Bird & Bird LLP‘s tech-driven practice is noted for its involvement in premium global TV sports rights deals, brand-related projects and advertising work in the burgeoning NFT market, in addition to the regulation of audio-visual media services for the likes of Bloomberg, Formula One and Nordic Entertainment Group. Broadcasting expert Richard McMorris handles large cross-border transactions, as well as commercial, content distribution, advertising and sponsorship arrangements; his team includes commercial associates Flora Baillie and Andrew Cox.
Media: Film & TV in London
Bird & Bird LLP
Responsables de la pratique:
Richard McMorris
Autres avocats clés:
Craig Giles; Flora Baille; Andrew Cox
Principaux clients
Epic Games
ICE
TuneIn
DAZN
Activision Blizzard
Palma Pictures
Warner Bros.
TikTok
Tencent
Radiant
Aser Media
Fieldfisher
Tim Johnson heads up Fieldfisher's cross-departmental media practice and is renowned for his involvement in complex film & TV financing structures, rights licensing arrangements, production and distribution transactions, and international co-productions - an area in which Stephen Saltzman further excels. The team, which draws on its combination of commercial, corporate and tax expertise, also includes Carlton Durrant, who advises on M&A deals, strategic investments and fundraising activities in the media sphere.
Responsables de la pratique:
Tim Johnson
Autres avocats clés:
Steve Saltzman; Carlton Durrant
Les références
‘Tim Johnson is, in my view, the best deal-closer and lawyer in film sector and I have worked with him now for over 30 years.’
‘Tim Johnson is an incredibly intelligent and talented lawyer. Working with Fieldfisher has been one of the best law firm experiences over my career.’
‘A great team with exceptional knowledge of film sector which we operate in.’
Principaux clients
Library Pictures International
Magnetar Capital
BBC Studios
Timeless Films
Legendary Pictures
Huayi Brothers International
Natixis Coficine
BBC
Getty Images
See-Saw Films
Live Tech Games
The William Reed Group
Tortoise Media
Constantin Film
Max Film
Swift Media
Tokyopop
Mubi
The Match Factory
Puig
ID Comms
LVMH Louis Vuitton
Incorporated Society of British Advertisers
Harbottle & Lewis LLP
Under the leadership of Sarah Lazarides, Harbottle & Lewis LLP guides global giants such as Apple and Netflix through high-profile productions, with advice ranging from financing and production to distribution and exploitation. The team also undertakes varied work for UK indies, such as Box to Box Films, acting with equal measure on scripted and unscripted productions, as well as well-known celebrities and rightsholders. Other recommended individuals include Jonathan Berger and Abigail Payne, renowned for their expertise in digital content and structuring international co-productions, respectively. Local language production specialist Hannah Wylie joined in December 2022.
Responsables de la pratique:
Sarah Lazarides
Autres avocats clés:
Jonathan Berger; Abigail Payne
Les références
‘Diligent and able to understand client timelines. They care about honouring business practices and preferences.’
‘Sarah Lazarides is sophisticated, reliable and provides clear guidance. She is well versed in the entertainment space when it comes to all matters involving film and television.’
Principaux clients
Box to Box Films
Working Title Films
Lime Pictures
Complete Fiction Pictures
Apple
The Earthshot Prize
Storror Parkour Limited
Magic Light
Rebellion Entertainment Limited
Netflix Studios
Principaux dossiers
- Advice to Box to Box Films on clearance, production and rights issues across their high-end documentary productions broadcasted on HBO, Netflix and Apple TV, among others.
- Advised Working Title Films on matters relating to the development and production of their films, including the feature film “Ticket to Paradise”, starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts.
- Advised Lime Pictures on the arrangements for a children’s programme it was making for Netflix, which involved drafting an animation services agreement and handling protracted and contentious contract negotiations with the animation services supplier.
Lee & Thompson LLP
Richard Lever heads up the television side of Lee & Thompson LLP’s practice, while fellow co-head Christos Michaels is more focused on the film sector. Lever’s broad expertise spans the creation of talent-based television production companies, the set-up and financing of high-end television projects, and related commercial arrangements. Michaels specialises in the financing and production of independent films in addition to implementing exploitation models of emerging and established media. Other recommended individuals include managing partner Reno Antoniades, internal film and television head Nicki Parfitt, head of media finance Sam Tatton-Brown and Antony Swiatek.
