England - London • TMT (technology, media and telecoms)
Simkins LLP
Jonathan Blair heads up Simkins LLP’s film & TV division, which is a go-to firm for financiers and producers in matters involving audio-visual content; he has particular expertise in structuring international co-productions and financing packages. On the contentious side, the team is well-versed in copyright infringement claims, distribution disputes and contractual litigation. Other recommended individuals include managing partner Euan Lawson and associate Astrid Bulmer, who can advise film and television clients on all stages of the production lifecycle.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The best thing I have found about Simkins is the speed with which they deliver a brilliant service. I've worked with several law firms and none of them have come close to delivering contracts, advice or comments on negotiations as quickly - and not at the expense of quality.'
- The firm regularly detail changes, news and updates to the film and television sectors. It's completely geared to me as a film producer and I honestly find it incredibly succinct and useful.'
‘A big strength seems to be not only the diversity of knowledge within the firm as a whole, but their flexibility in bringing in different lawyers for specific cases.'
- 'Astrid Bulmer is so incredibly efficient! Her speed and efficacy make such a difference to my line of work and it's the main reason I will continue working with her.'
- 'Jonathan Blair regularly comes onto our calls giving advice on larger matters - I have always found him engaging and incredibly knowledgeable.’
Key clients
- Blue Jean Productions
- Big Fish Films
- Bronte Film & Television Limited
- Coutts & Co
- Erebus Pictures
- Fegg Features
- HTYT Limited
- MBK Productions
- Milo the Cat
- Raw Television
- Roadshow Productions
- Rockerdale Studios
- Rooks Nest Entertainment
- Snowed-In Productions
- Snowstorm Productions
- SunnyMarch Productions
- The Blair Partnership
- Wild Bunch
Work highlights
- Advising MBK Productions on the financing of One Life, the biographical film of British humanitarian, Nicholas Winton, starring Anthony Hopkins, Johnny Flynn and Helena Bonham Carter.
- Advising Bronte Film & Television (JK Rowling’s production company) on all aspects of the drama series Troubled Blood, based on the book from the Strike series of detective novels by Robert Galbraith.
- Advising MBK Productions on the financing of The Convert, an action drama directed by Lee Tamahori and starring Guy Pearce and Te Kohe Tuhaka.
Lawyers
Leading Individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Jonathan Blair