The Law Office of Jason R. Thomas

02/03/2022

It's bittersweet that I must share the news that I am closing my law office.

I have accepted a position with a law firm. For reasons that will remain between the firm and myself, I need to close up my business & entertainment law practice. (If you are a client and I am currently working on a project for you, never fear, I'm not leaving you in a lurch--I'm still seeing it through.)

I don't have the words to express how happy, and how grateful, I am to have had the chance to work with so many amazing artists, and entertainers, and authors, and entrepreneurs. That trust has been sacred to me and I hope that I have done right by all of my clients over the years.

It has been my most sincere honour to have served the arts community in Omaha and beyond. The talent that I have witnessed over the years has been amazing--but so has the optimism, and the drive, and the conviction.

Some might say that the arts are a waste of time. Bu****it. The arts are a worthy calling. Before there was writing, maybe even before there was language, the arts were used to convey the mystery of the Universe. When everything was essentially religion, art was the first medium through which the gods were expressed.

The entire history of our species' history--our love and our fear, our joy and our hate, our anguish and our hope--everything was, is, and will always be communicated through the arts. There is no humanity without art.

To make the tiniest contribution to that staggering lineage is an honour and there was never a moment of time in my practice that I have thought was wasted.

I'm moving to a new practice that is also dear to my heart. My new practice will consist of assisting injured veterans in obtaining the services due to them through their military service.

It's a lucky thing to live in a country that can--and does--take care of its veterans as well as we do in the United States. But, be that as it may, many veterans fall through the cracks or do not know the rights that they have. For others, well, stuff just goes wrong sometimes. It'll be my job to help them along.

I'm grateful for the chance to move from doing one sort of good work to another.

I'm also grateful for the support of you, O my friends and family, my clients and mentors, and also those of you who have just sat back and watched me on this ride. Thank you--a thousand thank yous--for your support and trust, but also for your contributions to the arts.

The world is a better place for your toil and sacrifices in the name of art, of culture. We're all the better for the work you do. Thank you.

01/13/2022

Hello and happy New Year! For the time being, I am not accepting new clients. I'll keep you in the loop as things change.

12/20/2021

Just a heads up, I will be closed this Thursday and Friday.

If you are a client, as always, feel free to contact me and I will get back to you as normal.

Have a happy holiday, everyone!

12/13/2021

With 2021 winding down, now is the time to begin ramping up 2022's projects. Now is the ideal time to talk to your lawyer about this year's upcoming projects.

Just as it takes time to pour a good foundation for a building, a good legal foundation for your project can take time. A good legal foundation will ideally increase your project's integrity while decreasing any chances for a lawsuit.

If your lawyer will be required to submit documents or applications to another party. it can take weeks or months to get everything properly handled, approved, stamped, and returned. And, if your lawyer will need to negotiate deal points with other parties, it can take longer still. While some simple legal research might take your lawyer only a few hours, your lawyer's schedule might not allow for it to happen right away or all at once.

Of course, in a pinch, a lawyer might be able to put their other clients' needs on hold to assist you but don't count on it. Giving your lawyer plenty of notice regarding your project and its needs will go a long way to helping your lawyer set you up for success.

If ever the process seems frustrating, just remember that your lawyer is part of your team working to help you meet your goals. As the saying goes, if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.

Best wishes for your projects in 2022! If you have any questions or would like to discuss an upcoming project in detail, please DM me.

11/24/2021

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, everyone!

11/11/2021

Happy Veterans Day. Regardless your job, you were vital to the mission. As one vet to another, thank you.

10/18/2021

Just a reminder: if you have received an email from a label talking about 'oh my gosh you are so good and we love your sound and we want to sign you but we require a fee to get started', you're being scammed (or, at best, you're dealing with a garbage label). Legit music labels do not ask for money from prospective artists.

If you are ever unsure whether you're dealing with a fraudulent party or are simply seeking other industry advice, please feel free to contact me.

09/29/2021

Michael Brewer of Koenig Dunne and I wrote a rather broad overview regarding some of the more common things a transactional lawyer is likely to encounter in representing clients in the creative industries. (I use 'broad' because whole industry-specific books have been written on each of the topics in our brief article.)

We discuss some of the stuff that I need to take into account every day in my practice and things that Michael has personally experienced in his forays into film and fashion.

Whether you're in the creative industry or you're a lawyer seeking advice or assistance regarding such a client, please feel free to contact me.

Our article is in September/October issue of The Nebraska Lawyer magazine begining on lucky page 13.

09/23/2021

Money money money! There is some good grant money on the table for feature films shot in Nebraska that are set in Nebraska!

If you would like any assistance navigating the grant application process or compiling all of the proper documentation to get your picture off the ground, please let me know!

Here is the link for the grant overview:
https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/state-funded-grants-up-to-400000-available-to-support-nebraska-based-feature-films/?fbclid=IwAR24ISLXznUJIdgzx7gCvVouE7YaGJ0pj9oNirk3aODaI3JQOyXVcA_zl4A

And here's the link for the actual guidelines:
https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/NE-Film-Office-Grant-Guidelines-09.15.2021.pdf

Starting October 1, 2021, filmmakers can apply for grants of up to $400,000 to support feature film projects that are shot on-location in Nebraska and tell a Nebraska story.

09/06/2021

A very happy Labor Day to all of those in unions and guilds who have worked so hard in the streets, in labor negotiations, and in statehouses to ensure that workers get a fairer deal.

It is not hyperbole to say that our country would be poorer, more dangerous, and--frankly--more miserable without the strides you and your predecessors have made in workers' rights.

A special thank you to all of the members of DGA, IATSE, AEA, SAG-AFTRA, AFM, WGA, ADG, AGMA, GAG, IBT, MPEG, NABET-CWA, SDC, and all of the other unions, guilds, and organized labor organizations who work so hard to make our entertainment industry as exciting, vibrant, professional, and safe as it is.

08/04/2021

Since 2016, I have been providing legal advice and services to my business clients as well as my local and nationally-recognised clients in the entertainment industry.

Among the many services I provide are the review, negotiation, and drafting of:
- Producer agreements
- Film option/purchase agreements
- Industry-specific sales and agency agreements
- Performance and venue agreements
- Literary option/purchase agreements
- Publishing agreements
- Band agreements
- Manager agreements
- Distribution deals
- and, of course, a lot more

If there is anything you think I could help you with, please reach out and we'll discuss it (probably not on a rooftop but I won't rule it out).

07/31/2021

Summer listening. I'm honoured to have assisted with Freedom Summer. The album is a fundraiser, with half of all profits going to Culxr House, the other half shared among the artists and producer. Local artists, local producer, and local distributor benefiting a local nonprofit that's doing the good work? That's solid.