Responsables de la pratique:
Richard Lever; Christos Michaels
Autres avocats clés:
Reno Antoniades; Nicki Parfitt; Sam Tatton-Brown; Anwen Griffiths; Stephen Spence; Antony Swiatek; Luke Carey; Lee Stone
Les références
‘They have expertise across the piste and often draw on specialists within the firm to handle unusual matters that occur. Our experience with the team has been exemplary and we believe they are the market leaders in our field.’
‘Richard Lever is the top television lawyer in the UK. He is a strategist and is woven into many corporate transactions but when necessary he is also happy to roll up his sleeves and work on a gnarly production or financing deal.’
‘The team are uniquely strong in the independent film business. Their knowledge of the challenges facing independent UK film producers is second-to-none.’
Principaux clients
Head Gear
Lorton Entertainment
Amy Jackson
National Bank of Canada
Lookout Point
Studio 99
Zephyr Films
Firebird Pictures
Cornerstone Pictures
Media Finance Capital
Principaux dossiers
- Acted for acclaimed producer, Amy Jackson, on her Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning film, Aftersun.
- Advising Studio 99 on its production of a high-end episodic documentary series on the life of iconic footballer David Beckham.
- Advised Lorton Entertainment on the finance, distribution and production elements of two Apple TV-based feature length documentaries, including “Boom! Boom: The World vs Boris Becker”.
Sheridans
Sheridans advises on all aspects of film and television, from development and production to financing and exploitation, often drawing on the firm’s broader corporate, employment and tech expertise. The team is the first port of call to a number of leading studios, such as the BBC, ITV and Amazon, as well as broadcasters and platforms, production companies, financiers, distributors and high-profile talent. Practice head Jeremy Roberts is noted for his involvement on the television side, while Nick Mahara is an expert on the film side. Other recommended individuals include Peter McInerney and the recently promoted Oliver Wiseman, who handles platform-related commercial and IP issues, as well as media finance head James Kay.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jeremy Roberts
Autres avocats clés:
Nick Mahara; Robin Hilton; Peter McInerney; Oliver Wiseman
Les références
‘Extremely responsive management of workstreams. I have been impressed with the collaborative nature of the team.’
‘They work well as a team and are quick, efficient and collaborative.’
‘I would highly recommend Jeremy Roberts and Oliver Wiseman.’
Principaux clients
ITV Studios
BBC Studios
Virgin Media O2
Amazon Studios
XIX Entertainment
FremantleMedia
ObjectiveMedia Group
Guy Ritchie and his production company
Studiocanal
Blueprint Pictures
Passion Pictures
See-Saw Films
Wildseed Studios Limited
Framestore Limited
Drum OMG Limited
Media Musketeers Studios
Not to Scale Limited
Spring Films Limited
International Literary Properties Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised ITV Studios on the production and financing of ITVX’s ‘A Spy Among Friends’ which starred Damian Lewis and Guy Pierce.
- Advised BBC Studios on the new and relaunched series of Dr Who.
- Advised Virgin Media O2 on their deal with Disney for the Disney+ app to be made available on the Virgin Media TV platform.
Wiggin LLP
Charles Moore and Neil Gillard, both of whom specialise in all aspects of film and television production, finance and distribution, head up the division at Wiggin LLP alongside media finance expert David Quli, a regular advisor to banks, funds and companies on loans and investments. The team is the first port of call to various corporate giants, such as Disney, Netflix and Universal, in addition to prominent UK broadcasters, independent producers, financiers and distributors. Decoding the UK entertainment sector for US studios is a particular strength for Chris Hammond. Gráinne McKenna and Alexander Lea are also recommended for their all-inclusive film and television expertise. Sean James brings decades of experience in content distribution and transmission, while consultant partner Medwyn Jones is another hugely experienced television production expert.
Responsables de la pratique:
Charles Moore; David Quli; Neil Gillard
Autres avocats clés:
Grainne McKenna; Chris Hammond; Alexander Lea; James Peel; Sean James
Les références
‘Close familiarity with practical workings of the film and television sector.’
