Student Reflections

“One of the essential qualities I look for while learning from a great professor, is his/her engaging personality. With his passion, enthusiasm, wisdom, and knowledge, David  is able to familiarize and fascinate every student with the vast subject material. Prior to class, I had a very basic understanding about the somewhat intimidating field of entertainment law. David points out the essential elements of entertainment law and he presents those elements clearly in a way that is entertaining, funny and practical at the same time.  It has been a great journey with many epiphanies.Jean de Meuron, Academy Award Nominated Producer

“As an industry professional for more than 15 years, I have worked on numerous deals. I actually thought I knew quite a bit before taking David’s class. The curriculum and lessons were an eye-opening experience, and the knowledge gained from David’s class has been invaluable.” Eric Nelson, Personal Manager at Zero Gravity Management

David’s class replaces law school! It’s comprehensive, hands-on, well-structured, easy-to-process interactive education of the need-to-know elements of entertainment law. It’s been an invaluable addition to my career and has thoroughly empowered me in my job.” Scott Carr, Manager at Management SGC

Entertainment Law Exposed is the most entertaining and practical law class I’ve ever attended! I’ve spent years studying law and never once have I been so excited for lectures. I was always looking forward to the next class. The most important part for me is that I was able to apply what I have learned immediately at work the next day when I negotiated and drafted entertainment deals in Hollywood. If I had to sum up my experience with David’s class into one word, I would say that it was PRICELESS.” Rachel Tan, Business and Legal Affairs at Structure LLC

To say that David Wienir teaches an introduction to entertainment law is akin to saying Daniel Day Lewis dabbles in acting. What David actually does is open the door for artists of all types, actors, authors, screenwriters, directors, and the odd humble producer into the world of rules and guides that make up the storytelling industry as we know it today. With wit, humor, and a clear knowledge that spans more than a decade of “in the trenches” hands on experience, David clearly outlines a path that should allow any storyteller to navigate the sometimes shark infested waters of the entertainment industry and arrive at place where they are served both as an artist and as a business professional. What I expected was a law class. What I participated in was a well crafted, informative, and genuinely enjoyable experience that will enhance and improve my career forever. Worth the money of course, but more importantly, worth my time. Thank you for everything David!Lugh Powers, Director-Producer-Editor

“This class is, without a doubt, the most comprehensive and relevant entertainment law course ever created. Access to this kind of insider knowledge regarding contracts, negotiations and standard industry practices is unheard of and truly priceless. This isn’t just theory or something you would find in a stale textbook, but is an incredible opportunity to learn directly from one of the smartest and most respected entertainment attorneys in the business.”  Casey Logan, Chairman of American Media Artists

“David has taken a daunting topic and put together a comprehensive and entertaining curriculum and the best part is that it’s all conveniently encompassed online.  Injected with humor and fun videos, this entertainment law course is a lighthearted approach to a serious subject, but don’t mistake David’s fun approach for an easy A.  This interactive course is challenging and requires you to apply your newly found knowledge in simulated real world situations by breaking down contracts and identifying areas that could potentially have a negative impact on your future. Short of becoming a lawyer, there is no better way to empower and protect yourself and/or your clients.  Take this class…you can’t afford not to!Simona Vackova, Freelance Producer and Editor

“David’s class laid the perfect foundation for handling everything from reviewing management agreements to negotiating option/purchase deals to learning the ins-and-outs of a defamation suit. In short: take this class.” Johnny Pariseau, Coordinator (Book Group) at United Talent Agency

Anyone serious about being successful in the entertainment industry absolutely needs to take David’s class. You need to know the rules of the game before you play, and this class was an eye-opening experience.  The content is fascinating, fun and relevant.  Plus, David is an incredible instructor, with a plethora of knowledge which is communicated in a succinct and passionate way. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.” Eric Matthews, Producer at Time&Action Productions

“David’s class gave me the knowledge to effectively negotiate my own TV hosting deal! Since he negotiates countless deals every day at UTA, David knows what legal issues are current, adding so much to the learning experience. His lectures are highly engaging and jam-packed with tidbits of information only known by the top players in the industry. Whether you have been working in the business for years or just landed in Hollywood, this class is a must. I tell all my friends to take it!“  Gabe Lenners, TV Host and Producer

