Stephen Rodner
- Legal
- Additional Crew
- Executive
Steve represents entertainment companies as well as individual writers, producers and artists, all of whom benefit from his in-house experience with Columbia and Paramount Pictures.
In the transactional space, Steve's practice includes distribution, licensing, option/purchase and other contractual arrangements involving live theater, film, television, home video, digital media, e-commerce and crowdfunding. He provides counsel regarding optimization of entertainment properties across multiple platforms and media.
Steve negotiates and drafts:
Commercial tie-in and licensing agreements Motion picture distribution agreements Motion picture, television and live theater option/purchase agreements Talent agreements Television pilot and series deals for writers, producers and talent
Steve's extensive intellectual property experience includes trademark selection, procurement, registration and clearance, advising on the proper use of trademark rights and trade names throughout the world, and copyright registration and protection. His IP insights are particularly valuable to clients engaged in complex transactions involving intellectual property and confidentiality agreements. At the Forefront of Live Theater
Steve brings an in-depth understanding of the legal and business issues that prevail in live theater productions. He provides counsel regarding the latest developments in the areas of copyright, fair use and termination rights. On the financial side, Steve prepares offering documents and investment agreements, and advises clients regarding investments in productions of all types.
In addition to negotiating contracts for live theater producers, creative personnel, composers, lyricists, playwrights, directors, designers and performers, Steve reviews and negotiates subsidiary rights and motion picture rights for stock, amateur and foreign theater productions and tours. He also counsels clients on issues relating to errors and omissions insurance, unions and guilds.
Steve is a member of the New York State Bar Association's Executive Committee and former Chair of the Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law Section. Taking on the latest issues impacting the entertainment industry and he frequently speaks on topics such as fair use and crowdfunding at continuing legal education forums and bar association events. Education
New York University School of Law (LL.B., 1967) Columbia College (B.A., 1964)
Recognition
Recognized as a leading attorney in Entertainment Law: Theater by Best Lawyers in America (2022) Named to the Super Lawyers - New York Metro list in entertainment and sports law (2006-13)
Community
Board of Directors, American Theatre Group Board of Directors, Maplewood Community Music Board of Trustees, Music for All Seasons
Admissions
New York, 1968 New Jersey, 1974
Professional Affiliations
New York State Bar Association, Executive Committee, Member; Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law Section, Former Chair
In the transactional space, Steve's practice includes distribution, licensing, option/purchase and other contractual arrangements involving live theater, film, television, home video, digital media, e-commerce and crowdfunding. He provides counsel regarding optimization of entertainment properties across multiple platforms and media.
Steve negotiates and drafts:
Commercial tie-in and licensing agreements Motion picture distribution agreements Motion picture, television and live theater option/purchase agreements Talent agreements Television pilot and series deals for writers, producers and talent
Steve's extensive intellectual property experience includes trademark selection, procurement, registration and clearance, advising on the proper use of trademark rights and trade names throughout the world, and copyright registration and protection. His IP insights are particularly valuable to clients engaged in complex transactions involving intellectual property and confidentiality agreements. At the Forefront of Live Theater
Steve brings an in-depth understanding of the legal and business issues that prevail in live theater productions. He provides counsel regarding the latest developments in the areas of copyright, fair use and termination rights. On the financial side, Steve prepares offering documents and investment agreements, and advises clients regarding investments in productions of all types.
In addition to negotiating contracts for live theater producers, creative personnel, composers, lyricists, playwrights, directors, designers and performers, Steve reviews and negotiates subsidiary rights and motion picture rights for stock, amateur and foreign theater productions and tours. He also counsels clients on issues relating to errors and omissions insurance, unions and guilds.
Steve is a member of the New York State Bar Association's Executive Committee and former Chair of the Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law Section. Taking on the latest issues impacting the entertainment industry and he frequently speaks on topics such as fair use and crowdfunding at continuing legal education forums and bar association events. Education
New York University School of Law (LL.B., 1967) Columbia College (B.A., 1964)
Recognition
Recognized as a leading attorney in Entertainment Law: Theater by Best Lawyers in America (2022) Named to the Super Lawyers - New York Metro list in entertainment and sports law (2006-13)
Community
Board of Directors, American Theatre Group Board of Directors, Maplewood Community Music Board of Trustees, Music for All Seasons
Admissions
New York, 1968 New Jersey, 1974
Professional Affiliations
New York State Bar Association, Executive Committee, Member; Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law Section, Former Chair