Institute on Entertainment Law and Business an Industry Mainstay

By Ahmanielle Hall

“Learning, Mastering, Networking.”

Jim Gianopulous

On October 5, USC Gould’s Continuing Legal Education program and the Beverly Hills Bar Association will offer attendees of the Institute on Entertainment Law and Business an in-depth informational and networking event.

A Los Angeles mainstay for more than 50 years, the institute  attracts dozens of prominent industry experts and speakers and about 650 entertainment and business professionals to network and discuss cutting-edge industry legal issues.

At last fall’s institute, Jim Gianopulos, chairman and CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment, participated in a special luncheon keynote conversation with Bruce Ramer, senior partner at Gang, Tyre, Ramer & Brown, Inc. in Beverly Hills, Calif. Their extensive question-and-answer session covered the failed Stop Online Piracy Act, the future of 3D filmmaking, and the process for green-lighting films, among other topics.

Ramer, a key industry player and 11-time “Super Lawyer” who handles high-profile entertainment and media clients, will again be a featured speaker. A USC trustee and chair of the institute, he says that professionals who attend will experience a dynamic educational experience.

“My vision this year is the same as it has been in recent years, and indeed throughout: to provide an interesting, valuable and meaningful annual program which well serves its dedicated and multifaceted audience,” Ramer said.

He said that professionals can expect to enrich their knowledge, enjoy camaraderie with peers and embrace an intellectual challenge as the institute examines new and pressing legal issues in show business.

“Some of the concerns, but not all, involve the size, shape, quality and product of the so-called new media, its impact on the so-called old media, the economy and moving forward as all of us try to see around corners,” Ramer said.

In the meantime, he said professionals in the entertainment industry can best equip themselves to be effective by concentrating on three skills.

“Work hard.  Read.  Think,” he said.