From Family Roots to Film Rights with Herlinda Castagnoli

In this episode of Latina Legal Minds, host Kimberly Lopez sits down with Herlinda Castagnoli, an entertainment attorney at Donaldson Callif Perez LLP (DCP), one of the nation's leading law firms for independent filmmakers and documentary producers. Herlinda shares how her family roots, love for the arts, and classical piano training shaped her journey from Houston to USC Law — and ultimately into the niche world of entertainment and media law. She explains how she pivoted from a planned career in public defense to protecting creative work through rights clearance, fair use analysis, and production legal. This conversation is a powerful look at representation, mentorship, and the legal work that happens behind the scenes to bring films, documentaries, and creative projects safely to life. 🔍 What You'll Learn in This Episode How early exposure to music, education, and advocacy inspired Herlinda's path to law The moment she discovered entertainment law as a way to stay connected to the arts Why rights clearance and fair use are essential to independent film What production legal actually involves—from financing and IP licensing to distribution How DCP supports filmmakers in navigating copyright, trademark, and personal rights issues The importance of mentorship—and how Herlinda now mentors underrepresented law students through LEAP How AI is shaping film production and why transparency is critical for legal compliance Her experience as a Latina in a niche legal field and what generational success means to her family 🎬 About Our Guest: Herlinda Castagnoli Associate, Donaldson Callif Perez LLP Los Angeles, CA Herlinda specializes in: Rights Clearance & Fair Use Production Legal Documentary & Independent Film Legal Support Copyright, Trademark, and Privacy Issues E&O (Errors and Omissions) Insurance Review She has contributed to notable projects including: Katrina: Come Hell and High Water Billy Joel: And So It Goes The Class Daughters 📧 Contact Herlinda: [email protected] 🌐 Profile: https://dcp.law