A popular destination for financiers and production clients alike, Fieldfisher fields a strong media finance practice that draws on its international network to advise on multijurisdictional deals, including international media finance transactions. The team has been particularly active in the structuring of co-financing and co-production deals, but its wide-ranging expertise in the sector also extends to M&A involving the film and TV industries and media-related tax issues. Co-head Stephen Saltzman handles a mix of international distribution, co-production and co-financing transactions. Fellow co-leader Carlton Durrant focuses on M&A, joint ventures and fundraising matters. Tim Johnson is a longstanding expert in media finance, with over 30 years’ experience in advising US clients on complex film and TV finance structures and rights licensing arrangements. Senior associate Alice Taylor works closely with Durrant on deal structures for corporate acquisitions of film and TV production companies.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Key clients
- The British Broadcasting Corporation
- BBC Studios Distribution Limited
- Lumina Studios
- Natixis Coficine
- See-Saw Films
- UKTV Media Limited
- Deutsche Zentral-Genossenschaftsbank AG
- Constantin Film
- Spiro Films, Ltd.
- Starz Entertainment LLC
- Digital TV Group
- Max Films/Roger Frappier
- Huayi Brothers International
- Tokyopop
- Psyop
- Magnetar Capital
Work highlights
- Advised DZ Bank on the multi-party co-financing of independently produced high budget television series "Those About to Die".
- Advised Constantin Film in connection with the equity co-financing of an independent feature film "Psycho Killer" and related inter creditor agreement with the producer's lenders.
- Advised BBC Studios on M&A and strategic investments involving its portfolio of TV and film production companies.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Stephen Saltzman, Carlton Durrant