Recent legislative changes and the complexities of tariffs can affect entertainment businesses with international tax implications. This episode of Media Clips talks opportunities and challenges. Media Clips’ host and GHJ Entertainment Practice Leader Ilan Haimoff speaks with GHJ International Tax Practice Leader Polina Chapiro and GHJ International Tax Expert Andreas Koller to cover key tax strategies for entertainment business leaders.

From rising costs and tariff disruptions to licensing rights considerations, entertainment industry experts join GHJ’s podcast to share their observations on licensing trends today. Media Clips’ host, GHJ Entertainment Practice Leader Ilan Haimoff, speaks with Russell Binder, the founding partner of Striker Entertainment, Amy Siegel, co-head of O’Melveny’s Entertainment, Sports and Media Industry Group, and GHJ Profit Participation and Licensing Expert Tracy Liang in this episode. The group dives into: • How the slowdown of the economy and the uncertainty around tariffs are affecting deals in the entertainment industry • The key components to consider in a licensing arrangement • The most common obstacles when negotiating licensing arrangements on behalf of an IP owner • Top considerations for IP owners on their next deal • Common issues to be aware of on a licensing audit

Financial leaders in the entertainment industry are zeroed in on cost control and quality over quantity amid this year’s economic disruption. This Media Clips Podcast episode, hosted by GHJ’s Entertainment Practice Leader Ilan Haimoff, featured Dan Landes, GHJ’s Media and Advertising Practice leader, to discuss disruption in the entertainment industry and more. Dan shared key insights into the current state of the entertainment industry and highlighted both challenges and strategic shifts among financial leaders: • Rising costs continue to be a concern, especially for businesses operating in Los Angeles • Despite headwinds, there are signs of industry resilience, with strong performance from animated content and lower-risk series • CFOs are increasingly focused on cost control and cash flow management • Financial leaders are leveraging data analytics to improve operational efficiency • Studios are prioritizing fewer, higher-quality productions to maximize return on investment

From studio spin offs to federal tax credits, significant shifts are regularly taking place in the film and television distribution industry, and this annual podcast covers it all. This episode of GHJ’s Media Clips Podcast features Entertainment Practice Leader Ilan Haimoff and long-time partner of the podcast, Dr. Jeffrey Cole, director of USC Annenberg's Center for the Digital Future. The two explore recent hit films and moviegoer trends, as well as the proposal to the White House on the behalf of the U.S. film and television industry. They also discuss recent spin off trends in the industry.

With challenges facing investors and other stakeholders in motion pictures and television, deal making is at a turning point – and leaders must pay close attention to the opportunities that remain available. In this episode of GHJ’s Media Clips Podcast, Entertainment Practice Leader Ilan Haimoff speaks with Qualia Legacy Advisors Managing Partner and Founder Isaac Palmer, Akin Partner and Head of Entertainment, Media and Sports Chris Spicer, and Bank of America Head of Entertainment Industries Group Randy Hua. These experts discuss best practices and recommendations for navigating industry challenges, including uncertainties around tariffs. And while the film and television industry continues to see less production activity, there are opportunities on the horizon.

From market uncertainty to managing financial growth, these trends have entertainment business owners turning to outsourced accountants for real-time financial guidance. In this episode of GHJ’s Media Clips, Entertainment Practice Leader Ilan Haimoff speaks with Client Accounting and Advisory Services Practice Leader Arna Erazo. Arna offers her take on trends in outsourced accounting, pain points in the entertainment industry and more. Together, they discuss the importance of organizations choosing to partner with a trusted advisor to more confidently make business decisions.

What are the biggest legal battles in Hollywood? Explore the evolving impact of artificial intelligence, the shifting economics of streaming, profit participation disputes and the rise of preemptive litigation strategies in Hollywood. In this episode of GHJ’s Media Clip Podcast, GHJ’s Entertainment Practice Leader Ilan Haimoff is joined by leading entertainment attorneys Julia Cherlow (Bird Marella LLP), Neville Johnson (Johnson & Johnson LLP) and Aaron Liskin (Kinsella Holley Iser Kump Steinsapir LLP) to discuss the latest litigation trends shaping the entertainment industry. Together they dissect high-profile cases − from AI-driven copyright battles to disputes over backend compensation − and offer key guidance for industry professionals navigating the legal complexities of film and television.

How can producers maximize the value of their profit participation deals in today’s entertainment landscape? On this episode of the Media Clips Podcast, Host and GHJ Entertainment Practice Leader Ilan Haimoff is joined by Paul Hastings Partner and Entertainment and Media Practice Global Co-Chair Erik Hyman and Shamrock Capital Principal Aaron Wizenfeld. Together, they provide a comprehensive view of profit participation from three critical perspectives — at the negotiating table, from an investor’s perspective and in conducting profit participation audits. This discussion dives into how producers can navigate profit-sharing agreements, avoid common pitfalls and position themselves for success.

