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Members Only
Workshop

IDAinsight: Protecting Yourself and Your Film in the Age of Increased Scrutiny

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PT

  • Alex Cadena, Speaker
  • Jack Lerner, Speaker
IDAinsight: Protecting Yourself and Your Film in the Age of Increased Scrutiny graphic

Location: Hybrid, virtual on Zoom or in-person at IDA Office in Los Angeles

Documentary filmmakers are often navigating complex legal terrain by the very nature of our work. In the current political climate and with the rise of fascism around the world, it can be difficult to know how to protect your work, your collaborators, your subject, and your rights. At the same time, to change the grim reality of our current times, we need documentaries that break boundaries, take risks, and defy censorship, backlash, and threats they might face, not if but when they speak up. How can you safeguard your creative expression while still addressing important social and political issues?

In the second installment of our two-part legal series, Jack Lerner, veteran fair use advocate, attorney, and director of the UCI Intellectual Property, Arts, and Technology Clinic at UC Irvine School of Law, and Alex Cadena, media and entertainment attorney at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, will discuss proactive strategies for protecting your work, your subject, and your rights in an increasingly risky landscape. You’ll leave with practical tools for navigating privacy, defamation, and contracts.

This seminar is perfect for filmmakers at all stages of their careers. It provides practical, up-to-date knowledge about the legal issues that can make or break a project. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned professional, this session will equip you with valuable insights on how to protect the often-overlooked legal side of documentary filmmaking.

The seminar will include an hour-long presentation by Alex and Jack, followed by a 30-minute Q&A. This is a hybrid session. Members can join at our LA Koreatown office, or virtually through Zoom. Please note that the the capacity to attend in person is limited to 50 people and is on a first come first serve basis. This session will not be recorded. 

Please note that this session is for IDA Members only. RSVP through your IDA Member portal.

Interested in joining? Become a member today and RSVP for this session.

Event Participants

    Headshot of young woman of Latinx descent in a green blazer in front of a blue background

    Alex Cadena

    Alex Cadena works in the Los Angeles office of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP (DWT) on copyright, trademark, and other entertainment matters. She has several years' experience in media and creative industries on both coasts. Before joining DWT, she interned with the legal team at the Writers Guild of America West, worked with 20th Television's business affairs group, and launched an independent production company in New York. She is passionate about championing early-career artists and their work. 

    Alex counsels and litigates a wide range of legal issues for DWT's media and entertainment clients, including copyright and trademark law, First Amendment, defamation, right of publicity, and advertising. Alex's legal experience also extends to litigating on behalf of journalists in both state and federal public records lawsuits. Alex is committed to pro bono and has previously worked as a legal translator and interpreter with the Tahirih Justice Center, Human Rights First, and Kids in Need of Defense (KIND). 

    Black and white headshot of a middle aged male with a short beard and glasses wearing a suit and looking off to the right

    Jack Lerner

    Jack Lerner is Clinical Professor of Law at the University of California, Irvine School of Law and Director of the UCI Intellectual Property, Arts, and Technology Clinic, where he and his students counsel and represent filmmakers and other creators. Professor Lerner served on the board of IDA from 2010-2020 and has long represented IDA as pro bono advocacy counsel. He is a member of Kartemquin Films' Board of Directors.