Taxation of the Entertainment Industry

The scope of methods by which talent monetize their business has expanded significantly over the past few decades, including the way by which talent get compensated for their talent services as well as business ventures that spawn from their celebrity stature.  As the business has become more complex, the importance of tax planning has become increasingly critical.  This course will survey tax considerations for behind the camera talent, in front of the camera talent, songwriters and recording artists, talent advisors, athletes and brand ambassadors.
The course will begin with a general overview of tax planning concepts and substantive tax law that arises in practice to give context for the industry specific issues that will be explored throughout the semester.  Select substantive areas that will be examined through the lens of the entertainment industry are taxation of partnerships, C-corporations, S-corporations, taxation of individuals, compensation for services, and royalties.  With the substantive backdrop, the class will illustrate structuring techniques commonly used in the entertainment industry.