In this virtual seminar entertainment attorney Corky Kessler discusses the ins-and-outs of Section 181: what it is, how it works, who qualifies, how it benefits independent filmmakers, how it benefits investors, what it means for filmmakers to get "grandfathered in" before 2010, the important upcoming deadlines and what filmmakers need to do to take advantage of it before the end of 2009!

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About Corky Kessler

Corky has extensive entertainment law, corporate and worldwide entertainment industry experience. Corky regularly speaks on the business and legal aspects of feature film development and tax incentives in connection with the entertainment industry.

Corky has successfully worked with governors and United States Congressmen in several states to implement new laws and federal tax incentives for investments in qualifying film and television projects, which led to Sections 181 and 199 of The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. Corky has also authored a reference book covering such federal and state tax incentives.

Corky has represented several authors and negotiated publishing deals with several major publishers, including Random House and Doubleday.

Corky has also assembled and built winning teams for more than 30 entertainment and other business ventures. He has developed, packaged and executive produced feature films, theatre projects and television projects, including "The Sum of Us," starring Russell Crowe, which won the Australian Academy Award for Best Film and most currently "Certifiably Jonathan" starring Jonathan Winters, Robin Williams, Howie Mandel, Rob Reiner, Jim Carrey, Sara Silverman, and others.

Corky has been active and instrumental in conducting "Biz Sessions," a seminar dealing with the business and legal aspects of feature film development. It debuted in Chicago in the Spring of 1998; over 100 people attended. Further, he set up ISA Distribution which distributed "Tie-Died Rock'n Roll's Most Dedicated Fan," a film about the Grateful Dead parking lot sub-culture. He is also active in establishing and advising various film funds and film funding sources in North America.

An Adjunct Professor at Northwestern Law School and John Marshall Law School, Corky teaches an entertainment law. He previously developed a syllabus for and taught a similar course at Columbia College in its Film Department. Corky has been a panel member and speaker at many film seminars and festivals in the U.S. and Canada. He has written articles for Screen Magazine and other film and entertainment magazines and periodicals.

Corky's expertise in corporate matters, earned him a seat on the Illinois panel to recommend amendments to the Illinois Limited Liability Company Act. In addition, during the course of his career, Corky has litigated over 200 cases, including over 50 jury trials.

Corky is admitted to practice in Illinois, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and is a member of the Trial Bar of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. He is a member of the American and Chicago Bar Associations