“I have worked in the film industry for over 15 years. Recently, one of my regular clients refused to pay me and threatened me with bogus counter-lawsuits to scare me away. Utilizing the skills and knowledge I learned in David’s class, I was able to arm myself against the threats from their lawyer and even managed to get paid all the money that I was owed. All film industry professionals will greatly benefit from taking David’s class. You need to stay one up on all the shady companies in this town and I’m here to tell you there are many!” Scott Meyer, Freelance Director and Editor

“David makes dense material accessible and fun, and provides students with the confidence to approach any deal.” Katie La Bouff, Assistant (TV Literary Group) at United Talent Agency

I never anticipated being inspired by a lawyer, but David’s law class was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my professional life. It made me very aware how vulnerable and exposed I was as an original thinker.  My legal foundation is a 100 times more stable.” Paul Barron, Award Winning Producer, Director and Writer

“This class will train you to reason like a legal expert, give pause to common assumptions, scare you half to death, and quite literally save you from yourself during critical decision-making phases of your project, career and even life.” Debbi Converse, Marketing Operations at KCETLink

“Taking David’s class taught me how to sink into a contract and understand what is fair and what is not. If I hadn’t taken the class, I would have made some big mistakes that could have been major problems in the future. Now, I’m able to identify the tricks people use to take advantage of people who don’t know better in the industry.” Edward Ceballos, Intern at Archstone Distribution and AFI Student

“If you hate dealing with lawyers you have to take this class! You will learn the tricks insiders use when negotiating industry deals. With this information, you will be better able to protect your work and save yourself money. Plus, even though David is a lawyer, he’s impossible not to like. His passion, energy and knowledge make the subject of entertainment law fascinating. And, his commitment to his students is a rare gift that truly makes the class worthwhile.” Elden Rhoads, Principal at Artemis Creative Entertainment

“As an independent producer, I was frustrated and intimidated at what appeared to be a lack of quality information on how to navigate the entertainment business.  I found David’s class and decided to give it a try.  This class has been a fantastic source of information for me as both an independent producer and a writer.  The amount of knowledge that I have gained has been well worth the price of admission.  I would definitely recommend that anyone starting out – or even knee deep – in the entertainment industry take this classIt has been invaluable.” Lee Toepfer, Producer at 6KidsProductions

“After taking David’s class, I am able to comprehend and comment on entertainment agreements with a dexterity and understanding that I never had before. I feel more confident and better equipped, a benefit that’s advantageous not just for me, but for my clients. Whether you are an agent, manager, lawyer, artist, or curious by-stander, you will benefit from this class — and be entertained along the way!” Reg Tigerman, Personal Manager at Levity Entertainment Group

“This class is an absolute must if you’re planning on succeeding in this business. David’s teaching style is fun, interactive and empowering, and you’ll leave with the right tools to get ahead.”Adele Heydenrich, Head of Creative Affairs at Peters Entertainment

Taking David’s class was one of the best educational decisions I’ve ever made. David teaches much more than just the basics. His comprehensive and worldly knowledge of the law is incredible. I couldn’t believe he was sharing so much!  After the class, I became more interested in law than I ever thought possible. David’s class changed my life for the better.” Josh Elliot, Producer

David has the unique ability of taking complex legal ideas and boiling them down to their essenceHe turns legalese into plain English.  Most importantly, he provides practical, real-world skills for negotiating important contracts in the field.” Michel Chaghouri, Attorney at Chaghouri Law

“David’s class is just great. The scope of the course is huge, but David manages such in-depth analysis for every single lesson he teaches, that its amazing that it only lasts 12 weeks! After taking this class, I now see the entertainment industry through a whole new perspective, but most importantly I feel confident enough to start reviewing and drafting agreements. The greatest virtue of this class is its practical approach, the fact that in spite of being an online course, I got a chance to get involved through the workshops and the discussion forums, by putting to use the skills David teaches in his lessons. All in all, I recommend this course to anyone who is interested in the entertainment industry!” Victor Meyer, Attorney

David’s class is an essential tool for anyone working in the entertainment space. David has the rare talent of being able to condense a tremendous amount of information into a 12 week course with an abundance of enthusiasm and humor sprinkled throughout.” Alana Crow, Attorney at Law Offices of Alana Crow

“As a lawyer who has already been practicing for 25 years, I wasn’t sure how much I would get out of David’s class.  Those doubts quickly disappeared. David reveals a deep insider’s view of the customary practices and key issues that are at the heart of entertainment deal-making.  Highly recommended.” Ross Meador, Attorney at Meador & Engle

