as “The Most Famous Paparazzi Photo Ever.”22 Galella’s captivation of Onasis led to numerous lawsuits and retraining orders filed against him. Gallela was also known for suing Marlon Brando after the actor punched him on a public sidewalk after taking Brando’s picture. The photographer, who lost several teeth and suffered a broken jaw, sued Brando for assault. Addresses issues of the line between harassment/stalking and freedom of the press and freedom of speech.

This is the picture described above as named by Time Magazine as “The Most Famous Paparazzi Photo Ever.”

Features

Deliberate Intent (2000) – Based on the book Deliberate Intent: A Lawyer Tells the True Story of Murder by the Book. Television film about the case of Rice v. Paladin Enterprises, Inc.23 in which an individual followed the steps of the book Hit Man: A Technical Manual for Independent Contractors, which tells how to commit a professional assassination. After a family was murdered by someone who followed the steps in the book, the victim’s family (Lawrence Horn, Laura Harmon) filed suit against the publisher.24 The publisher responded that the book was for fantasy and entertainment purposes.25 The plaintiffs and their attorney (Timothy Hutton) argued that the book was not protected by the First Amendment, as the publisher conceded that the book was written to assist contract murderers.26 Attorneys for the case marked that this was “the first time in American history that a book publisher had been held financially liable for a crime committed by a reader.”27
The People v. Larry Flynt (1996) – Chronicles the life of Larry Flynt (Woody Harrelson) and examines the U.S. Supreme Court case of Hustler Magazine v. Falwell,28 which addressed the right of public figures to be the subject of caricature, parody or satire without legal redress.
The Post (2017) – Recounts the story of The Washington Post (Meryl Streep as Katharine Graham, the owner of The Washington Post, and Tom Hanks as Ben Bradlee, the newspaper’s executive editor) and The New York Times to publish The Pentagon Papers, a set of classified documents regarding the United States’ involvement in Vietnam. Details the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in New York Times Company v. United States,29 which allowed the newspapers the right to publish the information.

Hold the Presses: Movies About Publishing and Literary Works

Documentaries

Author: The JT LeRoy Story (2016) – Narrated by Laura Albert, who wrote several semi-biographical works under the pseudonym Jeremiah Terminator (JT) LeRoy. JT was supposedly a teen prostitute with HIV who was addicted to drugs, writing about his life. When the books become successful and requests for interviews with the author occurred, Albert had her friend’s sister, Savannah Knoop, pose as JT LeRoy. After the true identity of the author was revealed, a production company, which had optioned one of Albert’s books, sued her for fraud and breach of contract.30 The conclusion of the case, not discussed in the film, was decided in 2007 when a federal court found that Albert went beyond the normal use of pseudonym invention by signing a movie contract using her fictional name.31 Albert was ordered to pay damages.32 The case was later settled, with the author retaining ownership of her copyrights in exchange for a portion of the author’s future earnings.33 Discusses issues in the use of author pseudonyms and issues of fraud in publishing.

Features

Absence of Malice (1981) – Inspired by the case of New York Times Co. v. Sullivan,34 which established the standards for defamation and libel. A newspaper reporter (Sally Field) writes a story that a local businessman (Paul Newman) is being investigated for murder, based solely on a file the reporter saw on a federal prosecutor’s desk. The businessman takes actions to clear his name with the prosecutor, the paper, and the public. Addresses the issue of defamation in journalism.
Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018) – Based on a true story35 and the memoir of the same title. The story of writer Lee Israel (Melissa McCarthy), who forged approximately 400 historical letters, claiming they were written by famous authors and actors. Israel would tell bookstores the letters were inherited by friends and family, who asked her to sell them on their behalf. After being discovered she changed tactics, stealing authentic historical letters from university archives at schools, such as Harvard, Yale, and Columbia, leaving fake duplicates in their place.36 Addresses issues in art law, fraud, and intellectual property rights.
The Hoax (2006) – Based on a true story37 and the memoir of the same title. In 1971 author Clifford Irving (Richard Gere) convinced publishers that he was writing “the book of the century,” a biography on Howard Hughes (Milton Buras), being written with Hughes’s exclusive cooperation. At the time there was a public obsession of Hughes’s life as a hermit. Clifford was paid a $765,000 advance38 (over $5.5 million in 2023).39 Before the book was published, Hughes announced that there was no cooperation on his part and Clifford eventually served 17 months in federal prison for fraud.40 The fake biography was called “the most famous unpublished book of the 20th century” by the International Herald Tribune and in 1972 Time Magazine dubbed Irving “Con Man of the Year”41 in a cover story. Addresses issues in fraud and intellectual property rights in authors.
Howl (2010) – Chronicles the life and poetry of Allen Ginsberg (James Franco), particularly his poem “Howl.” In 1957, Lawrence Ferlinghetti (Andrew Rogers), publisher and owner of City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco, was charged with distributing obscenity for selling copies of Ginsberg’s book Howl and Other Poems. The trial focused on “Howl,” a 112-line poem that describes several things, including the use of drugs, contains certain words considered obscene, and describes human body parts by using slang. Attorney Jake Ehrlich (Jon Hamm) represented Ginsberg, calling several academic scholars to attest to the poem’s literary worth. The case was dismissed with the court stating that the poem was not without “redeeming social importance.”42 Addresses issues in freedom of speech and expression in publishing.
JT LeRoy (2018) – Based on the true story.43 An author (Laura Dern) writes a fictional biography under a pen name. When the book becomes successful and interviews are requested, the author has a friend (Kristen Stewart) pretend to be the fictional writer. The documentary Author: The JT LeRoy Story is featured above. Discusses issues in the use of author pseudonyms and issues of fraud in publishing.
Shattered Glass (2003) – Based on the true story.44 Recounts the story of Stephen Glass (Hayden Christensen), a journalist for The New Republic, who was caught fabricating, partially or completely, 27 of the 41 articles he wrote for the publication. The film tells the story of how Glass was caught by Adam Penenberg (Steve Zahn), a reporter with Forbes Digital magazine, who had been scooped on a story by Glass. When Penenberg began to investigate Glass’ article, he discovered that most of the article, including names of those interviewed and the companies mentioned, could not be verified or did not exist. After the incident, Glass received a law degree from Georgetown University and passed the New York and California bar exams.45 He never received a license to practice law, as he did not pass the moral character portion of his application, due to his past fabrications.46 Addresses the issues of authenticating sources and libel in journalism.

