Matthew Dando > Wiggin LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

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.

A ‘top-drawer defendant practice‘, Wiggin LLP is known for its market-leading expertise in publishing matters, including pre-publication issues and high-profile litigation. Noted for its well-rounded view of the industry, the firm acts for publishers, content creators and media insurers in commercial disputes, contractual matters, boardroom fallouts, joint venture disputes and free speech cases. The practice also possesses a strong track record in litigation involving copyright infringement, and website blocking as a remedy for content and brand owners. The team is co-led by publishing experts Matthew Dando, Alexander Ross, Rachel Alexander and Ted Shapiro: Alexander leads on cases involving online content enforcement matters, while Dando focuses on libel and privacy cases disputes, and Ross advises on podcasting deals and publishing acquisitions. Robin Shaw represents magazines, newspapers and book publishers in defamation and privacy cases, and Adelaide Lopez – ‘a highly skilled litigator on film and TV matters‘ – assists with contentious issues related to the production and distribution of content.

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.

‘A powerhouse in the media sector’, Wiggin LLP‘s reputation management and content protection group is a leading force in defending prominent publishers in the UK and major film and TV companies in the US. The ‘well-resourced and hugely experienced team of media litigators’ – led by ‘standout partner’ Matthew Dando – is highly regarded for its expertise in managing high-profile libel and privacy cases. Robin Shaw primarily represents magazines, newspapers and publishers in defamation, breach of confidence and data protection matters. Elizabeth Wiggin advises on pre-action issues and regularly represents clients in court proceedings.

‘Absolutely reliable in every way‘, Wiggin LLP‘s 19-strong group is experienced in high-stakes litigation before the commercial divisions of England and Wales’ senior courts. The firm also houses sector experts in media, technology, sports, and betting and gaming. Matthew Dando is a media and entertainment industry expert; technology sector specialist Mark Deem ‘builds really strong relationships with clients’; and Gaelyn Fuhrmann acts for media and publishing clients in reputation management disputes. Caroline Kean  departed the firm in April 2024.