‘Exceptional service in every way.’
Principaux clients
Focus Features
FX Networks
Warner Media
Disney
Cofiloisirs
MRC
Working Title Television
Sony Pictures
Sky
NBC Universal
Baker McKenzie
With solicitor advocate and digital media specialist Ben Allgrove at the helm, Baker McKenzie‘s film & television clients – which include major broadcasters and tech giants – benefit from extensive regulatory, IP and privacy litigation expertise. Allgrove co-heads the practice with transactional expert William Holder, while former head of litigation at the BBC Nadia Banno anchors the firm’s contentious offering. John Groom was promoted to partner in July 2022.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ben Allgrove; William Holder
Autres avocats clés:
Nadia Banno; John Groom
Les références
‘Ben Allgrove and John Groom are incredible lawyers. They are able to provide clear advice even when it comes to the most complex scenarios – identifying useful solutions and possible alternatives. They are some of the most brilliant minds I’ve had the pleasure to be working with.’
‘They have a holistic view of the entire regulatory landscape and practically understand how litigation unfolds in our specific industry.’
‘John Groom’s knowledge of the technology and creative industries gives him a unique perspective on the issues that companies in those industries are facing. He is a pleasure to deal with, and just as with Ben Allgrove, is able to provide a holistic view of the regulatory landscape because of his broad awareness.’
Principaux clients
Accenture
BBC
Egmont Publishing
Hutch Games
IMG / Endeavor
Index Ventures
Inspired Entertainment
Netflix
ORFIUM
RedFoxLabs
Signal.AI
Sony
Sovereign Films
Spotify
Take Two Interactive
Principaux dossiers
- Advising ATP Media on the structuring of their new Tennis Data Innovations business, enabling the exploitation of database rights valued at over $2.5bn.
Bristows LLP
Bristows LLP is a regular advisor to leading film and television clients, with expertise in financing and production, together with distribution matters for streamers, broadcasters and theatrical distributors. Paul Jordan, a renowned expert on issues arising around advertising and brand protection, co-heads the practice with Richard Dickinson, who focuses on commercial transactions involving the development, exploitation and protection of IP rights. Appointed Person Simon Clark has a particular specialism in digital and online copyright issues.
Responsables de la pratique:
Paul Jordan; Richard Dickinson
Autres avocats clés:
Simon Clark; Tim Heaps
Les références
‘I appreciate the team’s willingness to make themselves available on short notice. They have a breadth of experience in our sector.’
‘Paul Jordan is a pleasure to work with and a valued extension to our in-house team. He always has constructive, usable advice, or he can loop in the relevant person to help.’
‘Sean Ibbetson consistently provides clear advice.’
Principaux clients
Paramount Pictures
ITV
Two Daughters Entertainment Limited
Discovery Communications Europe Ltd and Eurosport SAS
Euromoney plc
Fairylight Films Inc.
Dirty Films Limited
Diageo Plc
JH Artist Group LLC
Salt Productions LLC
Fonic Limited
Kraft Heinz
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Fairylight Films, Inc, the producers of the documentary film “Sophie and the Baron”, in both a legal and business affairs capacity.
- Advised JH Artist Group LLC on numerous projects in early-stage development, including drafting and negotiating heads of terms, terms of engagement, and various releases and confidentiality agreements.
Burges Salmon LLP
Handling both non-contentious matters and a range of litigation, Burges Salmon LLP is a go-to for advice on broadcasting rights exploitation, television clearance, commercial arrangements and IP - the latter being an area of particular specialism for team head Jeremy Dickerson, who has recently handled UK and European trademark applications and registrations for the BBC. Helen Scott-Lawler advises clients on commercial contracts, advertising, marketing, brand protection and sponsoring, while Emily Roberts comes recommended for her contentious capabilities.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jeremy Dickerson
Autres avocats clés:
Helen Scott-Lawler; Emily Roberts; Chloe Perea Poole; Richard Hugo
Principaux clients
BBC
BBC Studios Ltd
Discovery, Inc.