Funny Business: Movies About Comedy

Documentaries

The Business of Comedy (2013) – Chronicles the history of standup comedy and comedy clubs. Contains interviews with comedy club booking agents and comedians, including Robert Klein, Susie Essman, Budd Friedman, and George Wallace. Discusses the business side of stand-up comedy.
The Comedy Club (2021) – In March 2002, Cobb’s Comedy Club in San Francisco, sustained substantial damage after a fire broke out. Several comedians who began their careers at the club worked to revive the business. Contains interviews with Dana Carvey, Bob Goldthwait, Bob Saget, Kevin Nealon, Paula Poundstone, Kevin Pollack, and Ellen DeGeneres. Documents the history of the club and addresses issues in the business of standup comedy.
The Comedy Store (2020 miniseries) – Opened in 1972, the series documents the iconic comedy club, founded by Mitzi Shore, in which numerous comedians began their careers including David Letterman, Jay Leno, Richard Pryor, Damon Wayons, Jim Carey, Whoopi Goldberg, Whitney Cummings, and Sandra Bernhard. Documents the history of the club and addresses issues in the business of standup comedy.

Kids Business: Movies About Minors in Entertainment

Documentaries

The Hollywood Complex (2011) – A behind-the-scenes look at the dream of making it as a child star. The documentary focuses on the families who move into The Oakwood, a temporary housing complex in California that caters to aspiring young actors and their families, who live there during television pilot season. Addresses issues with minors in entertainment.
Showbiz Kids (2020) – Written and directed by former teen actor Alex Winter (“Bill” from Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure), about the careers and considerations of child actors. Contains interviews with Henry Thomas (age 10 in E.T.: the Extra-Terrestrial), Todd Bridges (age 13 in the TV show Diff’rent Strokes), Will Wheaton (age 15 in the TV show Star Trek: The Next Generation), Mara Wilson (age six in Mrs. Doubtfire) and Diana Serra Cary, nicknamed “Baby Peggy” who, at age three, become one of the major child stars of the Hollywood silent film era. Addresses issues with minors in entertainment.

Features

Life with Mikey (1993) – Comedy featuring Michael J. Fox as a former child actor turned talent agent, who only represents children. Addresses issues with minors in entertainment.

Follow the Rules and Win Prizes: Movies About Game Show Scandals

Documentaries

Game Changers (2018) – A look at the history and appeal of game shows and how they have shaped culture. Interviews game show hosts, including Alex Trebek (Jeopardy!), Monty Hall (Let’s Make a Deal), Peter Marshall (Hollywood Squares), Bob Eubanks (The Dating Game), and Pat Sajak (Wheel of Fortune). Addresses talent contracts and syndication of television programs.
Big Bucks: The Press Your Luck Scandal (2003) – In 1984, Michael Larson won over $110,000 cash ($321,000 in 2023)47 in one day on the game show Press Your Luck. Until then, no one had earned more than $40,000 in cash in a single day. After taking 45 turns, without hitting a “Whammy” (which made contestants lose their turn and all the money they won), the network’s Standards and Practices believed, based on mathematical statistics, he had cheated. Larson stated that he achieved his winnings by watching episodes and memorizing the board’s pattern of flashing lights, to repeatedly stop his turn on squares that awarded contestants money or an additional turn. Addresses contractual considerations in the rules and regulations of television game shows.
Perfect Bid: The Contestant Who Knew Too Much (2017) – Ted Slauson, a fan of the game show The Price Is Right, would watch the show every day and record the prices of featured products on a spreadsheet. With the gift of memorization, Slauson memorized prices of past items, which were often repeated as prizes on future shows. During his 37 appearances as an audience member, he used his skills as a contestant and helped other contestants by calling out prices. One day, when Slauson was in the audience, another contestant, Terry Kniess, who also had the gift of memorization with prices of past episodes, had a perfect score in the final round showcase. This was the first time in the 38-year history of the show that a contestant had achieved the perfect bid in the final showcase. The show, then believed in a theory, explained in the film, that cheating had occurred. Addresses contractual considerations in the rules and regulations of television game shows.

