Film & TV

We were one of the first UK law firms to specialise in the film and TV business and our advice draws on many years of experience.

Key contacts
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.

Block quote
Source
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
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
They are experts in their field, provide very focused and commercial advice and are responsive to tight deadlines.
Legal 500
Block Quote
Source
Lisa Logan is recommended for her media practice. She is calm and knowledgeable.
Legal 500
Jonathan Blair is a "commercial thinking lawyer with excellent skills in coproduction financing".
Legal 500
Jonathan Blair is "intuitive, strategic and emotionally intelligent - he thinks in 360 degrees."
Chambers & Partners

News & Insights

The Hollywood sign.

Not like the movies: why Hollywood couples don't work out

A transgender flag.

Transgender Updates: February 2025

The Royal Courts of Justice.

How the Sara Sharif decision aligns transparency in the Family Courts with the wider justice system

Spear's Reputation Lawyers Index 2025 graphic, including photographs of Gideon Benaim, Jon Oakley, Tom Iverson, and Jessica Welch.

Four Simkins lawyers ranked in Spear's Reputation Lawyers Index 2025