Our Team - Experience Put to Work for Our Clients
Elizabeth A. Bell
Attorney at Law | Producer
Ms. Bell’s legal background is diverse, including a 12-year career in politics, lobbying and representation of Indian tribes in Washington, DC and Los Angeles, CA and more than 15 years of experience as legal counsel and representative for independent film and television companies. As a Los Angeles-based entertainment attorney and producer, Ms. Bell has broad experience in independent film finance, production and distribution.
Ms. Bell is currently providing production legal and Indian law services for the Paramount Network’s television series Yellowstone, written and directed by Taylor Sheridan and starring Kevin Costner, Gil Birmingham and Kelsey Asbille. She has previously executive produced, produced and provided finance and production legal services for such films as Rob Reiner’s LBJ and Shock and Awe and Sheridan’s Wind River as well as many other independent feature films, television and new media programs.
Prior to founding Elbe Law nine years ago, she was the Senior Vice President and General Counsel at the Yari Film Group, an award-winning independent film and television production and distribution company, where she managed the Business and Legal Affairs department and worked for six years. During her tenure there, the company produced and distributed over 20 feature films, including the Oscar-winning Best Picture Crash, The Maiden Heist, Nothing But The Truth, What Doesn’t Kill You, Resurrecting The Champ, and Dave Chappelle’s Block Party. In connection with these and other projects, she negotiated and drafted complex finance, production and distribution agreements, licensing music and ancillary rights, managing literary rights, options and clearances, advising on employment law compliance matters and overseeing outside litigation and bankruptcy counsel.
Prior, Ms. Bell was a corporate attorney and lobbyist at two large national law firms, where she provided legal counsel and political advice to Indian tribes. She assisted her clients in the development and financing of multimillion-dollar hotel, casino, resort destination and energy-related projects and successfully worked with Congress to pass landmark legislation on energy policy and tax reform. As well, Ms. Bell regularly provided legal counsel and government relations services to tribal clients on a wide array of matters, including: sovereignty protection; self-governance; economic development; gaming; environmental protection; natural resources management; energy development; housing; constitutional reform; tribal code development; federal recognition; federal appropriations; legislation; regulatory compliance; and policy development.
Prior to private practice, Ms. Bell served for seven and a half years in the Clinton Administration. As Counselor and Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior, Ms. Bell provided legal and policy advice on matters related to the protection and regulation of tribal environment, federal appropriations, environmental and natural resources policy, management of trust resources, economic development, gaming, telecommunications and international indigenous rights and border issues. Additionally, Ms. Bell was a Senior Advisor on Indian Affairs at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"), where she advised the Administrator and other senior Agency officials on environmental justice matters and improving EPA’s Indian program, including the design and operation of the American Indian Environmental Office and development of precedential regulations, policies, legal opinions and guidance documents for the implementation of environmental laws in Indian country.
Ms. Bell attended the University of Chicago and University of Vermont, where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and a Minor in Political Science. She received her Juris Doctorate from the Georgetown University Law Center and is a member of the State Bar of California, Bar of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, Bar of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Beverly Hills Bar Association and Georgetown Entertainment and Media Alliance, GEMALaw.
Daryl R. Begay, Ed.M.
Producer | Senior Policy Advisor
Mr. Begay is the current Native American Affairs Advisor for Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone on the Paramount Network, where he serves as creative advisor for tribal elements of the show across all departments, oversees tribal relations, handles public relations for Indian country, and oversees government affairs, specifically with three Indian tribal governments and communities in Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Mr. Begay served as Production Secretary on location for Sheridan’s Wind River and Production Consultant on location for Rob Reiner’s Shock and Awe where he provided not only business affairs and legal support in connection with the films, but also served as creative advisor for tribal elements and handled government affairs and tribal relations on Wind River. Mr. Begay also provides general business affairs and legal support on various other filmed entertainment projects.
Mr. Begay also has extensive experience as a policy advisor at the Federal, state, and tribal levels. Over the last ten years, Mr. Begay has worked with the Department of Diné Education, the United States House of Representatives, Holland & Knight LLP, Window Rock Unified School District, and the Navajo Nation Washington Office. In each of these jobs, his work has focused on policy development, legislative advocacy, community outreach and public relations. His policy portfolio covered a number of areas, including education, economic development, Indian gaming, taxation, housing, military affairs, healthcare, natural resources, transportation, and veterans’ affairs.
As well, he was the Native American point person for several Congressional campaigns in Arizona and New Mexico in the last three congressional elections cycles. He drafted policy platforms and press releases, served as the primary contact for the media, coordinated “Get Out the Vote” efforts, and organized local volunteers.
