Starting a film & media production studio

[cheero]

Hello all,

I looked over the previous thread http://www.studentfilmmakersforums.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=1853 in regards to my question, but I am still a little bit confused, so I am hoping someone can clarity some of my concerns.

I, along with two of my friends (one is a director, another writer) plan to open up a film/media studio where we plan to work on our feature films, as well as produce music videos for local bands. If I understand correctly, would the best bet for us be to register our 'studio to be', under LLC?

So far, I understand that we need a license from the state, the city and as well as the trademark license for our production studio name. Am I missing anything?

I guess I am just trying to cover all ends and not make any mistakes. If anyone has any tips in regards to starting a small studio that will work on its feature films and produce music videos, please let me know what you have to say!

Thank you very much in advance!

 

[temerson]

The best advice I can give to you is to hire a good attorney who can deal with all of that stuff for you.

 

[Dan Selakovich]

Temerson is SO right! An LLC might be a lousy way to go or a great way to go. Make sure you consult a TAX attorney for any incorporating you'll be doing, and clearly define jobs of the officers involved to keep all of you friends. An S corp might be better for taxes, but you really have to do a well honed business plan to get good advice from an attorney. They can't help you unless you know what you really want to accomplish. Then see a trademark attorney once you have the other stuff down (keep in mind you'll have to pay to have a trademark search done as well as pay for trademark registration).

Dan