BRIAN CHRISTOPHER
CUMMINGS

Copyright Historian & USPAP Appraiser

American popular culture, recorded media, celebrity material, and performing arts.

ARCHIVE RESEARCH

Archives contain primary source historical media that has been accumulated over the lifetime of an individual or organization. Archival records are normally unpublished and are almost always unique, unlike books or magazines of which many identical copies exisT.

Benefit from decades of firsthand institutional and inside INDUSTRY experiencE producing reliable research reports, with legally—binding conclusions regarding title, copyright, provenance, and authenticity of popular culture property.

DANCE COPYRIGHT

Primary services for research on the production, presentation and preservation of American dance—including motion PICTURE broadcasT and live performance. As A former Dance Film Association board member, dedicated to furthering the art of dance film by connecting artists and organizations—as well as fostering Unseen ChoreographiC works for new audiences.

RECORDED MEDIA

Holding a long standing commitment to the preservation of historic media aND documentary recordings. achieved through years of CONTINUOUS scholarship chronicling AMERICAn POPULAR culture, including great political and social justice movements. With particular emphasis on the performing arts, encompassing original photography, unique motion pictures, and sound recordings in all media formats.

CURATION & ADVISORY

a wide range curatorial services is offered with objective advise for trusts and estates, as well as residential and corporate clients. Private assistancE to clearly define and articulatE priorities in a challenging market.

Other services include public representation, anonymous LIAISON, specialized witness, and unbiased guidance to artists, investors, JourNalists, SCHOLARS, dealers, collectors and auction houses.

PRIVATE CLIENTS

Two Decades of professional experience Working with a breadth of esteemed American collectors, law firms, bank trust officers, public institutions, celebrated personalities, financial advisors, popular estates, insurance adjusters and underwriters.

Assistance OFTen enaged For title and ownership rights research By ouTside partieS RELATED to identifying creators of original works and their benefactors, Including PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATION on the right to copy, distribute, adapt or produce derivative works.

APPRAISALS

Accredited member of the Appraisers Association of America. VaLuation Reports are produced in full compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).  Appraisal reports are prepared for insurance coverage, damage or loss, as well as estate tax, asset disposition, charitable donation, equitable distribution, private treaty and sale negotiation purposes.