Media and entertainment: transactional in United States

Latham & Watkins LLP

A media and entertainment heavyweight with an international reach, Latham & Watkins LLP ‘s sizeable team handles industry-defining transactions for film and television studios, new media companies and private equity firms. Practice head Ken Deutsch specializes in investment and acquisitions across the entertainment space, he recently represented A24 in the receival of a $225m equity investment aimed at expanding the production and distribution capabilities of the company. Kendall Johnson has inked major deals for clients across the industry; her recent representation of MGM in its acquisition by Amazon spotlights her position as a major player in the field. New York-based joint venture expert Rick Offsay is adept at advising on complex financing arrangements such as Silver Lake’s recent investment in Shadowbox studios. Nancy A. Bruington is an expert in ‘complicated media collateral’,  she recently represented Entertainment One in a high value revolving credit facility. All lawyers mentioned are based in Los Angeles.

Practice head(s):

Ken Deutsch


Other key lawyers:

Kendall Johnson; Justin Hamill; Nancy Bruington; Rick Offsay; Adam Sullins


Testimonials

‘The team is the best I have ever worked with. They are extremely knowledgeable and they have a deep bench of partners that can cover all the issues that come up in a complex transaction. They have a wealth of experience in the media and entertainment industry and know what is marketable and what is not.’

‘Justin Hamill and Dan Mun are truly exceptional in the corporate department. They are always available, responsive and exceedingly helpful in resolving any issues that come up. Nancy Bruington is one of the best financing lawyers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with – she is exceptionally knowledgeable at complicated media collateral and securitizing atypical streams of revenue.’

‘Rick Offsay and Adam Sullins are great at entertainment transactions and extremely helpful on the commercial side.’

 

Key clients

Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM)


A24 Films


Endeavor


Moonbug Entertainment Ltd.


KKR


Dans Le Cinema LLC


Stampede Ventures


Searchlight Capital Partners, L.P.


Silver Lake


Shamrock Capital


Sony Pictures Entertainment


Spotify


Mast-Jägermeister


A-Frame Brands


Entertainment One (eOne)


Akin

Akin is a key destination for financial institutions, mezzanine investors and private equity firms that wish to invest in film, television, music and videogames. The Los Angeles-based team is helmed by Chris Spicer ; he focuses his practice on financing and recently advised HPS Investment Partners on a complex FILO loan for a music rights catalogue purchase. Marissa Román Griffith ‘s diverse transactional experience encompasses negative pickups and slate co-financing agreements- in a recent highlight she represented Media Rights Capital in a suite of transactions including a high-value refinancing and distribution agreements. Alissa Miller frequently assists major production companies and financial institutions with high-level production arrangements, financings, and M&A, while Vanessa Roman specializes in entertainment financings and single project loans in particular; she is additionally well placed to advise on matters pertaining to streaming and virtual reality.


Practice head(s):

Chris Spicer


Other key lawyers:

Marissa Román Griffith; Alissa Miller; Vanessa Roman


Key clients

American Coalition for Independent Content Producers (ACICP)


American Film Institute


Bank of America, N.A.


CIT Bank


City National Bank


Comerica Bank


Content Partners


East West Bank


HPS Investment Partners, LLC


JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.


Konami Cross Media


Lyrical Media LLC


Media Rights Capital


MUFG Union Bank, N.A.


Portfolio Funding Company


Sister Pictures


Truist Bank f/k/a SunTrust Banks


XYZ Films


Work highlights


  • Advised HPS Investment Partners, LLC, a leading global investment firm, in connection with a multi-tranche credit facility to Kobalt Music Group.
  • Representing MRC and its affiliates in connection with the refinancing of MRC’s multimillion-dollar JPMorgan-led revolving credit facility.
  • Representing MUFG Union Bank in connection with a $100 million revolving credit facility for TPC.

Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz PC

Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz PC splits the practice between New York and Los Angeles, representing talent from across the entertainment spectrum and specializing in up. In Los Angeles, practice co-head Andrew Hurwitz ‘s practice includes negotiating and structuring development and production agreements, he recently handled the incorporation of Yla Eason’s superhero, Sun-Man, to Mattel’s Masters of the Universe roster. Fellow practice co-head Michael Williams is based in New York, frequently negotiating merchandising and licensing agreements. Also in New York, Richard Heller focuses on new media and IP and recently represented Robbie Williams in a life story rights deal for the motion picture ‘Better Man’. Lisa Davis focuses her practice on film, publishing and live stage entertainment; she has represented Black Theatre United pro bono since it was formed in 2020. Julie Murray represents clients in the television, comedy and branded content industries from the firm’s New York office. Further recommended is New York-based Ben Moskowitz who regularly works as production counsel on documentary films and television programs.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Hurwitz; Michael Williams


Other key lawyers:

Richard Heller; Lisa Davis; Richard Hofstetter; Victoria Cook; Mark Merriman; Amy Nickin; Alan Sacks; Sean F. Kane; S. Gregory Boyd; Hayden Goldblatt; Sasha Levites; Julie Murray; Marcie Cleary; Dionne Gordon; Ben Moskowitz


Testimonials

‘The attorneys at FKKS are incredibly experienced, but more importantly, are good human beings. They are tough, seasoned negotiators, but approach dealmaking with fairness and dignity.’

‘Andrew Hurwitz has consistently gotten me excellent deals. He is generous with his time and expertise. When he doesn’t have an answer, he introduces me to someone who does. On top of that, he is a truly good human being; someone I consider a close friend.’

 ‘Andrew has guided me through thickets of competing interests time again with wisdom and patience. I value him as a lawyer and friend enormously.’

‘FKKS has been an invaluable resource for our team. Their collaborative feedback particularly in the area of fair use keeps us covered legally without sacrificing anything creatively on our projects.’

‘Dionne Gordon is a rock star and I don’t know what our team would do without her. We have been extremely grateful to take advantage of her many areas of expertise.’

 ‘Everyone I’ve worked with at FKKS has been incredibly patient, kind, understanding, and generous as they guided us through initial formation and growing pains, both artistically, legally, etc.’

‘Rich Heller is a fantastic attorney in every way. Andrew Hurwitz is much the same — highly experienced but also willing to spend a lot of time guiding us through things on a personal level.’

Key clients

Aaron Sorkin


Dean Koontz


John Goodman


The Roald Dahl Literary Estate


Hasbro, Inc.


Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.


Epic Games


Topic Studios / First Look Productions


Frank Loesser Estate


Jupiter Entertainment


Zero Point Zero Production


Above Average Productions


Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

In Los Angeles, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP is a go-to firm high-profile music transactions, with the team active across talent deals for the likes of The Eagles and Burt Bacharach as well as catalog sales. The practice is additionally well-versed in corporate transactions and frequently represents major film and television companies in deals such as financings and capital raises. Practice head Jordan Bromley represents a wide roster of musical artists as well as advocating for changes to labor law in California as musicians are currently exempt from certain protections. His colleague Sophia Yen is highly experienced in complex development deals and financings and led on the recent formation of the global comedy company Hartbeat. Gary Gilbert excels in negotiating recording agreements and world tours for leading musical artists. Christopher Chatham advises on production issues and celebrity backed consumer brands.

Practice head(s):

Jordan Bromley


Other key lawyers:

Sophia Yen; Gary Gilbert; Christopher Chatham; Joe Anderson


Testimonials

‘The Manatt media team is unparalleled when it comes to identifying new trends and positioning clients to monetize their abilities. They have the information clearinghouse of a big firm but still manage to operate like scrappy guerilla combatants.’

‘Chris Chatham is the best at looking at clients’ multidimensional abilities and then structuring business around those clients that have an almost supernatural ability to generate income.’

‘Quick, practical, commercial-minded advice to close a business deal, especially at the intersection of technology and entertainment.’