Eurosport
Virgin Group
20th Century Studios
UKTV
Valleyfest
Racecourse Technical Services Limited
Fakenham Racecourse
3tone Group
Racehorse Association
Apetito
Principaux dossiers
- Acting as UK trademark counsel for Discovery and Eurosport, advising on clearance, registry proceedings and UK enforcement issues.
CMS
The film and television team at CMS offers a plethora of advice on matters ranging from platform consolidation and the launch of direct-to-consumer offerings to carriage deals and rights protection. Its market-leading practice is notable for its involvement with international expansion, advising the launch of platforms such as Paramount+ and SkyShowtime throughout Europe and Asia. Other notable achievements include the firm's contribution towards the landmark deal between BT and Warner Bros Discovery. Under the leadership of Victoria Gaskell and Paul Guite, the media team is supported by esteemed lawyers such as John Cloke, who has expertise in the exploitation of media and other commercial rights in sport; Selina Potter for commercial advice in broadcasting and other audiovisual distribution, and John Enser 's expertise in the technology, media and communications sector.
Responsables de la pratique:
Victoria Gaskell; Paul Guite
Autres avocats clés:
Selina Potter; John Enser; John Cloke
Principaux clients
Avia Games
BBC
BT Sport
Comcast
Coutts & Co
Cutting Edge Group
Dentsu Aegis Network
Discovery (now Warner Bros Discovery)
Disney
Elisabeth Murdoch
Fremantle Media Group Limited
Global Radio
Immediate Media
ITV plc
Jeremy Clarkson
Kobalt Music
M&C Saatchi
MTV No
NBCUniversal
News Corp
News UK and Ireland
Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS)
Sky
SkyShowTime
Spotify
The Football Association Premier League Limited
UKTV Media Limited
Unilever
Warner Musi
Principaux dossiers
- Advising BT Plc on various options for the future of its key media business, BT Sport. This ultimately led to a 50:50 JV with Warner Bros Discovery.
DLA Piper
The key names at DLA Piper include Nick Fitzpatrick, who has longstanding ties to household name clients such as The Premier League and ITV, advising on global broadcasting deals and media strategies. UK corporate head Jon Kenworthy also has a track record of work for media clients including Warner Bros Discovery.
Autres avocats clés:
Nick Fitzpatrick; Jon Kenworthy
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Much of Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's workload in the film and television space stems from co-head of the firm’s global media sector group Hayley Brady's expertise; she recently led the advice to Sky on its commercial distribution deals. The team is also adept in commercial and production incentive arrangements, and corporate transactions.
Responsables de la pratique:
Hayley Brady
Autres avocats clés:
Stephen Wilkinson; James Balfour
Principaux clients
Sky
Spreadex
Rario
KFC/Yum! Brands
Uber
Hipgnosis Music Fund
MGM
STV
Penguin Random House
British American Tobacco
Smilegate
NetEase
Bauer Media
Bounce Cinema
Kick It Out
Dugdale Trust
Dentsu
Amplify
Pearson
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Sky on the renewal of its strategic partnership with BT across the UK and Republic of Ireland in relation to the distribution of BT Sport via Sky platforms and the distribution of NOW on BT TV, among other amendments.
- Advised Dentsu on various contractual matters, concerning a number of household name consumer brands.
Howard Kennedy LLP
Howard Kennedy LLP provides major UK and international broadcasters with pre-broadcast, pre-publication and reputation management advice. Mark Stephens CBE, an expert in international comparative media law, co-heads the broad media & entertainment practice with Robert Lands, who focuses on IP and data protection matters pertaining to the creative industries. Seasoned litigator Elizabeth Morley regularly advises on defamation, privacy and data protection.
Responsables de la pratique:
Mark Stephens CBE; Robert Lands
Autres avocats clés:
Elizabeth Morley; Matthew Gill
Les références
‘Mark Stephens has a vast breadth and depth of knowledge and experience, and will use that knowledge creatively and strategically to best support client interests, yet offers pragmatic advice and is approachable and very client friendly.’
‘Elizabeth Morley: knowledgeable, reliable, responsive, a safe pair of hands and works hard for clients.’
‘Robert Lands is always a pleasure to work with. He’s extremely knowledgeable and explains issues very clearly, giving us great confidence in responses to queries and any issues raised.’
