LT5029 - Music and Entertainment Law (2021/22)
Module specification | Module approved to run in 2021/22 | ||||||||||||
Module status | DELETED (This module is no longer running) | ||||||||||||
Module title | Music and Entertainment Law | ||||||||||||
Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||||||
Credit rating for module | 30 | ||||||||||||
School | Guildhall School of Business and Law | ||||||||||||
Total study hours | 300 | ||||||||||||
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Assessment components |
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Running in 2021/22(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) | No instances running in the year |
Module summary
This module begins by considering the contractual environment within the music business and associated sectors. Important contractual areas will be critically examined including management agreements, recording agreements, self-release and 360 degree deals, publishing agreements, production agreements, live performance agreements, sponsorship and merchandising agreements. The emphasis will be on enhanced practical understanding of contractual frameworks, best negotiating practice, and the role and use of legal agreements within the business imperatives of music companies and within the career strategies of artists and managers.
In addition, the broader “entertainment” business will be explored in relation to its evolving legal framework.
Syllabus
Introduction to legal contracts, their status and enforceability LO2
Introduction to the English legal system LO2
Doctrine of Restraint of Trade and Undue Influence LO2
Negotiating Skills and practice LO2
Management agreements and the representation of artists LO1
Recording agreements LO1
Production agreements LO1
360 degrees deals and new types of agreement in the sector LO1
Publishing agreements LO1
Live performance agreements LO1
Sponsorship and merchandising agreements LO1
Terms and conditions LO1
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The module will be delivered by way of 3 hour weekly workshops. Each workshop shall comprise formal content delivery, class discussion, interactive class exercises.
Workshops shall be supported by the use of directed reading, videos and other media.
The workshops shall develop students’ confidence in subject discipline as well as in generic skills such as written and oral communication, creativity, critical and analytical skills. Students will be expected to undertake prior directed reading and digest weblearn provided materials.
Workshops shall also provide an opportunity for students to consider and reflect upon career opportunities within the international entertainment sector
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will:
(1) Evaluate the meaning and consequences of particular contractual terms and provisions of basic contracts typical to the sector
(2) Understand the process of contract drafting, negotiation
Assessment strategy
Diagnostic and formative assessment will take place weekly during the workshops where in addition to the formal transmission of content students will have the opportunity to develop theoretical, analytical, creative thinking, and oral and written communication skills
There are two components to the formal summative assessment strategy, a written coursework exercise and a two hour exam. Both aspects of the assessment process are designed to support student learning by requiring students to apply the theory and practice of taught elements. Both have formative and summative aspects.
Each student will be expected to read and review a contractual agreement, requesting amendments to such agreement on behalf of one party and providing explanatory reasoning as to why such amendments are requited in order to safeguard the interests of the relevant party.
50%
A1
a 2hour paper comprising both multiple choice questions and short essay questions (with some choice involved) covering the whole syllabus
50%
A2
Bibliography
Bainbridge, D. I. (2010). Intellectual Property (8th edition.). Harlow, England: Longman Pearson
Cornish, W (2007) Cases and Materials on Intellectual Property, Sweet and Maxwells
Davis, J (2016) Intellectual Property Law, Butterworths
Harrison, A (2014) Music The Business: The Essential Guide to the Law and the Deals, Virgin Books 2nd ed.
Smith & Keenan (2001) English Law, Longman 13th ed.
Carey, P (2010) Media Law, Sweet & Maxwell, 4th ed.
Manchester
Cavendish.
Carey, P and Verow, (2002) Media and Entertainment Law, Jordans 2nd ed.
Clarke, J (2000) Law of Torts, Pitman
Krasilovsky, M. W. and Shemel, S. (2000) This Business of Music (8th edition) Billboard Books
Passman, D All you need to know about The Music Business, penguin Books (2016)
Journals:
Entertainment Law Review
New Law Journal
Westlaw and other prescribed law databases
www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment_and_arts/
www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology/
E Letter resources :
Digital Music News
Music Business Worldwide