Production and funding in the decline — where is the entertainment industry headed? In this episode of GHJ’s Media Clips Podcast, GHJ Entertainment Practice Leader Ilan Haimoff is joined by Akin Gump Partner Chris Spicer, Bank of America Entertainment Industries Group Head Randy Hua, and Film Finances, Inc. Senior Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs Bryan Bordon. The industry has seen a 20 percent decline in production in Los Angeles in 2023 and 40 percent decline across the United States in 2024. The panelists discuss how producers are responding to this decline, finding opportunities to fund their projects and taking advantage of tax subsidies to offset rising budgets.

How can entertainment industry professionals set themselves up for success in the coming year? On this episode of the Media Clips Podcast, Host and GHJ Entertainment Practice Leader Ilan Haimoff is joined by a panel of experts across GHJ’s service lines: • GHJ State and Local Tax Practice Leader Frances Ellington Gutierrez shares what businesses and individuals need to know about production tax credits and addresses the trend of shelving films for the tax write-off. • GHJ International Tax Principal Andreas Koller explains the Corporate Transparency Act, which has reporting deadlines on Jan. 1, 2025 • GHJ Media and Advertising Practice Leader Dan Landes explains how businesses are applying the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) accounting standard. • GHJ Client Accounting and Advisory Services Practice Leader Arna Erazo explains why companies are looking beyond bookkeeping and gaining deeper insights into their operations through outsourced accounting. • Ilan closes out the discussion by highlighting content valuation, especially when it is published on studio-owned streaming services and free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels including Tubi, Pluto and YouTube.

How can motion picture and television producers find success in 2024? In this episode of the Media Clips Podcast, GHJ Entertainment Practice Leader Ilan Haimoff is joined by TPC Senior Vice President Viviana Zarragoitia, Comerica Bank VP Jeff Colvin and Greenberg Glusker Partner Schuyler Moore. The panelists point to several factors that are driving funding at the moment, including: • Investors are willing to spend money on film projects with a social message. • Producers are finding funding beyond theatrical film and moving into new avenues such as social media and video games. • Although investments from China have dominated the industry over the past decade, there is an expected influx of investments from Saudi Arabia. Find the Media Clips Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to listen to past episodes and hear new episodes as soon as they become available.

Film and television production in 2024 extends far beyond Hollywood — many productions now take place in Atlanta, Toronto and Vancouver in North America and across the U.K. This shift has largely been driven by the availability of tax incentives. On this episode of the Media Clips Podcast, GHJ Entertainment Practice Leader Ilan Haimoff speaks to three experts who work in these key regions: • Canada: Edwards Creative Law Managing Partner Mark Edwards • U.K.: FLB Accountants Director Lloyd Gunton • Atlanta: Barnes & Thornburg Partner Stephen Weizenecker In this discussion, each expert highlights key financial considerations and how tax incentives and economic conditions have shaped the production ecosystem in their respective regions.

In this episode of the Media Clips Podcast, GHJ Entertainment Practice Leader Ilan Haimoff checks in with Dr. Jeffrey Cole, Director of USC Annenberg's Center for the Digital Future. Jeffrey shared his insights from CinemaCon, an annual event where cinema owners and industry professionals gather to explore shifting paradigms in film distribution and audience engagement. He notes that the box office recovered after the pandemic but has not yet reached 2019 levels, and he does not expect that level to return considering the slowdown in production during the 2023 strikes. Jeffrey also pointed to a few examples from 2023 that may shape the future of film distribution: • A major topic of discussion was theatrical windows, which have shortened significantly as more films are sent to streaming sooner. • Sound of Freedom was a surprise hit that was partially propelled to success by a pay-it-forward model. • AMC CEO Adam Aron took an innovative (and potentially controversial) approach to distribution when he bypassed the studios to directly bring Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour and Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé to theaters. Adam cited these films as solely driving the company’s growth in Q4 2023. Ilan and Jeffrey also talk about sports broadcasting, which has the potential to shape the television landscape as streamers like Amazon invest in live sports, and lessons learned from the 2023 strikes as a new round of labor negotiations take place.

GHJ Entertainment Practice Leader Ilan Haimoff is joined by two experts on motion picture and television financing: Akin Gump Partner and Entertainment and Media Practice Head Chris Spicer and Content Partners President John Mass. The last installment of the “Trends in Motion Picture and Television Finance” series explored the then-ongoing labor strikes. Now, six months later, Ilan, Chris and John discuss the post-strike environment and how the entertainment industry is tackling cost containment and cash flow preservation especially as the industry faces new potential strikes.