Principaux clients
Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition
Factory 42
The Sentry
Express Newspapers
Bloomsbury, Faber & Faber and Biteback Publishing
The Old Vic & Young Vic
Ingenious
Greene Light Stage PLC
Gate Ventures
Melanie Newman
72 and Sunny
SEGA Corporation
Andrew Nurnberg Associates International Limited
Latham & Watkins
Renowned practitioner Lisbeth Savill is co-chair of Latham & Watkins' entertainment, sports and media industry group, which handles an array of work in the film and television space, encompassing major commercial and corporate transactions, disputes and IP issues. Savill and the team are a regular port of call for producers and distributors (including major studios), broadcasters, platforms and digital-first companies, financiers and investment funds. Other recommended individuals include Patrick Mitchell, an expert on sponsorship and media rights arrangements, and counsel Rachael Astin, a go-to in transactional and regulatory matters with a focus on digital media and content distribution.
Responsables de la pratique:
Lisbeth Savill
Autres avocats clés:
Ian Felstead; Patrick Mitchell; Farah O’Brian; Mike Turner; Rachael Astin
Les références
‘It is always fantastic to work with Rachael Astin – she’s a fantastic commercial lawyer with excellent knowledge of the tech/media space. ‘
‘Libby Savill has deep sector experience.’
‘Patrick Mitchell is extremely accessible and knowledgeable. He understands our needs and how to provide effective client services.’
Principaux clients
Anonymous Content
Centricus
Saudi Research and Media Group
Crossroads Live, Inc.
DAZN
Eon Productions
KKR
Moonbug Entertainment Limited
Pinewood Studios
Studiocanal
TeamViewer
Univision
Warner Bros
Lewis Silkin
Lewis Silkin is a regular advisor to major and independent film and television clients on matters pertaining to talent engagement, content creation, finance, production and exploitation. The team’s contentious capabilities – where Neil Parkes is the main point of contact – include reputation management and defamation, as well as the protection and enforcement of brands and IP rights. Parkes has particular expertise in online content protection strategies and often acts for media giants such as Sky, the Motion Picture Association and the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment. He co-heads the practice with the employment-focused Russell Brimelow.
Responsables de la pratique:
Russell Brimelow; Neil Parkes
Autres avocats clés:
Lee Nair
Les références
‘There is consistent strength and depth across the board. They have an excellent range of partners and associates who know the media sector well and are always my go-to for commercial, good value advice.’
Principaux clients
Sky
All 3 Media
Freemantle Media
United Agents
Banijay
Motion Picture Association
Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment
Shinfield Studios Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Sky on the action taken against those who engage in commercial-scale streaming piracy of their copyright-protected broadcast content.
- Advising Freemantle Media on the IP that underlies the global brand ‘Got Talent Franchise’.
- Advising Shinfield Studios on the contractual issues associated with the construction of their studio complex within the Thames Valley Science Park.
Onside Law LLP
Sports law boutique Onside Law LLP is best known for advising sports-related talent on broadcast appearances, as well as rights holders and broadcasters on licensing arrangements that concern media rights, production and content distribution. James Tobias – who was promoted to partner in September 2022 – handles contractual arrangements relating to the licensing of sports media rights and the production and exploitation of original content. Founding partner Jamie Singer is further noted for his commercial practice.
Responsables de la pratique:
James Tobias; Jamie Singer
Les références
‘Exceptional commercially focused advice. They are experts in their field and always provide succinct and timely advice.’
‘Adam Leadercramer and James Tobias are commercially-minded and understand the business’ commercial drivers and tailor the legal advice with this in mind.’
Adam Leadercramer has provided extensive support on tech-related supplier agreements and has brought a wealth of experience and value to the process on each occasion.’
Principaux clients
ATP Media
Snack Media
Progress Productions
Starwing
Mark Chapman
Naomi Schiff
River Media Partners
BeIN Sports
Two Circles
Mike Tindall
Boulder Creek International
Stephen Hendry
EPCR
World Rugby
West Ham
Lawn Tennis Association
Avidity Talent
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Mike Tindall MBE on his participation in the well-known television series, I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, in sensitive discussions.
