Joseph Calabrese

Among his recent major deals, Calabrese continued his longstanding representation of the International Olympic Committee on its $7.65 billion renewal with NBCUniversal Inc. for U.S. broadcast rights for the Olympic Games through 2032.

He worked with partner Christopher Brearton on the deal.

Calabrese served as primary outside counsel and strategic adviser to Legendary Entertainment on the transition and auction process that led to its new home at Universal Studios last year; and the launch of its television division, including the acquisition of Asylum Entertainment this year.

Also this year, he represented the Hollywood Foreign Press Association in connection with its broadcast and other media arrangements for the Golden Globe Awards.

This included negotiating its recent deal with dick clark productions to settle HFPA's pending lawsuit and extend their relationship through at least 2018.

"It has been a busy and productive year to date," Calabrese said. "The business climate is never easy, there are always obstacles, and tough negotiations go into each of these deals. It's about realizing that both parties can win in a transaction, and looking to find overall agreement among the many smaller disagreements."

Meanwhile, "We believe we are seeing the emergence of a new Golden Age of television."

He added, "There is an ever-expanding universe of viewing options for people, so this makes it an exciting time - particularly for TV," he added.

Consumer demands continue to mount for more choices and faster access, Calabrese said.

"I think that the next generation is not quite as patient as the older generation," he said. "They don't want to wait for the 'windows' through which prior generations were willing to wait - theatrical, home video, pay and free television."

He added, "The trick will be to figure out an economic model that promotes and rewards the immense capital expenditures necessary to make truly exciting and compelling entertainment opportunities available to generations to come."

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