Legal Counsel for Creatives

Legal Counsel for Creatives

Legal Counsel for Creatives

Entertainment law firm for people who make things.

Toronto entertainment law firm advising clients internationally creating with Canadians

Film & TV Production

Contract Negotiation

Brand Partnerships

Merchandising & Licensing

Rights Acquisition

Corporate Structuring

Intellectual Property

Rights Clearance

Tax Credits & Financing

Podcasts & Publishing

Based in Toronto. Serving clients worldwide creating with Canadians.

Based in Toronto. Serving clients worldwide creating with Canadians.

Studio-caliber counsel for independent talent

Source Material is an entertainment law firm for new and established independent artists and companies.

Source Material is an entertainment law firm for new and established independent artists and companies.

Source Material is an entertainment law firm for new and established independent artists and companies.

We represent producers, directors, actors, writers, musicians, content creators, and creative founders.

Our clients work directly with senior counsel experienced in working with major studios. We customize our strategy to support their creative vision and position them credibly with industry partners.

Legal foundation for creative work

Advice on contracts, rights, production, financing, corporate matters, and ongoing business support.

01

Agreements

Contract drafting, review, and negotiation, including talent deals, brand partnerships, and licensing agreements.

02

Rights & Intellectual Property

Copyright and trademark registration, chain of title clearance, and advice on licensing, fair dealing, and publicity rights.

03

Development & Production

Development and option agreements, cast and crew contracts, guild and union compliance, licenses, and delivery requirements.

04

Financing

Tax credit applications, co-productions, broadcaster commissions, investor deals, and profit participation.

05

Corporate

Business incorporation, drafting of shareholder and employment agreements, and ongoing corporate governance and compliance.

06

Business Affairs

Custom production agreement packages, IP portfolio management, and ongoing counsel on retainer.

Agreements

Contract drafting, review, and negotiation, including talent deals, brand partnerships, and licensing agreements.

Agreements

Contract drafting, review, and negotiation, including talent deals, brand partnerships, and licensing agreements.

Rights & Intellectual Property

Copyright and trademark registration, chain of title clearance, and advice on licensing, fair dealing, and publicity rights.

Rights & Intellectual Property

Copyright and trademark registration, chain of title clearance, and advice on licensing, fair dealing, and publicity rights.

Development & Production

Development and option agreements, cast and crew contracts, guild and union compliance, licenses, and delivery requirements.

Development & Production

Development and option agreements, cast and crew contracts, guild and union compliance, licenses, and delivery requirements.

Financing

Tax credit applications, co-productions, broadcaster commissions, investor deals, and profit participation.

Financing

Tax credit applications, co-productions, broadcaster commissions, investor deals, and profit participation.

Corporate

Business incorporation, drafting of shareholder and employment agreements, and ongoing corporate governance and compliance.

Corporate

Business incorporation, drafting of shareholder and employment agreements, and ongoing corporate governance and compliance.

Business Affairs

Custom production agreement packages, IP portfolio management, and ongoing counsel on retainer.

Business Affairs

Custom production agreement packages, IP portfolio management, and ongoing counsel on retainer.

Advice for new and established professionals

Tailored counsel for clients at all stages: a first deal, an active production, or a growing company.

Producers

Independent producers and production companies working across film, television, and digital media.

Producers

Independent producers and production companies working across film, television, and digital media.

Artists & Creatives

Actors, writers, directors, musicians, and content creators and other creatives.

Artists & Creatives

Actors, writers, directors, musicians, and content creators and other creatives.

Founders & Startups

Founders building media startups, creator-led businesses, and production companies.

Founders & Startups

Founders building media startups, creator-led businesses, and production companies.

Industry Professionals

Agents, managers, executives, and other industry professionals.

Industry Professionals

Agents, managers, executives, and other industry professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have an established project or company before reaching out?

Not at all. The right legal structure and agreements can future-proof your work and protect you before problems arise. We work with first-time creators and established clients and tailor our advice to where they are.

Do you work with clients outside of Canada?

Yes. We regularly work with international clients, particularly those co-producing with Canadian partners, licensing Canadian content, or structuring deals that involve Canadian owned rights. If your project has a Canadian connection, we can help.

How does pricing work?

For defined tasks like reviewing a distribution agreement or drafting an option, we typically offer flat fees so you know the cost upfront. For ongoing or advisory work, we typically use hourly rates. We discuss fees at the beginning, and confirm any scope changes with you throughout the engagement, so there are no surprises. We accept credit card payments and offer payment plans tailored to the realities of your cash flow.

Do you help protect original IP?

Yes. We advise on copyright and your rights as an owner, as well as how to effectively license those rights via contracts like option and purchase agreements and usage based licenses. We also advise on rights clearances and how to structure your chain of title so your project is financeable and distributable.

Can you review an agreement someone else has sent me?

Yes. Reviewing and negotiating agreements from studios, platforms, brands, or corporations is one of the most common ways we work with clients. You can come to us with specific requests you’d like to see incorporated in your agreements and we’ll also flag the contract terms that matter most or should be included. We’ll also guide you through what to expect in the negotiation process.

I’m starting a business and need help with setup and contract creation.

We provide business formation and entity selection services on a flat-fee basis tailored to your specific situation, including creating the necessary corporate, employment, and contractor agreement templates to get you started. Don’t want the added headache of maintaining your corporate compliance? We can handle that for you too.

I'm not sure what I need. Where do I start?

That's a completely normal place to be. Reach out with a brief description of what you're working on and where you're at. We'll help you figure out what's actually needed and what isn't. If your matter falls outside our practice, we'll refer you to someone we trust.

Ready to discuss your project?

Reach out for legal advice that protects your rights, relationships, and revenue.

Ready to discuss your project?

Reach out for legal advice that protects your rights, relationships, and revenue.

Ready to discuss your project?

Reach out for legal advice that protects your rights, relationships, and revenue.