INVESTING IN HOLLYWOOD OBTAIN ALL PROMISES IN WRITING    Don’t ever accept oral assurances from a producer or distributor. If they promise to spend $50,000 on advertising, get it in writing. If there is not enough time to draft a long-form contract, ask for a letter reiterating the promises. Retain copies of all correspondence, contracts and any promotional literature. If a filmmaker makes fraudulent statements to induce you to invest, you will have a much stronger case if his statements are in writing. Avoid moviemakers who make handshake deals. Such individuals may neglect to obtain the necessary contracts needed to fully secure ownership to their picture. To have a complete chain of title to a film, one needs to secure written contracts with many parties including actors, writers and music rights owners. Moviemakers who fail to pay attention to such legal dirty work lack the professionalism needed to succeed. back