Diligent

Responsive

Efficient

Problem-solver

Deal-closer

My name is Lisa Nitti.

I practice transactional entertainment law, representing individuals and companies in connection with the development, financing, production, distribution and exploitation of motion pictures, television, digital projects, and other creative content across a wide range of media.

For the first few years of my career, I worked primarily in the area of corporate securities. I counseled technology, start-up, and other companies on their securities offerings, mergers and acquisitions, and general business matters. Three years later I expanded my practice to include more traditional entertainment clients, representing them in connection with all of their content-related transactions, including option / purchase agreements, film financing, production matters, and distribution deals, among other areas.

After having worked at major international law firms for thirteen years, I recognized the need for a more efficient and responsive model of client representation that could be effectively provided by a boutique entertainment law setting. This inspired me to venture into my own practice in January 2013.

My clients call on me when they need help to structure, negotiate and close entertainment deals and related contracts.

For most of my clients, I act as an outside business and legal affairs representative, handling their full slate of projects from development through distribution. Many of these clients I have worked with for over a decade. At the same time, I have smaller clients, including some individuals, that may be developing or financing their first motion picture projects, or executive producing their first television series. I also have represented numerous executives in negotiating their employment contracts with studios and networks.

I love what I do and I believe that my passion comes through in my client representation. I work diligently to secure the best deals possible for each client, being mindful of what is most essential to that client in their particular negotiation. It is important to listen and understand the needs of each client, and then work with all parties to achieve creative solutions to successfully close deals. In the end, the signing of a contract marks the start of a new (or continuing) business relationship between the parties so they can get to work creating new content. I truly enjoy being a member of each client’s team that makes this happen. I look forward to hearing from you to discuss how I can help you make your creative vision become a reality.

Education

  • J.D., University
    of California at Los Angeles,
    School of Law 1998

  • B.A. with honors,
    Stanford University 1995

Career

  • Lisa Nitti Law, 2013 - Present

  • Greenberg Traurig LLP,
    Associate 2005 - 2007
    Partner 2008 - 2012

  • Manatt, Phelps & Phillips,
    Associate 2000 - 2005

  • Crescenda Wireless,
    Assistant General Counsel 2000

  • Latham & Watkins,
    Associate 1998 - 2000

A sample list of some of my areas of expertise:

  • Representing parties in connection with the development of motion picture, television, new media and podcasting projects, including negotiating option agreements, writer agreements and other services agreements.

  • Providing legal counsel regarding ownership of intellectual property, including the negotiation of joint venture agreements, operating agreements and other collaboration agreements governing the rights of various parties with respect to such property.

  • Negotiating executive producer agreements in connection with the development and production of scripted and unscripted episodic television and new media programming.

  • Structuring and implementing debt and equity financing for motion picture and television productions, including senior and mezzanine loans secured against presales and tax credits.

  • Representing individual actors, writers and producers in the negotiation of agreements with motion picture production companies and studios.

  • Managing client relationships with entertainment guilds, including navigation of the guild signatory process and establishment of required third party escrow accounts for purposes of residual payments and profit distributions.

  • Performing customary production legal services in connection with television, motion picture, new media and podcasting projects.

  • Providing legal oversight and management of film productions for financiers.

  • Negotiating sales agency agreements and domestic / international distribution agreements.

  • Representing senior executives in the negotiation of employment agreements with television networks, studios and new media companies.

 

If your needs are not included in the above list, reach out and let’s see I can be of service for your particular situation.

 

No creative project happens without teamwork.