Harbottle & Lewis LLP assists with the full scope of film and TV productions, from initial script to screen, covering financing, production and distribution matters. Practice head Sarah Lazarides - 'a lawyer-of-choice for all matters relating to TV finance and production' - advises Hollywood and UK indie producers as well as subscription video-on-demand services (SVODs). The 'commercially minded, pragmatic and always very responsive' Hannah Wylie, a key member of the film, TV and theatre practice, is knowledgeable of AI issues. Abigail Payne advises on finance matters, international subsidies and tax credits in these segments. Clare McGarry is a key contact for independent producers and rights holders, while Catherine Flood focuses on assisting US studios and SVOD platforms. Caitlin McGivern also assists production companies with a mix of matters.

Leading production companies turn to Lee & Thompson LLP for specialist advice on both national and international film and TV matters, including financing, production and distribution issues. Recent highlights included advising on award-winning TV series and films, such as “The Zone of Interest” where film and TV expert Reno Antoniades acted as executive producer. Christos Michaels leads the firm’s film practice and advises on a myriad of production matters, while Richard Lever leads the TV group, handling a mix of financings and commercial arrangements. Nicki Parfitt, a name to note for film sales agents, distributors, financiers, and production companies, heads up the internal film and TV department. Recently promoted partner Luke Carey is especially active in the film industry, while Antony Swiatek is known for his work with producers. Anwen Griffiths left the practice in March 2024.

Sheridans has a strong film and TV practice which assists major studios and production companies as well as financiers, distributors and broadcasters with a range of mandates, covering the development, production, financing and distribution of films and TV programmes. Practice head Jeremy Roberts works on production, financings and other matters for notable TV projects and individuals, while Nick Mahara is well versed in film production matters. Robin Hilton often acts for production companies as well as media rights owners, and James Kay excels in mandates concerning the financing, production and exploitation of content. Jacqueline Hurt advises a wide range of clients on financing, distribution and production issues. The latter is a key area of expertise for Oliver Wiseman, who often assists with high budget scripted and unscripted series. Jessica Hudson is a key name to note for financing, development and production work.

Noted for 'the depth of resources available' and 'the consistency of skill sets', Wiggin LLP is home to a premier film and TV practice, which advises international studios, platforms, financiers and distributors on the full gamut of sector-related matters. The team has worked on multiple high-profile film and TV productions, but is also skilled at advising independent producers on their projects in the UK. Co-head Charles Moore advises on all aspects of Hollywood, UK and European film and television productions. David Quli oversees film and TV financing matters, co-lead Neil Gillard handles a mix of financing, development and production work for producers and broadcasters, and Sean James leads on content distribution and transmission issues. Co-head Michael Brader focuses on corporate TV production matters, while Matthew Dando is the go-to name for contentious issues. Medwyn Jones is well-respected for his experience in the TV sector, which spans over 30 years. Chris Hammond acts for major media and entertainment conglomerates in film and TV projects, while Gráinne McKenna, a key contact for US studios and UK television production companies, specialises in strategic business affairs. Innovative deals for film and TV productions are handled by James Peel, while Ross Sylvester advises media and digital platforms on commercial agreements.

The media, entertainment and sports practice at Bird & Bird LLP is a key destination for sports clients requiring assistance with film and TV matters, including financings, brand deals and the tokenisation of TV content. TV sports rights deals as well as advertising issues relating to film & TV productions are other areas of expertise for the department. Richard McMorris leads the broadcasting practice at the firm and is routinely instructed by sports clients seeking advice on a range of digital media, film and TV matters.

The practice at Bristows LLP acts for major production companies in the financing and production of films, and broadcasters and streaming companies in relation to distribution deals. The team is noted for its advertising capabilities, assisting with promotional and marketing campaigns for film releases. Paul Jordan leads the team and plays a prominent role in matters at the intersection of film, TV, advertising and marketing, while co-head Richard Dickinson focuses on advising broadcasters and production companies on IP rights, content licensing and other commercial transactions.

Clintons handles the gamut of film and TV matters, including rights transactions and multi-party media financing deals. Documentaries, sports and music-related content are particular strengths for the practice, which is also well positioned to advise music and sports talent on their film and TV projects. Matters concerning copyright exploitation related to adaptations and remakes also feature on the team's workload. Luke Gornell, who was promoted to partner January 2023, focuses on development, production, finance and exploitation deals in the film and TV industries. Litigator Steve Joelson acts for studios, production and distribution companies on contentious issues. Previous practice head Kami Naghdi left the firm in September 2023.

