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Entrepreneur: Attorney Jalene Mack discusses ten tips on developing your business.

The Steve Harvey Morning Show
The Steve Harvey Morning Show
Episode • Sep 4, 2024 • 32m

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Attorney Jalene Mack

Widely known as “America’s Favorite Entertainment Attorney.” The episode focuses on protecting creative and business assets, avoiding scams, and building a solid foundation for success in the entertainment industry and beyond.


🎯 Key Themes & Takeaways 🔹 The Lure of the Bad Deal

  • Jalene warns about scammers posing as producers or financiers in the entertainment industry.
  • These individuals often:
    • Claim to have access to major networks or funding.
    • Ask creators to sign away rights or pay deposits under false pretenses.
    • Lack a verifiable digital footprint (e.g., no IMDb, LinkedIn, or credible references).
  • Rashawn emphasizes the danger of the “lottery mentality” — believing one deal will change everything.

🛡️ Legal Red Flags

  • Never assign your copyright without legal review.
  • Be cautious of contracts that require you to relinquish ownership or control.
  • Escrow accounts can be manipulated if you don’t control the signature authority.
  • Always verify the legitimacy of a deal and the people behind it.

🧠 Jalene Mack’s Top 10 Business Development Tips

  1. Identify Your Project
    • Know what you’re creating (film, TV, product, etc.).
    • Define the scope and format clearly.
  2. Make Sure You Have a Plan
    • Create a business and finance plan.
    • Know where your funding will come from and how it will be used.
  3. Form a Team
    • Surround yourself with experts (lawyers, accountants, producers).
    • Avoid “yes people” — you need honest feedback.
  4. Prepare a Budget
    • Hire a line producer or financial expert.
    • Account for everything: cast, crew, locations, marketing, etc.
  5. Form a Business Entity
    • Establish an LLC or corporation to protect your personal assets.
  6. Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
    • Required for tax and banking purposes.
  7. Open a Business Bank Account
    • Keep personal and business finances separate.
  8. Protect Your Assets
    • Register copyrights and trademarks.
    • Use NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) to safeguard ideas.
  9. Contracts
    • Always put agreements in writing.
    • Hire an attorney experienced in your specific industry (e.g., film, music, TV).
  10. Marketing
    • Don’t assume people will show up just because your product is good.
    • Build a brand and promote it strategically.

📚 Jalene’s Book

  • Title: The Business of Stage Screen and In Between
  • A practical guide for performers, playwrights, filmmakers, and entrepreneurs.

🗣️ Final Thoughts

  • Rushion praises Jalene’s decades-long expertise and her role in protecting creatives.
  • Jalene encourages listeners to invest in legal protection and business planning to avoid costly mistakes.

 

#AMI

#BEST

#STRAW

 

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