Workshop Registration

Film Law

Led by experienced entertainment lawyer Tony Duarte, this intensive one evening workshop is designed as an introduction to the legal aspects of producing an independent film. With a focus on the basic contractual requirements across genres, it will cover the the filmmaking process from development, financing and production to delivery. Topics covered will include: the chain of title, distribution delivery schedules, errors and omissions insurance (E&O), contracts (options, crew deal memos, artist services agreements, etc.) and other legal and business considerations. Participants are welcome to discuss their current projects.

The Introduction to Independent Filmmaking workshop is strongly recommended as a prerequisite. This course is recommended as a companion to Starting a Production Company, Producing Dramatic Film and Producing Documentary Film workshops.

Wed 5 August 2026, 6 - 10 pm   
(Registration deadline is Wed 5 August 5:00 pm)

Instructor: Tony Duarte

Tony Duarte is an entertainment lawyer with 40 years of experience in the industry, including theatrical features, television series, digital games, internet, live stage, and publishing. He holds a J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School and a B.A. in Political Science and Business, and articled with Telefilm Canada and the banking firm Strathy, Archibald and Seagram. In 1986 he joined Allegro Films, a producer of theatrical films, and served as its senior business and legal officer and President of its distribution subsidiary. From 1990 to 1992 he was legal counsel to The Ontario Film Development Corporation (now known as Ontario Creates). Since 1992 he has been privately representing leading Canadian producers, distributors, writers and others in the industry. He has been legal counsel to the producers of many theatrical and TV productions including the acclaimed feature films THE RED VIOLIN and IN DARKNESS (Academy Award Foreign Picture Nominee), the TV mini-series LIVES OF THE SAINTS, the popular TV lifestyle series LOVE IT OR LIST IT, and the TV drama series SHOOT THE MESSENGER. Mr. Duarte is the originating co-author of CANADIAN FILM & TELEVISION BUSINESS & LEGAL PRACTICE, an authoritative reference text for professionals and producers first published by Thomson Reuters and updated regularly. He also taught the Entertainment and Sports Law course as an Adjunct Professor at Osgoode Hall Law School from 2008 to 2022. Mr. Duarte is a member of the board of directors of the non-profit Artists’ Legal Advice Services.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-duarte-021a2125/

The participation of Tony Duarte in this program is by arrangement with Artists’ Legal Advice Services (ALASOntario.ca).



Location: 1137 Dupont Street, Toronto, Ontario M6H 2A3
Category: Producing
Maximum Capacity: 12
4 hours of instruction $85 /member$110 /nonmember
Registration opens
Tue 19 May at 10am