DEBORAH TOBIAS

CAREER SUMMARY

Deborah has a high level of understanding of media and entertainment law. Having worked for major record companies and as an in house lawyer at the ABC for almost ten years, Deborah is aware of the practical and commercial realities of the industries in which her clients are involved, and can quickly identify those issues which are critical to them.

During her time at the ABC, Deborah was responsible for a range of production agreements and developed expertise in pre-publication advice, particularly defamation.

In 1995 she was involved in the establishment of ABC Online, and developed precedent documentation for the ABC's online services, covering such areas as website development, hosting, content and technology licensing and an online film festival.

She was responsible for drafting the first Multimedia Accord between the ABC and Cinemedia (through Film Victoria), and the associated production investment agreements.

Deborah moved to private practice in 2002 and now represents both established and emerging media clients and creatives. In addition to her private clients, she has provided legal consultancy services to the Australian Film Commission and Channel NSW. She is a capable negotiator, experienced in dealing with the range of agreements required for film, television and new media production and exploitation from rights acquisition and financing through to distribution and merchandising.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Deborah has provided training in copyright, defamation and other publication issues to journalists, producers and film makers working across a range of delivery platforms.

Her other areas of practice include advising on and development of compliance strategies in dealing with privacy, broadcasting regulation, employment law (particularly in relation to the engagement of talent and crew), advertising and marketing, telephone information services and franchising.

Deborah is a member of the Screen Producers Association of Australia, the internationally affiliated Women in Film and Television and the Australian Film Institute.

Committed to arts accessible legal services, Deborah is also a volunteer lawyer on the Arts Law Centre's Legal Advice Night Panel, and an active volunteer and supporter of Father Chris Riley's Youth Off The Streets programs.