Arts/Entertainment Licensing, Distribution & Commerce

Catalog description

Licensing, distribution and commerce associated with creative output powers nearly every aspect of the arts and entertainment industries as significant brand builders and revenue-generators for intellectual property owners and producers. This course delivers foundational knowledge of the many ways by which music, theater, dance film and other media are licensed for commercial use or otherwise distributed directly to vendors and consumers. Discussion encompasses the various types and purposes of license, key points of negotiation, parties, agreements and business constructs involved in licensing and distribution deals across multiple entertainment sectors, including key elements relating to effective commerce and merchandising of same. Through readings, lectures and case-based analysis students will study the means of directly and indirectly getting works and ancillary content out into the marketplace, as well as the risks and rewards that may result. Through comparative analysis of traditional and contemporary professional agreements, students will come to understand how licensing and distribution contracts, modalities, administration and payments have evolved, and what the future holds for this vital engine of the arts & entertainment industries.