England - London • TMT (technology, media and telecoms)
Simkins LLP
Simkins LLP's wide-ranging media finance expertise covers the financing of film and television productions, the structuring and documentation of equity investments, and finance agreements including loan, security and inter-party arrangements. Practice head Jonathan Blair is a regular advisor to leading UK producers and production companies as well as international distributors and financiers. Managing partner Euan Lawson is also recommended; his recent work includes strategic investments and the financing of catalogue acquisitions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'When our directors are in panic mode, Euan Lawson will respond with a calm and thoughtful clear view, resolutely moving forward with constructive resolution.'
- 'Euan Lawson is a highly intelligent and experienced commercial lawyer.'
- 'To adapt the lyrics from the late great Tina Turner - Simkins are 'Simply the best, Better than all the rest'.
- '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 contracts/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. Astrid operates with a level of transparency I appreciate - I have never been surprised by the cost of a project. Astrid obviously has a great relationship with her partner, Jonathan Blair. He regularly comes onto our calls giving advice on larger matters - I have always found him willing to engage and incredibly knowledgeable.'
Key clients
- Coutts & Co
- MBK Productions
- Blue Jean Productions
- Erebus Pictures
- Milo The Cat
- Raw Television
- Rockerdale Studios
- Universal Music Group
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.
- Acting for MBK on the financing of The Convert, an action drama directed by Lee Tamahori and starring Guy Pearce and Te Kohe Tuhaka.
- Advising Coutts & Co on the financing of various television programmes.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Jonathan Blair