Abigail is a Partner in the Film and TV Group providing advice on all aspects of development, finance, production and distribution of feature films and television programmes and exploitation of ancillary rights. Particular expertise is in advising film funds, EIS schemes and structuring international co-productions and providing advice on tax incentives (including the film and high-end TV and animation production tax credits), and international subsidies for a wide international client base of producers, distributors, broadcasters, exhibitors, agents, insurance companies and artists.Her recent highlights include: Advising Marv Studios on the production and financing of the film Tetris, starring Taron Egerton, directed by Jon Baird, which will be available on Apple TV, including the arrangements between Marv and Access Industries, Union Bank, the completion guarantor and Apple. Acting for Sir Terry Pratchett’s estate on the co-production arrangements with BBC Studios for the television series The Watch based on the Discworld novels written by Sir Terry Pratchett produced in 2020.
England - London • TMT (technology, media and telecoms)
Harbottle & Lewis LLP
Harbottle & Lewis LLP's finance expertise spans all media-related sectors, including film and television, music, theatre, publishing and video games. Reflective of practice head Abigail Payne's capabilities, the team provides advice on all aspects of film and television financing, production and distribution to a mixture of financiers, producers, content creators and rights-holders; it has a particular specialism in structuring and implementing EIS and SEIS finance. Local language productions expert Hannah Wylie joined in December 2022.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Key clients
- Marv Studios
- all3media Group
- Microsoft
- Neal Street Productions
- Hopster
- Punchdrunk Global Limited
- Finstock Capital
- Pixion Games
- LA Media Fund
- Secret Group
- Jamie Hendry Productions
- Gutsy Animations UK
- Chris Young Films
- Jovera Pictures
- Rebellion Entertainment
- Kindred Concepts Limited
- Rainmaker Content
- Entertainment Film Distributors
- Greenacre Films
Work highlights
- Advised Rebellion Entertainment Limited on the co-financing and co-production of an animated feature film adaptation of “Rogue Trooper”.
- Advised Kindred Concepts Limited on their plans and series seed investment to launch F1 Arcade, a new immersive social entertainment venue concept incorporating F1 racing simulators.
- Advised Marv Studios on banking and other financing arrangements for their latest feature film “Argylle” to be shown on Apple TV.
Lawyers
Leading Individuals
Harbottle & Lewis LLP
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Abigail Payne