Navigating the legal landscape for high-profile and indie doc-makers

Joining entertainment law firm Donaldson Callif Perez in 2021 as a senior associate, Madison Karsenty handles all legal aspects of the production process — from development, financing, production and clearances to negotiation of sales agency and distribution agreements — for her range of high-profile clients, including Kevin Hart's Hartbeat, Penny Lane's Spinning Nancy (Confessions of a Good Samaritan, HBO's Time Bomb Y2K, and Latchkey Films (HBO's Savior Complex, MSNBC's Between Life & Death). She recently negotiated distribution agreements for the documentaries 26.2 to Life (with ESPN) and Black Barbie (with Netflix), and handled all aspects of production legal for the as-yet-untitled Tim Burton docuseries that premiered its first episode at last year's Tribeca Film Festival.

"Madison's unwavering commitment and zealous passion for the growth of both the entertainment industry and herself is inspiring," says DCP partner Lisa Callif. "Through her work with independent creators of all political, social, and philosophical positions, Madison continues to pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive industry, successfully amplifying these stories." AT

What made you want to enter the unscripted/non-fiction content business?

"I'm an avid documentary film consumer and have always been interested in the intersection of an individual's personal rights and the rights of a filmmaker to tell important stories of public interest, a right rooted in the First Amendment. I love that part of my workday consistent of interacting with interesting, creative people and helping them tell their incredible stories."