Katten

Entertainment and Media

Michael Hobel is recognized as a leading authority in the legal profession on entertainment transactions across digital, television and film. Described by clients as "a tremendous thought partner who provides practical, sophisticated advice," Michael is trusted by entertainment and media companies to represent them on deals involving some of the entertainment industry’s most successful properties for more than 25 years.

As the head of Katten's Entertainment and Media Practice, Michael has extensive experience representing entertainment and media companies in complex transactions involving valuable entertainment and intellectual property rights and assets. Chambers USA reports that clients call him "incredibly effective in driving deals to closure and note his superb overall legal and business expertise." Michael's clients include motion picture studios, free, pay and cable television networks, streaming services, Internet and digital media companies, production and distribution companies, financiers, video game companies, rights holders and investors. Michael also advises industry executives on employment contracts, individual talent on agreements for their services on film, television and music products, and companies on management and protection of their trademark and copyright assets.

Michael's work relates to all stages of development, production and exploitation of entertainment product. Michael is particularly interested in deals that involve the convergence of entertainment and technology, and he has represented some of the most innovative companies in deals that break new ground in deal structures and business models that have enabled his clients to be first movers in entertainment development, production and delivery.

New York University School of Law, JD Harvard University, BA, with honors