Neil Gillard > Wiggin LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Wiggin LLP
9TH FLOOR, MET BUILDING
22 PERCY STREET
LONDON
W1T 2BU
England
Neil Gillard photo

Work Department

Film and TV.

Position

Neil advises on all aspects of film and television production, finance and distribution.

‘‘I advise on the entire lifecycle of a production, from development, financing, production right through to exploitation. I advise a range of production companies (see some examples below) as well as broadcasters such as Sky,  film/television distributors and sales agents such as eOne and Endeavor Content, and banks and other funders such as Creative Scotland.’’

 My TV production company clients include:

  • Cowboy (“Top Boy”)
  • DNA (“DEVS”),
  • Ecosse (“Keeler”),
  • Eleven (“Sex Education”),
  • Eleventh Hour (“Alex Rider”),
  • Fulwell 73 (“The Late Late Show”, “Bros”),
  • The Ink Factory (“The Night Manager”, “Little Drummer Girl”),
  • Mammoth (“World on Fire”),
  • See Saw (“Slow Horses”)
  • Sister Pictures (“Chernobyl”),
  • Synchronicity (“The Cry”) and
  • Turbine Studios (“Small Axe”).

Career

Trained at Richards Butler (now Reed Smith), qualified 1998. Richard Butler Associate 1998 to 2006 and Partner 2006 to 2011. Made partner in present firm 2011.

Education

Aberystwyth University and Kings College London, BA (hons) (1992), LLB (1994) and Copyright Diploma (1999).

Leisure

Running, cycling, football and film.

Lawyer Rankings

London > TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Media finance

(Leading partners)

Neil Gillard – Wiggin LLP

Home to a premier film and TV media finance practice, Wiggin LLP boasts strong capabilities across the development, production, finance, content distribution, and sales and acquisitions of content companies. With a strong following of UK and US clients, the group assists leading local and international studios as well as networks, platforms, financiers and distributors with the financing of major productions across the UK and Europe. Its base in Brussels make it well placed to handle international media financing matters. Charles Moore assists with financings for film and TV productions, while Michael Brader focuses solely on TV production deals. Matthew Dando concentrates on disputes work; Neil Gillard advises banks, broadcasters, film and TV distributors and sales agents; and Chris Hammond is a notable film and TV lawyer. Chris Hanson is a key member of the media finance team with extensive experience in representing Hollywood studios, banks, private equity funds and government bodies. Gráinne McKenna is the go-to contact for US studios, while film and TV finance specialist David Quli acts for financiers, producers and distributors on all financing aspects of the development, production and exploitation of films, TV, games and music.

London > TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Film & TV

Noted for ‘the depth of resources available‘ and ‘the consistency of skill sets‘, Wiggin LLP is home to a premier film and TV practice, which advises international studios, platforms, financiers and distributors on the full gamut of sector-related matters. The team has worked on multiple high-profile film and TV productions, but is also skilled at advising independent producers on their projects in the UK. Co-head Charles Moore advises on all aspects of Hollywood, UK and European film and television productions. David Quli oversees film and TV financing matters, co-lead Neil Gillard handles a mix of financing, development and production work for producers and broadcasters, and Sean James leads on content distribution and transmission issues. Co-head Michael Brader focuses on corporate TV production matters, while Matthew Dando is the go-to name for contentious issues. Medwyn Jones is well-respected for his experience in the TV sector, which spans over 30 years. Chris Hammond acts for major media and entertainment conglomerates in film and TV projects, while Gráinne McKenna, a key contact for US studios and UK television production companies, specialises in strategic business affairs. Innovative deals for film and TV productions are handled by James Peel, while Ross Sylvester advises media and digital platforms on commercial agreements.