Ziffren Brittenham
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AN ATTORNEYS SPECIAL iffren Brittenham of, in the memorable words of Berry Gordy, “the greatest Z entertainer who ever lived.” DAVID LANDE PARTNER LOOKING BACK ON A ROLLER-COASTER YEAR, WHAT STANDS OUT IN 2020? “We are blessed with incredible clients and the opportunity to work on excit- ing deals for them. A few deals that stand out: Repre- John G. Branca David Lande David Byrnes senting Beyoncé in negotiat- ing an extensive partnership John G. Branca, one of the JOHN BRANCA and opportunities about which with Peloton—the first major nation’s preeminent music ON A TRIUMPHANT 2020: we are developing expertise deal between Peloton and industry, entertainment and “Of course, the pandemic has to share with our clients. It is an artist that encompasses a corporate attorneys, leads presented challenges unthink- invigorating and intellectually lucrative commercial oppor- Ziffren Brittenham’s music able 18 months ago, but what challenging but immensely tunity and an important practice, which encompasses is most remarkable to me rewarding in many ways. partnership that includes all facets of entertainment and about the last year has been “It was extremely gratifying 10 HBCUs. Representing media and represents many the non-pandemic changes to see how favorably critics Travis Scott in connection prominent individuals in film, and evolution in the music and the public viewed the Bee with his new beverage ven- TV, sports, live-stage, digital, industry. We have seen a Gees doc this year, since much ture, CACTI agave-spiked literary and music, as well as flurry in the sale of important went into its creation and into seltzer, in partnership with financiers, production compa- song catalogs, many of which the release of Greenfields. As Anheuser-Busch. Repre- nies and programming services. I am proud to say the firm has the co-producer of the Michael senting Selena Gomez in the The firm represents such been central to. The valuation Jackson: ONE show in Las negotiation of a new multi- musical legends as Michael of these catalogs has been at a Vegas and the MJ biopic and album recording agreement Jackson, Carlos Santana and high, which means songs and Broadway play we have in with Interscope. Representing The Bee Gees; superstars songwriters are valued more development, the work has ROSALÍA in significant Beyoncé, Travis Scott, Justin than ever. We’ve helped our been ongoing. I’m looking endorsement agreements Timberlake, Shakira, Blake clients make a judgment about forward to once again putting with Nike and MAC.” Shelton and Kelly Clarkson; timing, evaluation and poten- Michael’s music and the work and next-generation music tial partners. More and more, done by the talented team of HOW WOULD YOU talent including Selena Gomez, our team has worked to create the producers, directors, cho- DESCRIBE THE CATALOG ROSALÍA and Olivia Rodrigo. ancillary revenue streams for reographers, dancers, actors GOLD RUSH? “This is a Ziffren’s non-music roster includes our music clients, particularly and other creators involved in unique moment in time A-listers President Barack in television. these productions in front of fueled by lots of money chas- Obama, Michelle Obama, Tyler “Unexpectedly, an entirely his fans and the public. The ing a limited number of deals. Perry, Lebron James, Dick Wolf, new revenue source, NFT, Estate of Michael Jackson One of the exciting deals Sandra Bullock, Ben Affleck has been created, and we are continues to develop projects that we did in 2020 was the and Chadwick Boseman. presented with new challenges that honor the life and music sale of Shakira’s publishing 60 HITS May 10, 2021 rights to Hipgnosis. In a world to make sure they feel like of negative real interest rates, they’re making the best deci- investors are searching for sions for themselves.” yield in bond like investments, and the acquisition of IP HOW DID WORKING rights and/or revenue streams REMOTELY AFFECT YOUR fulfills this goal. For songwrit- PRACTICE? “For me, this past ers and owners of IP, it is an year has been incredibly pro- opportunity to obtain previ- ductive. There are perks like ously unheard-of multiples and being able to work out in the favorable tax treatment.” middle of the day, but I miss seeing my colleagues and other DAVID BYRNES friends in the industry. What I PARTNER would give to go to a show!” ON A ROLLERCOASTER Matt Johnson P.J. Shapiro YEAR: “Talk about disrup- P.J. SHAPIRO tion. A year of shutdowns and MANAGING PARTNER tour cancellations evolved ON THE DEMAND FOR into diverse opportunities, MUSIC TALENT ACROSS including furniture lines, hard TV/FILM: “Music-driven seltzers, fast food, gaming, stra- content, both live-action tegically timed merchandise and animated, has been a drops and TV, whether tradi- big value driver for film and tional or streaming. Clients TV companies. In anima- figured out different ways to tion, consider Beyoncé’s role interact with fans and advance in The Lion King or Justin their brands in all those areas. Timberlake’s voice perfor- For estates, it was business as mance in Trolls. Justin fol- usual, with the added element lowed that performance with of a robust catalog-sales busi- his critically acclaimed role ness and healthy streams.” in Apple’s Palmer. On the Mitch Tenzer Kelly Vallon live-action side, Lady Gaga MITCH TENZER burst onto the scene with a powerful ways to shape public PARTNER starring role in A Star Is Born, discourse and tell compelling WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING which resulted in landing a stories. For example, Drake FORWARD TO AS THE BIZ role in Ridley Scott’s Gucci. giving new life to London’s RETURNS TO NORMAL? Zendaya dazzled audiences Top Boy; LeBron James “Dining out, visiting my son in with her performance in creating compelling content college, eating sushi in Tokyo, Euphoria. Selena Gomez had to promote voting rights driving the Amalfi Coast. It’s a voice-acting role in Hotel through More Than a Vote; been a long year.” Transylvania opposite Adam Barack and Michelle Obama Sandler, and next she’ll co- sparking dialogue through KELLY VALLON star with Steve Martin and their Spotify podcasts; and PARTNER Martin Short in the series Sacha Baron Cohen expos- WHAT’S IMPORTANT WHEN Only Murders in the Building. ing the dangers of voting for ADVISING A RISING TALENT? In both instances, Selena Trump through the comedic “When working with a rising brings a unique and powerful genius of Borat. In each Irina Volodarsky star like Olivia Rodrigo, you’re demographic of viewers to the instance, we are moving starting with more of a blank project who otherwise might beyond mere entertainment canvas. It’s important to edu- not tune in.” to educating and enlighten- structures that haven’t reflect- cate clients on the business ing the public.” ed its true market value.” as a whole, discussing specific MATT JOHNSON legal issues and the concepts PARTNER IRINA VOLODARSKY WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING underlying them and making ON THE INTERSECTION OF ON THE EFFECTS OF THE FORWARD TO AS THE BIZ introductions to potential ENTERTAINMENT SECTORS: CATALOG BOOM: “In terms RETURNS TO NORMAL? partners, vendors and collabo- “This is an exciting time of publishing acquisitions, “Hopefully, an industrywide rators. They’re often selecting for celebrities and cultural it’s a validation of song- reassessment of how things partners and representatives influencers of all types. Musi- writers and music publishing, can be done more efficiently with whom they’ll be work- cians, athletes and artists are which has for decades oper- and with more flexibility. ing for a long time, so I want using their voices in new and ated under statutory pricing And live shows.” n HITS May 10, 2021 61.