Fieldfisher

Head of International Entertainment Group, Media

Head of International Entertainment Group, Media

Stephen has extensive experience in domestic and international transactions in the entertainment and media industries.  He focuses on innovative and complex international distribution, co-production, and co-financing transactions as well as cross-border transactions involving the creation, production, financing, and/or exploitation of content, and brand building.

Stephen advises a broad range of clients across the media and entertainment spectrum, including US, European and Asia-based producers, production companies, studios, theme park operators, distribution companies, broadcasters, digital content companies (including esports teams), banks, film funds, directors, talent, and authors.  Recent engagements include the representation of DZ Bank in connection with the co-financing of "Those About to Die", one of the highest budgeted independently financed television series, assisting See-Saw Films in an innovative partnership with Michael Ende Productions to adapt the Michael Ende novel "The Never-Ending Story", representing Tokyopop in connection with an anime production financing transaction with MBC Group, and advising various production companies on GenAI use cases and related copyright and contract language issues.

Before moving to London from Los Angeles, Stephen regularly appeared on The Hollywood Reporter's "Power Lawyers Top 100" list and on Variety's "Dealmakers Impact Report", and frequently participate as a featured speaker and panellist in seminars and symposiums in the United States, Europe, and Asia.  In addition to my US and Asia experience, I utilise my language capability in connection with my German-speaking practice, which has been profiled in various German publications.

Stephen serves as the Non-Executive Chair of Snipple Animation in the UK and as a member of the Advisory Council to Asia Society of Southern California.