Mr. Begay is a citizen of the Navajo Nation and grew up in Crystal, New Mexico. He earned his Master of Education from Harvard University in 1995. He holds a B.A. in English from Dartmouth College. Mr. Begay donates his time as the Chief Executive Officer to the Tsah Bíí Tó Community Foundation in his home community.
Eric J. Parmater
Producer | Business Consultant
Mr. Parmater is the founder and principal of ROT Films through which he has optioned various film and television projects that are currently in development and slated for production this year. Prior to entering the film industry, Mr. Parmater was in music management and founded Rocking Popcorn, a gourmet popcorn company, which successfully landed a diverse local and national clientele of boutique hotels, corporations, and special events catering, including the Tribeca Shortlist Film Festival and various film premieres and concerts for such bands as Linkin Park and Metalica.
Mr. Parmater has 21 years of experience in owning, operating, and growing a wide variety of businesses. At the age of 18 he developed and managed a restaurant, Sgt. Pepper’s, in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. He then spent five years with International Marketing Services, Inc., where he was the National Sales Director. In this position, Mr. Parmater was responsible for the nationwide hiring and sales training for 17 offices. During his tenure, sales increased from $9.25 million to $18.65 million.
Mr. Parmater has also worked as a multi-state Account Manager for California Casualty, a privately owned property and casualty insurance company based in San Mateo, California and managed a local consulting firm in Ohio specializing in human excellence and relationships. Recognizing a great opportunity in the Central Ohio real estate market, Parmater spent six years purchasing and renovating over 70 single-family homes in the inner-city and historical areas of Columbus, Ohio. He developed a plan to allow low-income families to purchase properties, while also renovating 35,000 square feet of mixed residential and commercial space utilizing a local neighborhood redevelopment program. The total value of these projects exceeded $7.25 million.
In the summer of 2001, Parmater developed GrooveJob.com. GrooveJob.com is an Internet-based job board, similar to Monster.com or HotJobs.com, but geared towards the high school and college demographic. Clients of GrooveJob.com include: The Home Depot; Kroger; Seven-Eleven; Forever 21; YUM! Brands; Sears; and the United States Army. GrooveJob.com receives over 100,000 hits per day and is the most respected job board for its demographic.
With these experiences, Parmater brings an extensive and dynamic background in sales, management, and creativity to work for our clients and enhances our ability to successfully serve their needs.
Attorney at Law | Producer
Ms. Bell’s legal background is diverse, including a 12-year career in politics, lobbying and representation of Indian tribes in Washington, DC and Los Angeles, CA and more than 15 years of experience as legal counsel and representative for independent film and television companies. As a Los Angeles-based entertainment attorney and producer, Ms. Bell has broad experience in independent film finance, production and distribution.
Ms. Bell is currently providing production legal and Indian law services for the Paramount Network’s television series Yellowstone, written and directed by Taylor Sheridan and starring Kevin Costner, Gil Birmingham and Kelsey Asbille. She has previously executive produced, produced and provided finance and production legal services for such films as Rob Reiner’s LBJ and Shock and Awe and Sheridan’s Wind River as well as many other independent feature films, television and new media programs.
Prior to founding Elbe Law nine years ago, she was the Senior Vice President and General Counsel at the Yari Film Group, an award-winning independent film and television production and distribution company, where she managed the Business and Legal Affairs department and worked for six years. During her tenure there, the company produced and distributed over 20 feature films, including the Oscar-winning Best Picture Crash, The Maiden Heist, Nothing But The Truth, What Doesn’t Kill You, Resurrecting The Champ, and Dave Chappelle’s Block Party. In connection with these and other projects, she negotiated and drafted complex finance, production and distribution agreements, licensing music and ancillary rights, managing literary rights, options and clearances, advising on employment law compliance matters and overseeing outside litigation and bankruptcy counsel.
Prior, Ms. Bell was a corporate attorney and lobbyist at two large national law firms, where she provided legal counsel and political advice to Indian tribes. She assisted her clients in the development and financing of multimillion-dollar hotel, casino, resort destination and energy-related projects and successfully worked with Congress to pass landmark legislation on energy policy and tax reform. As well, Ms. Bell regularly provided legal counsel and government relations services to tribal clients on a wide array of matters, including: sovereignty protection; self-governance; economic development; gaming; environmental protection; natural resources management; energy development; housing; constitutional reform; tribal code development; federal recognition; federal appropriations; legislation; regulatory compliance; and policy development.