- Advised Stephen Hendry on his participation in the well-known television series, The Masked Singer.
- Advised beIN Sports on a number of broadcast licence and media rights arrangements for a range of live sports programming, as well as advising on various original productions in line with strategic objectives to produce more content in-house.
Osborne Clarke LLP
Osborne Clarke LLP's work for film & TV clients includes advising on joint ventures, corporate transactions, licensing and distribution, as well as competition, regulatory and copyright matters. Key names in the team include John Davidson-Kelly and Jamie Heatly; they regularly work together on commercial matters for clients including Warner Bros. Discovery and ITV.
Les références
‘John Davidson-Kelly has knowledge of the industry, the ability to project manage a hugely complex roll-out covering many jurisdictions, as well as the ability to understand risk and help to steer a difficult compliance situation covering many new and emerging laws. A good team supporting him too.’
Russells Solicitors
Russells Solicitors has developed considerable expertise in the film and television space, acting for production companies, individual actors, presenters and other artists. Typical work involves negotiating presenter agreements, option agreements, production and production services agreements, and other commercial contracts, as well as high-profile corporate transactions. Managing partner Simon Esplen and music head Gavin Maude lead the team alongside Steven Tregear, who handles copyright infringement, contractual, and audit claims on the contentious side. The contentious-focused Henry Priestley joined from RPC in December 2022.
Responsables de la pratique:
Simon Esplen; Gavin Maude; Steven Tregear
Autres avocats clés:
Christopher Gossage; Henry Priestley; Sebastian Davey; Roger Edwards; Mark Walker
Les références
‘Gavin Maude is the best, most holistic and savvy lawyer I have met, but also has strong ethics in the way he goes about his business.’
‘We’ve worked with Chris Gossage for two decades. He and his team provide a professional, friendly service which is honest, considerate and strategic. They’re tough when they need to be, and the\’re extremely sharp with what’s going on in the market.’
‘The way you can work with any of the partners – Gavin Maude, Chris Gossage, or Simon Esplen – and then they segue to working on the paperwork with the associates such as Roger Edwards is great. Russells work as a team on so many problems, you feel like you have the entire office and their knowledge helping you with any problem.’
Principaux clients
Curve Media Limited
Mika
Up the Game
Stock Aitken Waterman
Portobello Productions
Tyburn Film Productions Ltd
The Estate of George Michael
SB.TV
DJ Target / Rinse FM / DJ Geeneus
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for Curve Media and its shareholders (including the BBC) on its high-profile sale to Night Train Media.
- Advising Andrew Ridgeley and the Estate of George Michael on the forthcoming documentary about Wham! This included negotiating contracts and advising on IP licensing issues.
- Representing Portobello Production in a dispute over its agreement with SunnyMarch Ltd to create a film of the Roald Dahl book Danny the Champion of the World.
Simkins LLP
Jonathan Blair heads up Simkins LLP’s film & TV division, which is a go-to firm for financiers and producers in matters involving audio-visual content; he has particular expertise in structuring international co-productions and financing packages. On the contentious side, the team is well-versed in copyright infringement claims, distribution disputes and contractual litigation. Other recommended individuals include managing partner Euan Lawson and associate Astrid Bulmer, who can advise film and television clients on all stages of the production lifecycle.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jonathan Blair
Autres avocats clés:
Euan Lawson; Juliane Althoff; Astrid Bulmer
Les références
‘The best thing I have found about Simkins is the speed with which they deliver a brilliant service. I’ve worked with several law firms and none of them have come close to delivering contracts, advice or comments on negotiations as quickly – and not at the expense of quality.’
The firm regularly detail changes, news and updates to the film and television sectors. It’s completely geared to me as a film producer and I honestly find it incredibly succinct and useful.’
‘A big strength seems to be not only the diversity of knowledge within the firm as a whole, but their flexibility in bringing in different lawyers for specific cases.’
