This
summer’s smash television hit, So You Think You Can Dance, features
choreography by Wade Robson, a young man with an ever-rising media profile. Robson
is much more than just the creator of electrifying dance routines: he’s also an
actor, a director, a songwriter/producer, the creator of the MTV show, The
Wade Robson Project. Add to this his own line of footwear (Power Shoes), a
three-picture deal with Disney as a director/choreographer, and his original
dance music series made for aspiring dancers, and it all adds up to a full
slate of projects for this accomplished multi-disciplinary artist.
Robson
is able to expand his profile by using his choreography on So You Think You Can Dance to produce, direct,
and write original
music for the show. Choreography is the natural segue to music, if you have the
talent, as Robson surely does. On June 14, 2007, contestant Cedric performed a
solo to Robson’s original music, "Dream Within A Dream," from his
album "Wade Robson's Project-Dance Beats, Vol. 1," and Robson created
the full opening number, including choreography, costume design, and camera
movement. On June 21, 2007, the dancers performed the show’s opening number to
Robson’s song, “It Was All In Your Mind.” And on June 28, 2007, Robson was the
creative director for all aspects of that night’s winning routine, performed by
contestants Jaimie and Hok.
Robson’s
attorney, leading Los Angeles entertainment attorney Helen Yu,
of Yu Leseberg, negotiated and strategized each of Robson’s deals. She states:
"Normally, a dancer’s career is done by their late twenties, but Robson
has continued to expand his career by strategically planning his future beyond
just dancing and choreography. All forms of media and entertainment are
converging these days. Whether it is choreography, film, music, television,
art, or commercials, choreographers need to expand their repertoire outside
of choreography into other media. For Wade, I've been able to
meld his choreography with a successful career in music and video
directing, and also license his brand for a shoe line."
Most
people who are new to the entertainment industry do not understand how much
attorneys are involved in seeking out, setting up, and structuring the deals of
their clients. When an artist, such as choreographer Wade Robson, reaches
a level of visibility in the choreography world, Helen Yu recommends they do
the following:
1) Understand
the vital steps that you need to make to move your career beyond choreography.
2) Maximize
your profile using digital media, the internet, and other outlets. Each form of
media needs a separate
licensing
agreement and most attorneys are only trained to negotiate only music, television,
film, or digital media. Very few have experience in all four major areas.
3) Expand
to music. Music is natural segue for choreography, as music and dance
are so intertwined.
4) Most
importantly, find a good entertainment lawyer that can take you to the next
level. Choreographers and other talent often are not aware of the
importance of a good entertainment lawyer. They can help make or break
you.
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