Prior to private practice, Ms. Bell served for seven and a half years in the Clinton Administration. As Counselor and Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior, Ms. Bell provided legal and policy advice on matters related to the protection and regulation of tribal environment, federal appropriations, environmental and natural resources policy, management of trust resources, economic development, gaming, telecommunications and international indigenous rights and border issues. Additionally, Ms. Bell was a Senior Advisor on Indian Affairs at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"), where she advised the Administrator and other senior Agency officials on environmental justice matters and improving EPA’s Indian program, including the design and operation of the American Indian Environmental Office and development of precedential regulations, policies, legal opinions and guidance documents for the implementation of environmental laws in Indian country.
Ms. Bell attended the University of Chicago and University of Vermont, where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and a Minor in Political Science. She received her Juris Doctorate from the Georgetown University Law Center and is a member of the State Bar of California, Bar of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, Bar of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Beverly Hills Bar Association and Georgetown Entertainment and Media Alliance, GEMALaw.
Daryl R. Begay, Ed.M.
Producer | Senior Policy Advisor
Mr. Begay is the current Native American Affairs Advisor for Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone on the Paramount Network, where he serves as creative advisor for tribal elements of the show across all departments, oversees tribal relations, handles public relations for Indian country, and oversees government affairs, specifically with three Indian tribal governments and communities in Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Mr. Begay served as Production Secretary on location for Sheridan’s Wind River and Production Consultant on location for Rob Reiner’s Shock and Awe where he provided not only business affairs and legal support in connection with the films, but also served as creative advisor for tribal elements and handled government affairs and tribal relations on Wind River. Mr. Begay also provides general business affairs and legal support on various other filmed entertainment projects.
Mr. Begay also has extensive experience as a policy advisor at the Federal, state, and tribal levels. Over the last ten years, Mr. Begay has worked with the Department of Diné Education, the United States House of Representatives, Holland & Knight LLP, Window Rock Unified School District, and the Navajo Nation Washington Office. In each of these jobs, his work has focused on policy development, legislative advocacy, community outreach and public relations. His policy portfolio covered a number of areas, including education, economic development, Indian gaming, taxation, housing, military affairs, healthcare, natural resources, transportation, and veterans’ affairs.
As well, he was the Native American point person for several Congressional campaigns in Arizona and New Mexico in the last three congressional elections cycles. He drafted policy platforms and press releases, served as the primary contact for the media, coordinated “Get Out the Vote” efforts, and organized local volunteers.
Mr. Begay is a citizen of the Navajo Nation and grew up in Crystal, New Mexico. He earned his Master of Education from Harvard University in 1995. He holds a B.A. in English from Dartmouth College. Mr. Begay donates his time as the Chief Executive Officer to the Tsah Bíí Tó Community Foundation in his home community.
Eric J. Parmater
Producer | Business Consultant
Mr. Parmater is the founder and principal of ROT Films through which he has optioned various film and television projects that are currently in development and slated for production this year. Prior to entering the film industry, Mr. Parmater was in music management and founded Rocking Popcorn, a gourmet popcorn company, which successfully landed a diverse local and national clientele of boutique hotels, corporations, and special events catering, including the Tribeca Shortlist Film Festival and various film premieres and concerts for such bands as Linkin Park and Metalica.
Mr. Parmater has 21 years of experience in owning, operating, and growing a wide variety of businesses. At the age of 18 he developed and managed a restaurant, Sgt. Pepper’s, in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. He then spent five years with International Marketing Services, Inc., where he was the National Sales Director. In this position, Mr. Parmater was responsible for the nationwide hiring and sales training for 17 offices. During his tenure, sales increased from $9.25 million to $18.65 million.
Mr. Parmater has also worked as a multi-state Account Manager for California Casualty, a privately owned property and casualty insurance company based in San Mateo, California and managed a local consulting firm in Ohio specializing in human excellence and relationships. Recognizing a great opportunity in the Central Ohio real estate market, Parmater spent six years purchasing and renovating over 70 single-family homes in the inner-city and historical areas of Columbus, Ohio. He developed a plan to allow low-income families to purchase properties, while also renovating 35,000 square feet of mixed residential and commercial space utilizing a local neighborhood redevelopment program. The total value of these projects exceeded $7.25 million.
In the summer of 2001, Parmater developed GrooveJob.com. GrooveJob.com is an Internet-based job board, similar to Monster.com or HotJobs.com, but geared towards the high school and college demographic. Clients of GrooveJob.com include: The Home Depot; Kroger; Seven-Eleven; Forever 21; YUM! Brands; Sears; and the United States Army. GrooveJob.com receives over 100,000 hits per day and is the most respected job board for its demographic.
With these experiences, Parmater brings an extensive and dynamic background in sales, management, and creativity to work for our clients and enhances our ability to successfully serve their needs.