Monday, September 5, 2022

The Latino Filmmakers Network’s Entertainment Law Panel


 Alongside his duties as a lawyer at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, Steven C. Beer harnesses his expertise to help new comers to the entertainment industry. To increase the visibility of Latin American actors, directors, and producers, Steven C. Beer hosted a panel for members of the Latino Filmmakers Network in January 2022.


The panel brought together several panelists with common experience in advising television, film, and music personnel. From producing works for networks like HBO, to overseeing distribution of indie films, the panelists explained best practices and personal successes in their chosen niches. Not only did attendees learn about business aspects of their creative work, like intellectual property and securing funding, but also they learned how legal professionals harness their passion for the industry to uplift independent artists.


The panelists placed great emphasis on diversity in media, and how each one strived to promote inclusivity in entertainment by funding projects from underrepresented groups. The most prominent role model for this work, Doris Casap, grew HBO’s offerings for over 25 years by including content marketed toward Latin American viewers. Through her production company Mother Films, she funds projects like A Most Beautiful Thing, a documentary about the first African American rowing team, and ensures that they receive wide attention.