Natalie Locke
Natalie joined Donaldson Callif Perez in 2021. Natalie specializes in representing filmmakers through development, financing, production, rights acquisitions and distribution.
Natalie is passionate about helping independent film makers structure projects from the ground up to fruition. Prior to joining the firm, Natalie established her own production legal and business affairs practice specializing in film, television, and new media, where she guided domestic and international projects of all budget levels through financing, development, production and distribution. Natalie routinely negotiated rights acquisition agreements, investment agreements, talent agreements, above-the-line and below-the-line production documents, music licenses, composer agreements, and distribution agreements, and interfaced with guilds and unions on behalf of her clients. Her business affairs experience includes structuring offers for and negotiating deals with A-list talent, and creating the profit sharing structure for independently financed productions.
Natalie is also strongly skilled in negotiating settlements to resolve disputes. Formerly an intellectual property litigator, Natalie has prosecuted copyright and trademark claims, and has appeared before the Northern and Central United States District Courts of California.
Natalie graduated magna cum laude from UCLA in 2005 with a B.A. in English and a minor in Political Science, and obtained her J.D. from the U.C. Berkeley School of Law, Boalt Hall in 2008. She enjoys film festivals, and has been a SXSW Film Mentor offering one-on-one business affairs and legal guidance for filmmakers. Natalie is a yogi, and a mother of two.