Grainne McKenna > Wiggin LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

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

Position

Having worked on some of the biggest-name film and TV shows over the last 20 years, both as lawyer and client, Gráinne knows the industry inside and out.

“My passion is production – assisting the collective team effort that takes an idea from spark to screen. From nascent development to full blown production, culminating in the long awaited premiere, broadcast or stream, I have over twenty years’ experience advising on the life cycle of film and TV content.

I was SVP Business & Legal Affairs for many years at Working Title Films and at NBCUniversal International Productions, so I know from first-hand experience what clients require from their legal advisors. Now as an external advisor myself, I aim to provide pragmatic and insightful analysis and advice. I rely on my in-depth sector knowledge and practical production experience to assist clients in converting their strategic aims into successful content and – ultimately – revenue.

I act for a wide range of clients – major US film studios, US TV networks and studios, streamers, independent film and TV production companies in the UK, US and Europe. This broad client base means I have exposure to all aspects of the film and TV industries and understand the differing commercial priorities of various parties – producers, talent, financiers, broadcasters and distributors, whether operating within the studio system or as independents. With this perspective I seek to conclude workable, successful transactions for my clients in a clear, collaborative style, across all aspects of development, production and exploitation.

Alongside my film and TV practice I also advise on theatre and immersive experience production and am involved in a number of initiatives and programmes promoting greater diversity in the film and TV industry.”

Lawyer Rankings

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

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

(Leading partners)

Gráinne McKenna – Wiggin LLP

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.