CMS handles a mix of corporate and commercial matters for national and international broadcasters and production companies. Broadcasters regularly turn to the team for advice on carriage negotiations with platforms, as well as electronic programme guide deals and content acquisitions. The group also has a strong presence in TV rights transactions, and sector-related M&A and joint ventures. Co-head Paul Guite routinely assists with high-profile commercial and corporate transactions in the film and television sectors, while fellow co-leader Victoria Gaskell advises production companies and distributors on regulatory and transactional issues. Rebekah Hayes is noted for her specialist expertise in production finance, acting for producers and financiers.

DLA Piper provides support in relation to broadcasting, sponsorships and media rights issues, and is retained by media rights owners, brands, technology companies and media conglomerates. Corporate matters - such as acquisitions and joint ventures - are other core areas of activity for the practice, which is under the leadership of Nick Fitzpatrick, a reference for broadcasting and sports matters. Samuel Churney focuses on sponsorships and the exploitation of media rights.

Standing out for its expertise in financings and corporate-focused matters in the film and television spaces, Fieldfisher has a strong track record in M&A transactions and joint ventures, rights licensing arrangements, and production and distribution issues. Clients of the firm also benefit from its specialist media tax team and strong capabilities in contentious matters. Stephen Saltzman, who leads the media and entertainment practice, excels in transactional work and AI-related issues, while Carlton Durrant is the go-to name for corporate finance and M&A in the film and TV sectors. An authority in the media and entertainment market, Tim Johnson possesses a wealth of experience in international co-productions, rights licensing, and distribution deals.

Bringing together expertise in commercial, corporate, regulatory, IP, finance and contentious mandates, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP regularly advises TV and film clients on production and co-production arrangements, distribution agreements, incentives and rights deals. Hayley Brady, who oversees the media and digital practice, is proficient in content licensing, sponsorships and innovative arrangements in the film and television sectors. James Balfour advises on contractual and regulatory issues.

Often instructed by studios, producers and broadcasters, the film and TV practice at Lewis Silkin is active in both contentious and non-contentious matters. On the consulting front, the group is skilled in financing, exploitation and production issues, and draws on the firm’s strong employment and immigration team to advise broadcast media companies on investigations. On the contentious side, the team particularly shines in IP protection and enforcement, as well as privacy issues, defamation and commercial disputes. Led by Cliff Fluet and Russell Brimelow, the media team also includes Phil Rymer, a name to note for commercial and legal issues related to the film industry, and Neil Parkes, who represents broadcasters, studios and production companies in both contractual and IP disputes.

Music specialist firm Russells Solicitors is home to a growing film and TV practice which acts for notable talent, presenters, broadcasters, producers and directors. The team has considerable experience in commercial transactions, an area in which co-head Gavin Maude stands out, while Simon Esplen focuses on music-related biopics and documentaries. The team is also a strong performer in litigation proceedings in this space, with litigation specialist Steven Tregear taking the lead on this type of work. Alex Cole handles development, production, financing and distribution arrangements, and Anna Ling assists directors, production companies and financiers with commercial matters.

Simkins LLP ‘has amazing knowledge of the film industry‘ as well as strong foundations in the television sector, advising on animations, documentaries, feature films and TV series. The team handles both financing and production mandates, and is adept in copyright infringement claims, distribution disputes and contract litigation. Practice head Jonathan Blair has notable strength in the structuring of international co-productions and financing deals, while Giao Pacey advises film and TV clients on corporate finance matters. Juliane Althoff is noted for her experience in the development, financing, production and exploitation of content, encompassing film and TV. Astrid Bulmer is key to animation matters.

The practice at Simons Muirhead Burton handles both contentious and non-contentious matters in the film and television sectors, often working in collaboration with its defamation team. The group is jointly led by Razwana Akram, who is knowledgeable of SVODs, financing and production matters, and Nick Miller, who joined from ACK Media Law LLP in June 2023, and is experienced in matters concerning feature films, documentaries and TV shows. Disputes work is overseen by Stephen Shotnes, while Simon Goldberg assists with the development and production of film and television projects. These are also key areas of focus for Blaise Gaymer, who also advises on the acquisition, licensing and distribution of feature films and TV programmes across networks, media and streaming services.