Principaux clients
Blue Jean Productions
Big Fish Films
Bronte Film & Television Limited
Coutts & Co
Erebus Pictures
Fegg Features
HTYT Limited
MBK Productions
Milo the Cat
Raw Television
Roadshow Productions
Rockerdale Studios
Rooks Nest Entertainment
Snowed-In Productions
Snowstorm Productions
SunnyMarch Productions
The Blair Partnership
Wild Bunch
Principaux dossiers
- Advising MBK Productions on the financing of One Life, the biographical film of British humanitarian, Nicholas Winton, starring Anthony Hopkins, Johnny Flynn and Helena Bonham Carter.
- Advising Bronte Film & Television (JK Rowling’s production company) on all aspects of the drama series Troubled Blood, based on the book from the Strike series of detective novels by Robert Galbraith.
- Advising MBK Productions on the financing of The Convert, an action drama directed by Lee Tamahori and starring Guy Pearce and Te Kohe Tuhaka.
Simons Muirhead Burton
Simon Goldberg and Razwana Akram lead the film and television team at Simons Muirhead Burton, a firm that advises film financiers, independent production companies and traditional broadcasters such as Channel 4, ITV and the BBC across all areas of development, production, finance and distribution. The team, which also includes film finance expert James Greenslade and senior associate Blaise Gaymer, has noted an uptick in matters involving an AI or gaming component. Data protection specialist Stephen Shotnes heads up the contentious function. In a notable development, Nick Miller – former head of ACK Media Law LLP’s film and television department – joined the team; he has particular expertise advising on BAFTA and Emmy-nominated animation projects and children’s programmes.
Responsables de la pratique:
Simon Goldberg; Razwana Akram
Autres avocats clés:
James Greenslade; Blaise Gaymer; Tamara Ludlow
Les références
‘There is a collegiate attitude within the team, who are always prepared to go that extra mile for client satisfaction.’
‘Tamara Ludlow and Simon Goldberg are always available and on-hand to offer advice.’
Principaux clients
And Mrs
Radial Productions Ltd.
Silent Twins
Prettybird Limited
Make Waves Productions
Whynow Limited
Dare Pictures
Centre Films
Loft Films Ltd
Norman Cook pka Fatboy Slim and Southern Fried Records
Principaux dossiers
- Advised producer Dan Hine on the production and financing of the feature film “And Mrs”.
- Advising Radial Productions on film financing and cast and crew agreements for the upcoming film, “Skylines 4 Radial” – the fourth film in the long-standing Skyline franchise.
- Ongoing advice to Independent Talent Group on a wide range of their projects, as well as 42 M&P LTD on their feature films in development and production.
ACK Media Law LLP
ACK Media Law LLP is a regular advisor to producers and financiers on UK projects and multi-jurisdictional co-productions, as well as writers, distributors, and other media rights owners on various IP issues. Practice head Sue Charles handles defamation, privacy and compliance matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Sue Charles
Principaux clients
Arbuthnot Latham & Co., Limited
Coutts & Co
EL James
Short Form Film Company Limited
Lupus Films Limited
Sharp House Finance Limited
Rise Films Limited
Wychwood Media Limited
Ramo Law PC
A&L Goodbody
Neil Gaiman
Building Block Projects LLP t/a Vamonos
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Arbuthnot Latham & Co, Limited on various deals and television loans for ITV and other UK network broadcasters.
- Ongoing advice to Lupus Films Limited on the development of over 8 new projects.
- Ongoing advice to Short Form Film Company on pre-production work for the hit BBC Children’s TV Show, Jamie Johnson.
Keystone Law
A number of hugely experienced media law practitioners now ply their trade at Keystone Law; film & TV experts include litigator Lawrence Abramson, whose recent work has included copyright claims, shareholder disputes and a range of other contentious matters in the media sphere.
Les références
‘The relatively small media team would be a disadvantage to a client in normal circumstances, but I have found that here it is not required to have any more than a partner and associate on the case: both are extremely knowledgeable and responsive. It would be a waste of client money to include more lawyers and I think any client of Keystone gets great value for money.’
‘Although we use the service due to a lon standing relationship, other lawyers expert in their particular area are readily available.’
‘Superb breadth of knowledge and depth of resource.’
Level Law
Level Law‘s film and television offering includes Jennifer Parker, who advises on the development, production, financing and exploitation of audiovisual content across all platforms, and Tony Morris, an expert on contractual, commercial and IP matters. Seasoned litigator Tim Lowles is a regular port of call for media rights holders in contractual disputes and is also geared to provide reputation management advice to the firm’s high-profile roster of talent.
