Women in Film and Television Atlanta February Program

Working Smart in 2009:
“Protecting your Business, your Production & Yourself in a Tough Economy”

Date:   Wednesday, February 18th, 2009
Time:  6:30 – 7:00 PM Registration & Networking Reception

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Program
Please RSVP to: wifta.rsvp@gmail.com

Cost: FREE for WIFTA Members, $10 for Non-Members, $5 for Students with a valid ID?
(Cash, check or credit card payments accepted)

Location:

OakCliff Studios / (located near the I-285 & I-85 interchange; north of downtown)
3440 Oakcliff Rd. / Suite 106 / Atlanta, GA 30340

(google map: http://docs.google.com/gview)

Everyone is feeling the economic crunch, with lay-offs and downsizing on the rise.?How can you protect yourself and minimize the impact on your business?

Whether you own a production company or work for one as a freelancer; work as an actor or a writer providing creative services; there are key steps you should be taking to minimize the effect on your business.

Join Women in Film and Television Atlanta (WIFTA) for their February program, with top industry professionals discussing how you can better prepare yourself during volatile economic conditions. Topics include: understanding insurance and determining when you need it; understanding your small business/production company classification and whether you should be incorporated, form an LLC or remain a sole proprietor; understanding when you need to merely consult an attorney or actually hire one to act on your behalf?

Guest Speakers:

Lynn W. Mathis, CPCU – Williams, Turner Mathis Inc.

Williams, Turner & Mathis, Inc is a full line agency writing all lines of insurance for both personal and business needs. Lynn has focused much of her attention over the last twenty years in serving the needs of the Georgia film industry on a local basis.  A graduate of the University of Georgia, she began her insurance career in 1978 with Raymond S. Williams Agency, Inc and became a principle in 1983.  In 1995 the firm merged with another agency & became Williams, Turner & Mathis, Inc.  Lynn has been an active volunteer with the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia, serving as the first female chair of the Georgia Young Agents in 1991; and was the first female President of the 100 year old Association in 2000. She is a graduate of Leadership DeKalb and a member of Women in Film and Television Atlanta.

Michell L. Davis, Partner – Register | Lett, LLP

As an entertainment and Intellectual Property lawyer, Michell’s passion is reflected in her work. She is committed to the promotion of the independent artist and has established herself in the community as a strong supporter of the arts and the creative process.  She represents a variety of artists, including directors, music and film producers and writers and has served as general counsel for several independent music and film companies. In addition to her work in the area of film and television, Michell also has a significant practice in trademark, copyright and licensing transactions.

A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Michell holds a MBA and JD from Duke University and The University of Alabama, respectively.  She began her legal career as a member of the Intellectual Property group in Kilpatrick Stockton’s Atlanta office and continues to build a practice dedicated to and focused on the artist.  She is licensed to practice law in Georgia.

For more information visit: www.wifta.org