From Filmmaker to Entertainment Lawyer With Donovan Rodriques

Donovan Rodriques is the Managing Attorney at Rodriques Law, a New York City firm focused on business and entertainment law in the areas of film and television development, financing, production, and distribution. Donovan represents producers, talent, entertainment companies, and entrepreneurs, including several start-ups and emerging companies in media, sports, and entertainment technologies. His expertise in law and business, combined with his experience in the production industry and understanding of the creative and technical production processes, uniquely position him to effectively counsel clients in varying areas, from negotiating service deals to developing new ways to capture and use big data.

Can a unique career journey, traversing the worlds of science, filmmaking, and law, provide a distinct advantage in entertainment law? How can the versatility of such diverse experiences influence legal expertise?

According to Donovan Rodriques, a seasoned entertainment attorney, his filmmaking background has been instrumental to his legal career. He attributes his holistic understanding of intellectual property rights in the film industry to his background in film production and law. His unique journey from being a filmmaker to an entertainment lawyer has allowed him an inside perspective of the industry, thus equipping him to navigate legal complexities with a creative outlook.

In this episode of 15 Minutes, host Bela Musits sits down with Donovan Rodriques, Managing Attorney at Rodriques Law, to discuss his transition from biochemistry and filmmaking to entertainment law. In their conversation, Donovan shares the importance of lawyers in the filmmaking process, the intricacies of film contracts and intellectual property rights, and why he advises creatives to consult with an attorney before collaborating with industry professionals.