ABOUT ME

In my work as a Toronto entertainment lawyer, I believe in the transforming power of communications, and using it to ensure my clients are protected, heard, and thrive.

My clients are established and emerging production companies, distributors, and creative individuals who work in film, television and digital media. My job is to hear and understand your priorities, and provide you with practical and strategic advice, based on my years of experience working in media production, broadcaster business & rights management, and entertainment law.

Cheryl Grossman, Entertainment Lawyer

In my work as a Toronto entertainment lawyer, I believe in the transforming power of communications, and using it to ensure my clients are protected, heard, and thrive.

My clients are established and emerging production companies, distributors, and creative individuals who work in film, television and digital media. My job is to hear and understand your priorities, and provide you with practical and strategic advice, based on my years of experience working in media production, broadcaster business & rights management, and entertainment law.

I started working in the media 20 years ago as a journalist at CJAD Radio, first in Montreal and then as a political correspondent from the Quebec legislature, and from there moved into television news and documentary productions that aired on the CBC, the National Geographic Channel, and the History Channel. I was always interested in the inner workings of government, business, and the law, so I later attended law school in Ottawa.

During my legal career, I practised on Bay Street, and then moved to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. At the CBC, my work involved in-house and independently produced programs, distribution, special events, international treaty co-productions, and production financing.

With my affinity towards the creative community and desire to help strong creators grow and be more empowered, I eventually started my own Toronto entertainment law practice.

I started working in the media 20 years ago as a journalist at CJAD Radio, first in Montreal and then as a political correspondent from the Quebec legislature, and from there moved into television news and documentary productions that aired on the CBC, the National Geographic Channel, and the History Channel. I was always interested in the inner workings of government, business, and the law, so I later attended law school in Ottawa.

During my legal career, I practised on Bay Street, and then moved to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. At the CBC, my work involved in-house and independently produced programs, distribution, special events, international treaty co-productions, and production financing.

With my affinity towards the creative community and desire to help strong creators grow and be more empowered, I eventually started my own Toronto entertainment law practice.

In my practice, I have helped clients primarily in the areas of development, production, distribution, financing, corporate structuring, and errors & omissions. Having grown up in Montreal and worked in Quebec City, I am fluent in French and welcome the opportunity to review French contracts.ย  I was also recently co-chair of the Ontario Bar Association’s all-day conference on technology for lawyers because I believe thoughtful tech implementation results in top quality and competitive prices for society.

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Education
  • Schulich School of Business/WIFT Media Leadership Program, 2016
  • LL.B University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law, 2008
  • Graduate Diploma in Journalism, Concordia University, 1999
    (Winner of the Al Cauley Award for excellence in broadcast journalism)
  •  Bachelor of Arts, McGill University, 1996
  • Professional Music Program, Marianopolis College, 1993
    (Winner of the Montreal Chamber Orchestra Award for excellence in musical performance and high academic standing)
Bar Admissions
  • Ontario, 2009
Affiliations
  • Member of the Law Society of Upper Canada
  • Executive Member of the Ontario Bar Association’s Entertainment, Media and Communications Section
  • Chair of the Ontario Bar Associationโ€™s Sole, Small Firm and General Practice Section
  • Executive Member of the Ontario Bar Association’s Practice Management Section
  • Former Co-Chair of the Ontario Bar Association’s TECHxpo, Ontarioโ€™s premier conference on legal technology for lawyers
  • Member of Women in Film & Television (WIFT)
Teaching Engagements

I love teaching! I taught business and law in the Fleming College/Royal Ontario Museum’s Environmental Visual Communications Program because I enjoy helping environmental causes. I have guest lectured at Seneca College and Ryerson.

MY SERVICES

How can I help you?
Browse the links below to learn more.

Production Financing and CRTC Certification

I can help with equity investments, tax credits, CMF, treaty co-production rules, and moreโ€ฆ
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Film and Television Production Contracts

Let’s get things started!

Whether it’s simple or complex deals, I have what you need to help define your important relationships and optimize your profits.
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Errors and Omissions Insurance

I specialize in copyright, privacy and publicity rights, and defamation related to audio-visual works…
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Broadcasting and Distribution Agreements

You’re trying to get your show financed, and you want your company not just surviving but also thriving… โ€‹

You’re a distributor with a new model…
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Talent

  • Actors, Directors, Writers, Hosts, Producers
  • Sponsorship Agreements
  • Endorsement Deals

Special Events

You’re running an event and you need to ensure that everyone involved (sponsors, broadcasters, venue, crew, hosts) is on the same page. Look no further for the legal help that you need.
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Digital Media

  • Digital/Streaming Productions
  • Software and Interactive Applications
  • Website Design
  • Social Media

General Counsel Work

To keep your business competitive with larger corporations, I offer monthly subscription services to cover your general counsel needs.
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Publishing

  • Option and Purchase Agreements
  • Writer Agreements
  • Book Publishing Agreements
  • General Counsel Work

Corporate Organization

  • Incorporation and Organization of a Company (flat-fee rate)
  • Shareholder Agreements
  • Annual Minutes & Resolutions
  • Partnership Agreements
  • Not-for-Profit and Charitable Corporations

Copyright

  • Fair dealing analysis, as well as other issues such as incidental use, originality, joint authorship
  • Copyright registrations
  • Cease and desist letters, demand letters
  • Copyright analysis in preparation for potential litigation

TESTIMONIALS

“It makes me so happy to help my talented clients. Their success is my success,
and I’m grateful to be welcomed into their communities.”
– Cheryl Grossman

“I worked with Cheryl Grossman on a feature documentary which is a European co-production and not only has she been able to advise me on general legal and business affairs issues, but she has been an incredible resource with regard to budgeting in two currencies, tax credit calculations and financing.
Cheryl has also been able to review my French license agreements as she is proficient in French as well which is extremely helpful.
She is an asset to me as an independent producer and have really enjoyed working with her.”

“This business is full of surprises.  Cheryl was always level-headed, quick with a solution, and ready to get the tasks done.  What weโ€™ve accomplished from inception to festivals with this documentary has been nothing short of a miracle.  I like her style and see us working together on every project from here on in.  Highly recommended and we could not afford to lose her on our team.”

“Working with Cheryl was such a breeze. I always felt like she had my back with contract negotiations, which was a huge relief. Cheryl was always prompt and worked to maximize every minute of paid time. I’d work with her again without a second of hesitation.”

“Thorough, rigorous and dedicated. During the early days of the pandemic, Cheryl provided invaluable help navigating changing legal realities as new laws and guidelines were being developed and put into practice.”

“Prompt, courteous, thoughtful, just great to work with. Very realistic understanding of how the world works and choosing battles. Also understands modern landscape of creative work better than other lawyers I’ve spoken to.”

“Cheryl does excellent work at a very reasonable rate and was always available to answer questions along the way. Highly recommend!”

CONTACT

I’d love to hear from you! ย Send me an email

77 Bloor St. West, Suite 600
Toronto, ON M5S 1M2