School of Cinematic Arts Events

Navigating Film Rights and Distribution: A seminar, Monday, September 29th. From 5:30-7pm

September 29, 2025, 5:30 - 7:00pm

Norris Theater

To all Students and Faculty, Whether you make a film at USC, or an independent film or one for a studio getting your films cleared and having the rights to tell stories is a big part of being a filmmaker. Come learn all about it from the experts. We call it a production notebook. Understanding copyright, trademark, and personal rights is vital to ensuring your work can move forward legally and successfully. To help you prepare, we invite you to join us for an important seminar on Monday, September 29, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. in the Norris Theater. This presentation will cover every aspect of rights clearance as it relates to the development, production, and distribution of films. Topics will include copyright, trademark, and personal rights, as well as an overview of the emerging role of generative artificial intelligence in the clearance process. We are honored to welcome two distinguished guests: • Chris Perez, Partner at the entertainment law firm Donaldson Callif Perez LLP. Chris specializes in all areas of the firm’s practice, representing independent producers and production companies through development, financing, production, rights clearance, and distribution. • Victoria Rosales, Associate Attorney at Donaldson Callif Perez LLP, where she focuses on copyright and personal rights clearances for film and television. This legal team has presented at Sundance and SXSW now they are coming to us. Don’t miss this opportunity. The seminar will be moderated by Brenda Goodman. This session is especially important for all production students, student assistants, and faculty, as well as anyone in the SCA community who is involved in film or media production. We look forward to seeing you there.

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Contact Information

Email: productionoffice@cinema.usc.edu