Entertainment
Goodmans Entertainment Group is recognized worldwide as one of the leading practices in Canada, dedicated exclusively to film and television, sports, digital media and book publishing. We assist our clients to structure and optimize production financing, negotiate international co-productions, and complete sales to distributors and broadcasters and streaming services in Canada and abroad.
Our lawyers combine tremendous expertise and years of experience with passion and energy to create future oriented strategies that help our clients succeed. Clients trust us to stay ahead of the ever-evolving entertainment industry trends that are continually transforming the way content is distributed, consumed and regulated. We leverage the sophisticated regulatory work of our Communications Group involving the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission – a distinguishing feature of Goodmans entertainment practice.
We navigate with ease Canada’s complex financing structures and incentives used to finance film, tv and digital productions. Our clients can count on straight-forward advice on Canadian film tax credits, Canadian withholding tax and other tax matters. They also turn to us to document production services, customize talent contracts, deal with Canadian guilds and unions and advise on Canadian foreign investment rules and domestic broadcast regulatory requirements, and to handle acquisitions and dispositions of entertainment companies and provide related corporate, tax and regulatory advice.
Our lawyers are thought leaders in the industry and are frequently asked to comment on developments in entertainment news, host and participate in entertainment panels, teach entertainment law and speak at industry conferences.
Explore People in Entertainment
Meet our teamFeatured Work
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Entertainment
Representing Shaftesbury Inc.
Goodmans LLP represents Shaftesbury Inc., a leading Canadian producer of scripted productions including the well-known and popular TV programs “Murdoch Mysteries," “Frankie Drake Mysteries," “Hudson… -
Entertainment
Launch of Blink49 Studios Inc.
Goodmans LLP acts for Blink49 Studios, a new Canadian-controlled studio venture backed by Endeavor Content… -
Entertainment
Amazon Prime Video Productions Filmed in Canada
Goodmans LLP provides ongoing advice to Amazon Studios re: productions produced or post-produced in Canada which stream on Amazon Prime Video… -
Capital Markets
Boat Rocker Media Completes IPO Raising Gross Proceeds of $170.1 Million
Goodmans LLP acted as legal counsel to the underwriters (RBC Capital Markets and TD Securities Inc.) in connection with Boat Rocker Media Inc.’s (“Boat Rocker Media” or the “Company”) initial public… -
Entertainment
Alcon Entertainment Successfully Produces Six Seasons Series - “The Expanse”
Goodmans LLP represents Alcon Entertainment in connection with its production legal services on all six seasons of the series entitled “The Expanse” filmed in Canada (originally broadcast on SyFy and… -
Entertainment
AMC Networks, Shaftesbury strike strategic partnership
Goodmans LLP acted for Shaftesbury in connection with it’s strategic partnership with AMC Networks…
Insights
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Entertainment
CRTC Announces Three-Phased Public Consultation Plan to Implement the Online Streaming Act in Canada
On May 8, 2023, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) unveiled its three-phased regulatory plan (the “Regulatory Plan”) to consult with the public to implement the… -
Entertainment
The Online Streaming Act: Canada Passes New Legislation to Regulate Online Streaming Services
On April 27, 2023, Bill C-11, titled the Online Streaming Act (the “Act”), was passed by the Canadian Senate and received Royal Assent, officially becoming law in Canada. The Act is designed to… -
Technology
U.S. District Court Finds NBA Top Shot Moments may be Subject to U.S. Securities Laws
On May 12, 2021, a class action law suit was filed against Dapper Labs, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Court”) alleging that Dapper Labs violated U.S… -
Entertainment
Canada Extends Basic Term of Copyright Protection To “Life of Author Plus 70 Years” Starting December 30, 2022
On November 17, 2022, the Government of Canada published an Order in Council to bring into force recent amendments to Canada’s Copyright Act (the “ Act”) which extend the basic term of copyright… -
Entertainment
So You Want To Produce In Canada, Eh?
If you are considering producing in Canada, there’s a lot you not only need to know, but want to know. Why? Because it can save you both time and money - and who doesn’t want that? The discussion… -
Entertainment
Canada to Increase Copyright Term to “Life Plus Seventy Years”
On June 23, 2022, Royal Assent was granted to Bill C-191, an omnibus bill that implements significant amendments to the Canadian Copyright Act (the “Act”). In particular, the legislative…
Awards & Recognition
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The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory Most Frequently Recommended, Entertainment Law 2023
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Chambers Canada Band 1, Media and Entertainment 2023
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The Legal 500 Canada Tier 1, Media and Entertainment 2023
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The Globe and Mail’s Canada’s Best Law Firms List Recognized, Media, Entertainment & Sport 2023
News & Events
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- 01:30 PM Entertainment
Tara Parker at BHBA's Webinar: What You Need To Know About Film/TV Production in Canada
Join Tara Parker on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 12:30 pm for the Beverly Hills Bar Association's webinar: What You Need To Know About Film/TV Production in Canada.For more information, click… -
- 08:00 PM Entertainment
Tara Parker at the Women in Arts and Entertainment Law Series- Women in Film
Join Tara Parker at the Women in Film Law session on March 22nd, the second installment of the Women in Arts and Entertainment Law series, hosted by the University of Detroit Mercy School of… -
Banking and Financial Services
The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2023 Continues to Recognize Goodmans
We are proud to announce we have once again been recognized in The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2023.85 Goodmans lawyers have been recognized as top-tier in their fields and leaders across…