Jody Simon is a seasoned and savvy entertainment law attorney who has been helping clients in the industry produce innovative and sophisticated television and new media content for more than 25 years.
From the early days of his career in the mailroom of the William Morris Agency in New York to his current status as one of the industry’s go-to lawyers and chair of the Entertainment Department’s Production Practice, Jody is a passionate advocate for his clients, negotiating the deals that bring to life many of today’s popular entertainment vehicles.
Throughout his tenure as an entertainment lawyer, Jody has actively counseled his clients in nearly every type of legal matter spanning the spectrum of the industry: scripted and unscripted television (including a special focus on Canadian and other international co-productions), animation, digital platforms and production, motion pictures, publishing and live stage.
For his clients who are content creators and owners, such as television and multiplatform networks, production companies and executive producers, Jody assists in all aspects of financing, development, production, distribution and the exploitation of projects across multiple media and platforms.
Jody also facilitates licensing, branding and merchandising deals on behalf of a wide range of clients – including marquee performers, influencers, graphic novelists, video game publishers and universities – to help them monetize their brands.
Jody worked his way from the mailroom at the William Morris Agency in New York City into the theatrical and publishing departments of the agency before leaving to attend Columbia Law School, where he graduated among the top of his class.
Jody has worked at leading entertainment boutique law firms throughout New York and Los Angeles. He also worked in-house as Director of Business Affairs for NBC Entertainment.
During law school Jody was editor of the Columbia Law Review and notes editor of the Columbia Journal of Law and the Arts.
Jody served on former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Entertainment Industry Advisory Council. He also served five terms as governor of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (ATAS) and two terms on its Executive Committee. He also served as chair of the ATAS Bylaws and Industry Credits Committees.
EDUCATION :
- Columbia Law School (J.D., 1982)
- Sarah Lawrence College (B.A., 1975)
MEMBERSHIPS : Beverly Hills Bar Association
BOARD OF DIRECTORS :
- Academy of Television Arts and Sciences
- Notre Dame High School
- Hollywood Heart
BAR ADMISSIONS : California, New York
Cost
Rate : $$$