“This course is a must for anyone interested in learning the insider’s perspective on entertainment law. Not only is it extremely educational and incredibly entertaining, but in 3 months I learned more practical legal knowledge about the industry than I did in 3 years of law school – and had a great time doing it!” Jaison T. Benjamin, Attorney at Clinton & Clinton

“If you are in entertainment, no question, take this class! David’s class is an essential overview of a wide variety of legal issues in the world of entertainment. Law school should offer more practical classes such as this. David is not only generous in sharing his knowledge, but does so in an entertaining and engaging manner. Only wish I took this class sooner!” Jennifer McNeil Lozano, Attorney at McNeil Lozano Law

“This class was my first introduction to law and I couldn’t have made a better choice. The course material is interesting, relevant and applicable to anyone in the industry. David understands that his students lead busy lives so the workload is manageable with a hectic schedule. I was recently signed by a theatrical agent and because this course familiarized me with artist contracts, I knew exactly how to decipher my own, inside and out!” Lauren Elizabeth, Actress and 2012 Miss Los Angeles Chinatown

“Presented with dozens of contracts every show, I used to barely skim them, often feeling uneasy about certain terminology or paragraphs, but unable to articulate how or why I wanted changes.  Now, I not only feel emboldened to make adds, changes and strikeouts, but I catch many issues before they even go to legal.  David taught me these nuts and bolts along with the nuances of how to ask for changes in an even handed manner.” Jules Kovisars, Unit Production Manager (DGA)

“David’s class provides an in-depth analysis to the entertainment business, its legal aspects, and practical tips and tricks to protecting yourself within the industry; all the while, keeping the class fun, lighthearted and genuinely entertaining. He trains students to confront many of the intimidating elements of entertainment legal affairs from a practical perspective, thus, getting us comfortable with reading and understanding agreements.  David has a genuine interest in the success of all his students which truly extends above and beyond his duties to make sure the class is a beneficial experience for everyone. I highly recommend and insist everyone take this course!” Tiffany Kwong, Former Mickey Mouse at Disneyland and USD Law Student

“One word comes to mind when I think of David’s class: essential. I’m currently moving television projects through major studios, and the legal foundation his class provided has been instrumental to building a team, minimizing legal costs and navigating the entertainment industry. The class was so good that I would retake it in a heartbeat.” Christina Adia Wang, VFX Artist for The Amazing Spiderman

“David is incredibly knowledgeable and adept at explaining complicated legal concepts in a way that makes them understandable and applicable to both legal and entertainment professionals alike. Plus, he’s thoroughly entertaining and always seems to know the inside scoop on everything! I highly recommend his class!Anna Moon, Loyola Law Student

“David makes entertainment law fun, accessible and engaging.  I highly recommend this class to anyone who wants to learn about the ins-and-outs of entertainment law, and as a result, be empowered to confront just about any legal issue that comes their way.” Jonas Wadler, Writer/Producer at BW Entertainment

“It’s rare to find an instructor who is both doing the work deep in the trenches and can also convey critical knowledge in a way that’s easily understandable. David is such an instructor. He doesn’t teach from the book but from his experiences working within the top entertainment law firms in the world and one of the leading talent agencies in Hollywood. This class is essential and should be required throughout the industry.Glenn Marzano, Photographer and Emmy Award Winning Filmmaker

“Before taking this class, I had little clue about entertainment law and had no idea that I would actually enjoy learning about it as much as I did. David is so passionate about entertainment law and you can feel his excitement through the online lectures. His positive attitude is contagious.  I highly recommend EVERYONE in the entertainment industry to take this course. You have no idea how so many questions will be answered and how decision making will become easier as a result.” Mahta Shayegan, UCLA Student

This class is fantastic!  I would highly recommend this for anyone looking to get an insider’s perspective of the entertainment industry. As an attorney, I was skeptical about taking a class that would be covering subjects that I had already learned.  I am very happy that I  decided to take the chance, because this is more than just a legal class.  It was good to get a review of those legal aspects of the industry, but I found the interactive redlining of contracts the most beneficial portion of the class.  This is not just a boring 12 weeks of online lectures, but there are message board questions, short homework assignments and a very interesting midterm and final exam.  Whether you are an artist, law student or an attorney, if you are looking to get into the industry, or just sharpen your skills, this class is well worth your time.” Desiree A. Wilson, Attorney

 

ENTERTAINMENT LAW EXPOSED 

THE PREMIER ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT LAW CLASS