Film & TV

Overview

We advise on all the legal and related issues involved in the development, production and exploitation of feature films and television programmes, and the carriage of content through both traditional and newer methods of distribution.

We pride ourselves on always giving comprehensive, practical and relevant advice that is steeped in our knowledge of the industry and meets our clients’ commercial needs.

Many of our lawyers have in-house experience and really understand the pressure on production companies, producers, executives and in-house lawyers. Our clients range from individual producers and production companies to banks and other ﬁnanciers, distributors and exhibitors, broadcasters, and talent. We have experience in all genres, including drama, factual and animation, and we are happy working at all budget levels.

Expertise

Our areas of expertise include the following:

Drafting and advising on option agreements and development deals
Writers agreements
First look deals
Advising on structuring co-productions
Advising on international co-production treaties, including tax incentives, subsidies and grants
Shareholder agreements
Joint ventures and EIS
Equity finance and bank financing (both pre-sales and debt)
Drafting and negotiating all talent agreements, including director, producer, artist and composer agreements
Chain of title and E&O and clearance reports
Advising on sales agency agreements and distribution deals
Advising on all aspects of carriage and regulations, including Ofcom channel applications, VOD notifications, content and Ofcom codes
Carriage deals for cable, satellite, IPTV and mobile

KEY CONTACT

KEY CONTACTS

Our lawyers have in-depth knowledge of the film and TV business and deliver high-quality, pragmatic and commercial advice.

Meet the team

Jonathan Blair

Partner

jonathan.blair@simkins.com

+44 20 7874 5618

Learn more about Jonathan Blair

Learn more about

Jonathan Blair

Partner

jonathan.blair@simkins.com

+44 20 7874 5618

Learn more about Jonathan Blair

Block quote

Source

High standards, good division of practices. In addition to the firm’s specialities, it acts as a “one-stop shop” where sensible so that the client can simply pick up the phone and get things done.

Legal 500

Huge effort, attention to detail and great concern for their clients.

Chambers & Partners

High standards, good, transparent communication between team members, excellent understanding of the issues, plus a can-do attitude. Part of the firm’s culture is an awareness of cost, and the farming out of work to the most reasonably-priced resource.

Legal 500