John Drinkwater’s business and legal career spans 30 years in every aspect of the entertainment industry. He worked at entities such as Universal, MGM/UA, CBS Records, ABC/Disney, SEE Entertainment and Paradigm Talent Agency in positions ranging from Consultant to Executive VP, General Counsel, and Chief Operating Officer. John draws upon his extensive legal, business affairs and management experience with development, budgeting, finance, production, distribution and profit participations for features, television and music to negotiate creative industry leading agreements. As partner and head of the entertainment department at Glaser Weil he represented domestic and international stars, writers, producers, networks, studios, financiers and distributors. He has revised and updated studio form agreements and participation definitions. He also has litigation strategy, crisis management and settlement experience with involvement in major antitrust and intellectual property cases, and Hollywood labor guild negotiation experience. He is a member of the California Bar.

In 2010 John started secondhandsound.org, and other organizations, dedicated to increasing awareness of the social policy, legal, medical, scientific, environmental and public health aspects of sound, promoting dialogue, and exploring balanced options.

John also has a hearing disability and acutely understands the difficulties disabled patrons have seeking ADA accommodations at public places. His “Turn Up the Quiet”™ efforts with private sector businesses and government bodies have resulted in positive change at outdoor amplified events, health insurers, medical clinics, fitness clubs, grocery chains, national banks, and other public places; and has increased awareness and compliance with existing environmental, disability and other public health laws. John’s current advocacy covers business opportunities for increased revenue and customers when implementing public health policies and related laws, and legal strategies to encourage compliance with environmental, disability access and other laws relating to sound.

“Drink” has a music degree and is an accomplished composer, singer and pianist. In addition to his other work, John is dedicated to keeping the world safe for jazz.