Sarah Lazarides
Harbottle & Lewis LLPHarbottle & Lewis LLP assists with the full scope of film and TV productions, from initial script to screen, covering financing, production and distribution matters. Practice head Sarah Lazarides - 'a lawyer-of-choice for all matters relating to TV finance and production' - advises Hollywood and UK indie producers as well as subscription video-on-demand services (SVODs). The 'commercially minded, pragmatic and always very responsive' Hannah Wylie, a key member of the film, TV and theatre practice, is knowledgeable of AI issues. Abigail Payne advises on finance matters, international subsidies and tax credits in these segments. Clare McGarry is a key contact for independent producers and rights holders, while Catherine Flood focuses on assisting US studios and SVOD platforms. Caitlin McGivern also assists production companies with a mix of matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The key point for me is the focus of the firm on the media sector, specifically film and TV. Also meaning that we can rely on lawyers at the firm with specialties other than commercial film and TV work providing advice through the lens of our sector.’
‘Hannah Wylie brings a wealth of experience in the sector and - having worked in senior in-house roles in both a US Studio environment and for a high-profile UK independent television production company - is able to quickly understand and deliver what we need in the way we need it. Hannah is commercially minded, pragmatic and always very responsive.’
‘The media team has worked with me across a range of companies and projects for many years. They always maintain the highest of standards and their advice is genuinely second to none. They have in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of the industry and consistently contribute to the businesses in a positive and supportive way. I cannot recommend them highly enough.’
‘Sarah Lazarides is a joy to work with. Her knowledge of the industry and her ability to communicate often complex issues in simple commercial terms is remarkable. She continues to be my lawyer-of-choice for all matters relating to TV finance and production - a superb lawyer.’
‘Harbottle & Lewis has some clear and obvious strengths in the film and TV industry, with a depth of both knowledge and skill applying this knowledge. The team is open, collaborative and not afraid to make suggestions or to seek answers when they may not know the answer themselves.’
‘Professional, friendly, flexible and impactful. I deal mainly with Hannah Wylie who - in addition to her outstanding knowledge and ability - also brings warmth, humour and enjoyment to sometimes tricky and often fraught legal dilemmas.’
Key clients
- Amazon Studios
- Rabbit Track Pictures
- Mubi
- Avalon Entertainment
- Box to Box Films
- Metronome Film Company
- Storror Parkour
- Hachette
- MBC
- Three Six Zero
Work highlights
- Advising Amazon Studios on two film new feature film productions this year, "Killer Heat" and "Heads of State" as their production counsel.
- Advised Rabbit Track on its investment from Banijay’s £50m UK Growth Fund.
- Assisted MUBI with all areas of its work relating to the development, production, financing, acquisition and distribution of films, including those from both rising and reputable filmmakers.
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Sarah Lazarides