What do entertainment professionals need to know to find financial success? On this episode of the Media Clips Podcast, Host and GHJ Entertainment Practice Leader Ilan Haimoff is joined by a panel of distinguished experts from across GHJ’s service lines: • GHJ Entertainment and Media Tax Expert Dan Li shares what taxpayers can do now to reduce their tax bill in 2024. Click here to more about how taxpayers can save on taxes before the end of the year. • GHJ State and Local Tax Practice Leader Frances Ellington breaks down key tax changes in the State of California and provides helpful guidance for people who faced unemployment during the labor strikes. • GHJ International Tax Expert Andreas Koller points to the Foreign Income Tax Credit issued this year and an upcoming Supreme Court Case that may affect international tax regimes in the future. • GHJ High Net Worth Practice Leader Rajpal Gibson offers update on IRS enforcement attempts, the Employee Retention Credit and estate planning. • GHJ Media and Advertising Practice Leader Dan Landes explains the new Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) accounting standard and reminds entertainment professionals to revisit their finances amidst work stoppages in 2023. • Finally, Ilan shares how the scope and nature of profit participation audits continues to shift to accommodate new media reporting. Each expert explains changes that may impact individuals and businesses in the entertainment industry and gives recommendations on how to prepare for financial success in the coming year. This episode was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike ended on Nov. 9, 2023. Follow the Media Clips Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to listen to past episodes and hear new episodes as soon as they become available.

What unique production tax benefits does the UK provide for the entertainment industry? On this episode of the Media Clips Podcast, Host and GHJ Profit Participation Services Practice Leader Ilan Haimoff is joined by FLB Director of Creative Sector Tax Reliefs Lloyd Gunton. An expert in accessing and maximizing UK creative sector tax reliefs, Lloyd shares the various benefit and nuances of the UK credits available for productions taking place in the UK. Lloyd has over 15 years of experience providing tax services with deep expertise in the entertainment industry and working with clients to find credits and incentives.

How do independent producers get funded? On this episode of the Media Clips Podcast, Host and GHJ Profit Participation Services Practice Leader Ilan Haimoff is joined by Loyola Marymount University Associate Professor of Finance David Offenberg and GHJ Profit Participation Expert Tracy Liang. David is a leading expert on entertainment finance and has spoken extensively about financial trends in streaming and the entertainment industry as a whole for The Hollywood Reporter, Wall Street Journal, CNBC and Vanity Fair. He recently wrote the book Independent Film Finance: A Research-Based Guide to Funding Your Movie, which explains the fundamentals of film finance based on data and first-hand accounts from filmmakers. Earlier this year, David shared his insights on the streaming services with GHJ’s Profit Participation Services Team for its proposal for a new profit-sharing model — called the “Everyone Wins Model.” Co-authored by Ilan, Tracy and GHJ Profit Participation Expert Grace Guenon, this model leverages insights from GHJ’s extensive database and insights from David and other industry experts to envision a profit-sharing agreement between the producer of a mini-series and a streaming service that is more equitable than the current model. On the podcast, Ilan, Tracy and David revisit this new profit-sharing model and how it could alleviate conflict. As evidenced by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, the current profit-sharing model for streaming deals has caused significant controversy.

On this episode of the Media Clips Podcast, learn about independent film productions in the U.S. and around the world. Explore the opportunities and challenges that independent producers face in the current production landscape. Host and GHJ Profit Participation Services Practice Leader Ilan Haimoff is joined by Raskin Gorham Anderson Law Partner Eric Harbert and Freeway Entertainment Group Consultant David Zannoni. Find the Media Clips Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to listen to past episodes and hear new episodes as soon as they become available.

On this episode of the Media Clips Podcast, host and GHJ Profit Participation Services Practice Leader Ilan Haimoff is joined by Motion Picture Television Fund (MPTF) President and CEO Bob Beitcher to discuss how the entertainment community is supporting each other through labor disputes. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA are currently on strike, which has put a stop to many film and television productions. MPTF is a nonprofit that has supported working and retired members of the entertainment community since 1921 with temporary financial assistance, case management and residential living. Going beyond financial assistance, MPTF meets with industry members in need, teaches them how to manage their finances and provides housing. Four months into these labor disputes, many crew members are losing health coverage, facing food insecurity and struggling to pay their bills as a result of work stoppages. Since the beginning of the strikes in May, MPTF has issued nearly $2 million in grant funding to industry members in need in the form of $1,500 grants. “The average rent in Los Angeles is $3,000 a month. If you think of a $1,500 grant, it is not going to solve a lot but it may keep people in their homes for a little while longer,” Beitcher explains on the podcast. Ilan and Bob discuss the implications of the labor dispute, why these challenges will continue even after an agreement is reached and how the entertainment industry can come together to support those most affected.

In this episode of the Media Clips Podcast, Host and GHJ Profit Participation Services Practice Leader Ilan Haimoff is once again joined by two experts on motion picture and television financing: Akin Gump Partner and Entertainment and Media Practice Head Chris Spicer and Bank of America Entertainment Industries Group Head Randy Hua.