An Exclusive with Entertainment Attorney Darren Heitner, Esquire

Darren Adam Heitner, Esquire, the lawyer, educator, journalist, athlete, and advocate, recently took time out of his busy schedule to share a bit about himself and provide some insight on the world of entertainment law. 

Darren Adam Heitner, Esquire, is an attorney based in the State of Florida, who is licensed to practice on the state and federal level, and focuses on sports, entertainment, and intellectual property litigation and transactional work. He is the Founder and CEO of Dynasty Athlete Representation, Professor of Sport Agency Management at Indiana University Bloomington, and the Founder and Chief Editor of Sports Agent Blog, a leading niche industry publication.  He is also the Public Relations Director of the National Sports and Entertainment Law Society and Associate Executive Director of the Jewish Coaches Association.


Such accomplishments no doubtedly began with a solid education.  Darren has a Bachelors of Arts and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the University of Florida.  During his college career, he served two terms as the President of the "Entertainment and Sports Law Society" and Chair of the popular "UF Sports Law Symposium".  His passion for his career is apparent.  I asked Darren what first drew him to the entertainment industry.  He  expressed, "my involvement in sports. I started a sports agency and went to law school, focusing on sports law. Sports and entertainment are tied together in many ways. Being involved in sports led to involvement in the entertainment industry."  


Most of us have a passion and not all of us have been able to completely relish in it.  Mr. Heitner not only practices entertainment law, he is an educator as well as journalist.  To be so dedicated, there must be something that ignites his fire.   So, I asked Darren what fascinates him most about the industry, he replies, "The interesting issues and actors involved. Many of the matters involve intellectual property disputes, which I enjoy, and breaches of contract. I also love the transactional work involved." 

With several years in practicing entertainment law, Heitner states that the most common mistakes he finds most people making in this industry are "poor drafting of contracts at the formation of important relationships. Many contracts involve a lot of money and the actors do not spend the time and money to hire competent attorneys to protect themselves ahead of time."

Prior to this interview, I let Darren know that I am a graduate student at Full Sail University majoring in Entertainment Business.  Appropriately, I closed the interview, by asking Darren what he would advise a student or young professional starting out in this industry. "Work on building connections with those already entrenched in the industry. This industry is about who you know as much as anything else."




*** I would personally like to thank Attorney, Darren Heitner, Esq. for the opportunity to answer my questions and share his story, experiences, insights, and advice.  I admire your passion and your drive. ***

Lime light and Liabilities

Holly Madison, best known as Hugh Heffner's sexy playmate girlfriend on the hit televsion series "The Girls Next Door", has recently insured her breast for $1 million.  Holly expressed to People Magazine, "If anything happened to my boobs, I'd be out for a few months and I'd probably be out a million dollars," she told People. "I thought I'd cover my assets."  According to the Reuter article, many stars have insured several body parts.  This makes perfect sense to me.  Holly Madison, as well as other celebrities, have built an empire primarily on their physical appearance.  If anything were to happen to those "assets", more than likely, they would be out of work. 


Also in the lime lights, is Barnes & Nobles Bookstore, whom purchased long time competitor Borders' client dvd order list as well as Borders Brandmarket trademarks in bankruptcy court.  This is an excellent case featuring trademarks and brand recognition and the influences over customers.  Borders has proven to keep loyal customers through the use of various intellectual property laws like that of the trademark.  It was a good idea for Barnes & Noble to make such a purchase in order to win over Borders' clients.  


A 150 year old Grand Hotel in Dixville Noth, New Hampshire has built on their brand during this "shaky" economy.  Although, old hotels do struggle just as much as new resorts, there does seem to be an advatnage to its appeal.  At the Balsams Grand Resort, there seems to be a smarter way to invest; in its brand.  Local by the name of Roch states, "[etc] the advantage is there is more awareness in the market for historic hotels. They've got a name, they've got a reputation, they've got the word of mouth."  Sometimes, taking the time to invest in what sets your company apart from others and protecting that image will benefit the business.