Autres avocats clés:
Jennifer Parker; Tony Morris; Tim Lowles; Dan Harrington; Morris Bentata; Halina Wielogorska
Les références
‘The team are exceptionally able, willing and personable when it comes to all aspects of their practice. They operate well as a team and are always available to offer valuable insight and perspectives when it comes to new areas of film and television.’
‘As a team I cannot rate them highly enough.’
‘I cannot praise Halina Wielogorska highly enough for her professionalism and willingness to tackle new legal challenges created by emerging technologies. She operates in an enthusiastic, proactive and innovative manner, drawing on years of experience working in the more traditional entertainment sector.’
Principaux clients
Ditto Films Limited
Snafu Pictures Ltd
RDA Television LLP
Blink
Global Fan Network
Alma
Genesius Pictures Limited
YourWorld Holdings
FIFA, AFC, UEFA, DAZN, CAA11, Pitch, Atalanta and Astro
Birmingham Royal Ballet
Principaux dossiers
- Defending RDA Television LLP in a €10 million claim brought by European Professional Club Rugby in the Commercial Court and subsequent appeal in Court of Appeal.
- Advised Genesius Pictures Limited on all the production, finance and sales aspects of the film “Good Luck To You, Leo Grande” starring Emma Thompson and Daryl McCormick.
- Advising Ditto Films on all the finance, development, production and exploitation aspects of the client’s current British feature production of “Warhol”.
Mayer Brown International LLP
Mayer Brown International LLP is well-placed to handle commercial and contractual matters for major film and television productions, both in the UK and the US (with a particular focus on California), in addition to a broad range of contractual and IP-related disputes. Robert Hamill and Rebecca Bothamley focus on M&A and corporate finance work for the likes of eOne and other high-profile media clients.
Responsables de la pratique:
Miles Robinson
Autres avocats clés:
Robert Hamill; Rebecca Bothamley
Principaux clients
eOne (Entertainment One) Limited
M4DC
Mediawan
Overmore Group
Synamedia
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Mediawan on its acquisition of a majority stake in Wildseed Productions.
- Advised Synamedia on the acquisition of Utelly Ltd, a privately-owned content discovery platform provider.
- Advised Markettiers4DC on the investment for its network of tech-enabled, data-driven, broadcast activated, strategic communications agencies.
Mishcon de Reya
Steered by media practice head Lewis Cohen, Mishcon de Reya LLP works with a number of leading broadcasters, production companies, and other film and television industry players on a range of corporate, commercial, and IP-intensive matters. Other key names include Adam Rose, a highly experienced commercial partner, and David Rose, who regularly works with clients on the protection and enforement of IP rights.
Responsables de la pratique:
Lewis Cohen
Autres avocats clés:
Adam Rose; David Rose
Principaux clients
Sky Limited
CBS
NBC Universal
Global Media Entertainment Ltd
Preiskel & Co LLP
With Peter Dally and Hannah Leader at the helm, Preiskel & Co LLP receives regular instructions in the film and television sectors; the team specialises in the financing, production and exploitation of filmed content for feature films and television, as well as independent and studio-based distribution arrangements. The group, which also includes associate Maria Constantin, is a regular port of call for film and television producers and financiers, as well as distribution, sales and rights acquisition companies.
Responsables de la pratique:
Peter Dally; Hannah Leader
Autres avocats clés:
Maria Constantin
Principaux clients
Buffalo Pictures Limited
Dopamine
Thomas Kubr
Holofcener Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advice to Buffalo Pictures on the production of all of its filmed content, including the second season of “Islands of the Pacific” and the tenth season of “Doc Martin”, among others.
- Advised Dopamine in its capacity as financier on the high-end British three-part drama television series called “Granite Harbour”, which was commissioned by the BBC, produced by LA Productions, and distributed internationally by Eccho Rights AB.
- Assisted Holofcener Limited with various IP issues, as well as drafting both an option and acquisition agreement and a writer’s agreement, for a feature film project about the life of famous female boat racing champion Betty Cook.