Film and TV Briefing: Friday 6 February 2026
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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.
Jonathan Blair
Partner
Jonathan Blair
Partner
They were incredibly understanding of our unique needs and collaborated in a very flexible way. I would describe the team as very approachable and capable – they took time to listen to our requirements and made recommendations accordingly.
The music team at Simkins is extraordinary in providing a holistic understanding of the legal aspects as well as best practices in the music industry.
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.
Lisa Logan is recommended for her media practice. She is calm and knowledgeable.
The team at Simkins has an amazing knowledge of the film industry and is also speedy to respond and react with a very good work ethic and attitude.
Lisa Logan recently joined the firm from Gateley, and has years of film and television industry experience behind her, most recently acting for the The Elf Factory, creators of Peppa Pig, while at her previous firm.
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