For years, Florida has offered tax credits to the entertainment industry in an effort to encourage television and film productions to work in the state. In many ways, the program has been a success. Recent Florida-set programs such as “Burn Notice” and “The Glades” brought money into the state when they film in South Florida, and they promoted the state to the rest of the nation. Both those programs ended their runs recently, freeing tens of millions of dollars in tax credits that had already been committed.
Another component of the entertainment industry appears set to take advantage of those credits: makers of video games. Electronic Arts, the maker of “Madden NFL” football video games, among others, has already been awarded more than $14 million in credits for games it created at least partly in its Florida studio, and is reportedly trying to land the credits that had been awarded to the now defunct television productions.
The video game industry touts its ability to provide high-skill, high-wage jobs to the state, and Electronic Arts claims to employ about 800 people in its Maitland studio. Others in the entertainment industry are more skeptical. News reports last year revealed that Electronic Arts lobbyists actually helped write revisions to the laws regarding the tax credits.
In many respects, the legal issues involving the video game industry are the same as those in the rest of entertainment law. As with television and film, the video game industry involves complex contracts with talent and production personnel. It also involves copyright, trademark and other areas of intellectual property.
Whatever specific part they work in, Florida residents who work in the entertainment industry need help navigating these complicated legal issues. It’s important that the help they seek out has the knowledge and skills necessary to handling these specialized areas of the law.
Source: Orlando Sentinel, “Florida tax breaks grow for Electronic Arts and its Maitland video-games studio,” Jason Garcia, Sept. 21, 2013
The entertainment industry can be a complicated field to navigate. As a trusted leader in Miami entertainment law, ChaseLawyers can help. With over 40 years of experience, Our Miami based lawyers have helped individuals in nearly every area of entertainment law in Miami, including sports, music, film, television, modeling, literature, and more. We understand the unique challenges you face as a creative, and we’re prepared to protect your interests.
As an artist in Miami, you must navigate the intricacies of copyright law, trademarks, contractual agreements, and much more. It is critical you choose a qualified Miami entertainment lawyer with expertise in the nuances of the entertainment world. ChaseLawyers has built a stellar reputation among our clientele for honest, professional representation that produces effective results. We have extensive experience in the unique legal elements you must navigate as an artist, and our attorneys can provide you with indispensable career advice and expertise over the course of your entertainment career.
When you work with ChaseLawyers, you are more than just a client. We care about your well-being and can provide essential advice on the issues you face in the Miami market, such as intellectual property issues, negotiating service agreements, publicity rights, and much more. We also have an extensive network of resources available for our clients to connect with, and those connections can enrich your career in countless ways. Our team understands the complex world of entertainment law and will take care of your legal needs so you can focus on doing what you do best—sharing your talent with the world!
When you’re ready to take the next step in your career, our Miami entertainment lawyers are ready to help you. We are passionate about helping creatives with all of their legal needs, and you won’t find a team more dedicated to your success in all of Miami. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation!