Media and entertainment specialist firm Simkins LLP fields a media finance practice which works closely with the film and TV team to advise on the financing of film and TV productions. Core areas of activity for the department include equity investments, and loan, security and inter-party financing arrangements in the media sector. Practice head Jonathan Blair excels in audiovisual matters, advising both producers and financiers on film and TV financings. Euan Lawson handles a mix of corporate and commercial matters, while corporate specialist Giao Pacey is a name to note for investors, producers, studios and talent. Ben Gisbey focuses on music-related transactions.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The practice is unique because lawyers are accessible, very light on their feet, extremely knowledgeable yet able to communicate in a simple and digestible way. They are patient and equable.'

  • ‘I worked primarily with Juliane Althoff who was fantastic. Juliane rose to every challenge and dealt with some really difficult people and scenarios on my behalf. She is knowledgeable, easy going and very precise in detail.’

  • ‘Ben Gisbey is hugely experienced and advises breakthrough and established artists as well as producers.’

Key clients

  • Coutts & Co
  • MBK Productions
  • Brontë Film and Television
  • Raw Television
  • Rockerdale Studios
  • Universal Music Group
  • Magical Society/Magical Productions
  • Ladywell Films Limited
  • Lumina
  • Quiddity Films Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised MBK Productions on the financing of two recent feature films, "One Life" and "Firebrand".
  • Advised Snowed-In Productions on new crime drama series "Joan" for ITV.
  • Advising Magical Society on all financing and production matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Jonathan Blair

Other key lawyers

Euan Lawson, Giao Pacey, Ben Gisbey, Juliane Althoff, Astrid Bulmer