Features

Quiz (2020) – Based on the book Bad Show: the Quiz, the Cough, the Millionaire Major. The program is a dramatization about the cheating scandal and Crown Court fraud case48 on the British version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? In 2001 Charles Ingram (Matthew Macfadyen), a former Major in the Royal Engineers, won the £1,000,000 jackpot. Previously his quiz-show obsessed wife Diana (Sian Clifford) and her brother Adrian Pollock (Trystan Gravelle) had both appeared on the show but did not take home the grand prize. During Ingram’s time as a contestant, audience member Tecwen Whittock (Michael Jibson), a college professor and former contestant on the show, coughed 192 times. In reviewing the broadcast, it was discovered Whittock timed his coughs to occur when Ingram read out the correct answer from the choices or when Ingram choose an answer too quickly, later changing it (with several coughs during the reading of the correct answer) before his “final answer.” Ingram, his wife and Tecwen were found guilty of deception and were given suspended sentences and fines.49 Addresses issues in game show operations, rules, and regulations of game shows.
Quiz Show (1994) – Based on the true story.50 In 1958 Herbert Stempel (John Turturro), a contestant on the game show Twenty-One, was on a winning streak, though ratings were not as expected. The producers (Hank Azaria, David Paymer) of the show were searching for a new champion to boost the show’s ratings. They soon found Charles Van Doren (Ralph Fiennes), a college professor from a prominent family. Van Doren’s father and uncle were Pulitzer Prize winners and his mother was a successful novelist. The producers promised Stempel his own show if he lost on purpose to Van Doren, which he soon did. Van Doren was a ratings hit, appearing on the cover of Time Magazine. After not receiving the game show he was promised, Stempel went to the New York district attorney stating there was cheating on the show. He claimed that producers were giving contestants, whom they wanted to win, the answers to questions in advance of the broadcast. A lawyer (Rob Morrow), for the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, which has jurisdiction over television broadcasting, investigated the case. Addresses issues in game show operations, rules, and regulations of game shows.

Ethan Y. Bordman is an entertainment attorney and film finance consultant (www.ethanbordman.com) who represents directors, producers, screenwriters, and actors. In addition to his law degree and M.B.A., Ethan holds an LL.M. in Entertainment Law from the University of Westminster in London, England and an LL.M. in International Sports Law from Anglia University in Cambridge, England. He is currently the EASL Section chair and has also served as co-chair of the Motion Picture Committee and co-chair of the Cowan-Bresler Scholarship. Ethan encourages EASL members to reach out to him to become active with the section.

Endnotes

1 Lewis, Hilary, 30 Seconds to Mars, EMI Settle $30 Million Lawsuit, Ink New Deal, Business Insider, April 29, 2009, available at https://www.businessinsider.com/30-seconds-to-mars-emi-settle-30-million-lawsuit-ink-new-deal-2009-4.

2 Chang, Rachel, Milli Vanilli’s Lip-Sync Scandal: Inside One of Music’s Biggest Hoaxes, Biography.com, July 8, 2020, available at https://www.biography.com/musicians/milli-vanilli-lip-sync-scandal.

3 Brody, Richard, ‘Dons of Disco,’ Reviewed: A Stranger-Than- Fiction Battle in The World of Italian Pop, The New Yorker, February 26, 2021, available at https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-front-row/dons-of-disco-reviewed-a-stranger-than-fiction-battle-in-the-world-of-italian-pop.

4 Motown Museum, Biography of Berry Gordy, available at https://www.motownmuseum.org/legacy/berry-gordy/.

5 Pace University Law School, The Contentious Legal History Between the Apple Corps and Apple Computer, Pace Intellectual Property, Sports & Entertainment Law Forum, July 19, 2018, available at https://pipself.blogs.pace.edu/2018/07/19/the-contentious-legal-history-between-the-apple-corps-and-apple-computer/.

10 Associated Press, Apple, Beatles Settle Trademarks Lawsuit, CNBC, February 6, 2007, available at https://www.cnbc.com/id/17000077.

11 Id.