Keystone Law is particularly active in music-related film and TV projects, but is also well placed to handle contentious matters - such as copyright litigation - within the film and TV industries. Lawrence Abramson leads on media and commercial disputes; Jacqueline Brown handles copyright infringement proceedings; Nick Weaser advises music-related issues; and Gerard Cukier is proficient in contentious and non-contentious mandates in this space.

Noted for its cross-border capabilities, Latham & Watkins handles content financing, production, acquisitions and licensing deals for film and TV clients. Latterly, the team has been particularly active in the sports sector, assisting sports streamers and broadcasters with regulatory and corporate issues as well as production arrangements and media rights sales. Practice head Rachel Astin advises US studios, rights owners, international TV channels and streaming platforms on live sports broadcast deals, rights licensing arrangements and M&A transactions. Patrick Mitchell co-leads the team and is known for his expertise across sports and media. Lisbeth Savill retired in January 2024.

Level Law advises multinational studios and production companies on a mix of contentious and non-contentious film and TV issues. Production and distribution matters are handled by Tony Morris and Rochelle Winn, with Morris focusing on scripted shows, while Winn utilises her music expertise to advise on music-related productions. Jennifer Parker is the go-to name for film financings and also production matters concerning documentaries.

A key port of call for broadcasters, sports right holders and sports talent, sports boutique Onside Law LLP is adept at assisting with broadcast licensing arrangements related to media rights, and the production and distribution of content. The 'commercially minded' James Tobias takes the lead on this type of work, and is also well versed in matters at the intersection of broadcast and digital media. In addition, the team also acts for TV presenters, and has notably advised on numerous sports-related docuseries. Jamie Singer co-leads the team alongside Tobias.

Acting for artists, production companies and financiers, Reed Smith LLP‘s film & TV practice is noted for its expertise in financing matters in this space. 'A very experienced and well-known lawyer in the film and television production industry', Michael Maxtone-Smith specialises in sector-related financings, contracts receivables purchases, revolving lines on credit, and other transactions. Sophie Goossens advises film on TV clients on digital issues, such as AI, as well as IP matters. Media specialist Elle Todd leads the firm’s media and entertainment practice.

Baker McKenzie advises a host of clients, including major streamers and digital platforms, on TV production and distribution issues. Showcasing particular strength in digital content matters, the team is also retained to advise on IP, regulatory and AI-related issues. Ben Allgrove leads the practice, and advises major technology companies on content and regulatory matters.

Based in Bristol, Burges Salmon LLP acts for an impressive roster of broadcasters and production companies in an array of IP matters, including contentious issues and IP portfolio management. Typical instructions include advice on broadcasting rights exploitation, clearance and trade mark issues. The team also assists production companies with production agreements and marketing campaigns. Practice head Jeremy Dickerson specialises in IP and advises major film and TV companies on their trade mark portfolios. Helen Scott-Lawler assists with sponsorships, brand protection, and advertising and marketing issues, while Emily Roberts is the go-to name for contentious matters.

The corporate-focused film and TV practice at Mayer Brown International LLP mainly advises distributors, broadcasters and production companies on M&A, joint ventures, and other corporate mandates. The team is also skilled in disputes involving IP infringement, and contractual frameworks relating to film and TV productions in the UK and US. Practice head Miles Robinson handles cross-border disputes in the publishing sector, Rebecca Bothamley focuses on corporate finance matters in the media sector, and Oliver Yaros handles IP issues.

The practice at Mishcon de Reya LLP is particularly active in advising on IP-related issues in the TV and film sector, such as copyright and trade mark disputes, portfolio management and brand protection. The firm also assists with commercial agreements and rights acquisitions. Practice head Lewis Cohen focuses on commercial contracts, often working on sports-related matters. Sally Britton advises brands on IP protection, while David Rose handles patents.

Focused on independent films, Preiskel & Co LLP assists producers, distributors, rights acquisitions companies and film financiers with an array of mandates concerning feature films and documentaries. The team is jointly led by Peter Dally and Hannah Leader: Dally focuses on the financing, production and exploitation of filmed content, while Leader advises film producers and financiers on production, co-production, financing and distribution matters.