‘Joe Anderson is unfailingly optimistic in sorting through complex issues that often feel like issues of first impression. A very creative but practical dealmaker.’

‘Sophia Yen has gone above and beyond in her work with investors, filmmakers and institutions. Even producers and executives do not put that much time and thoughtful practice into this work.’

‘The team feels honest about the best path to resolution, with the partners really showing up to interface with the client.’

‘Confident approach to legal matters and aware of the benefits of efficiency and expediency.’

Key clients

Brian Wilson


Burt Bacharach


David Choe


Death Cab for Cutie


Diplo


Dr. Phil


Dundee Partners, the investment office of the Hendel Family


Dunshire Productions


eOne Features


FilmRise


Francisco Partners Management


HARTBEAT, LLC


Heidi Klum


Jack White


Majordomo Media, LLC


Melon, Inc.


Michael Douglas


Sony Pictures Entertainment


Stage 29 Productions


Styx


Wavelength Productions


Work highlights


  • Advised HARTBEAT on the formation of the company and represented HARTBEAT in its $100 million capital raise by private equity firm Abry Partners.
  • Represented Melon, Inc.,  in the creation of NFL Tycoon, a new Roblox experience developed in partnership with the National Football League.
  • Representing Wavelength Productions, a film, television and digital production company with the development, financing, production, distribution and maintenance of its slate of content.

O'Melveny & Myers LLP

From joint ventures and strategic alliances, to company capitalizations, to cross-border transactions, O'Melveny & Myers LLP‘s team continues to be active across a broad array of deals in the media and entertainment space. Amy Siegel heads the practice from the firm’s Century City offices- a specialist in joint ventures, she recently represented fuboTV in its acquisition of French streaming company Molotov SAS. Fellow Century City resident Lindsay Conner focuses his practice on film and digital content; he recently represented ITV Studios America in a deal with Apple TV concerning the financing and distribution of a major new series. In New York, Terrence Dugan’s practice covers music right acquisitions, syndicated financings and workouts. Matthew Syrkin, who is also based in New York, joined the firm in August 2022 from Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP – his corporate expertise was highlighted by the key role he played in the recent distribution and launch of the streaming service SkyShowtime that will be available in 22 European countries. Century City’s Bruce Tobey and Silvia Vaninni further strengthen the team.

Practice head(s):

Amy Siegel


Other key lawyers:

Lindsay Conner; Terrence Dugan; Chris Owens; Matthew Syrkin; Bruce Tobey; Silvia Vannini


Testimonials

Thoughtful and considerate of both business and legal matters.

Key clients

Animal Logic


CJ ENM


Content Partners


ITV Studios America


Perfect World Pictures


fuboTV


Starz


ViacomCBS


WarnerMedia


Walt Disney Company


Work highlights


  • Advised CJ ENM in its acquisition of an 80 percent stake of the scripted business of Endeavor Content from its parent company Endeavor Group Holdings for an enterprise valuation of US$850 million.
  • Represented JPMorgan as agent and lead bank in US$550 million in debt financing for independent rights management and music publishing company Kobalt Music Group Ltd. for the acquisition of music copyrights.

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

The California-based team at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP specializes in content acquisition and production matters such as film library purchases and licensing deals for both major streaming services and indie media companies like Black Bear Television. Film financing specialist Robb Klein heads the practice, he recently inked a high-value accordion credit facility for Ashland Hill Media Finance. Robert Darwell is noted for his long-standing work on behalf of Amazon, while digital media specialist Linda Michaelson ’s practice centers around corporate transactions; she recently Sony Pictures Television in its acquisition of a controlling interest in Industrial Media. David Sands is a media finance and mergers expert who recently advised creator platform startup Spotter on a series D funding round and has handled previous funding rounds for the company. Shaun Clark ’s entertainment practice encompasses IP rights and first look agreements, and Leif Cervantes De Reinstein represents an impressive roster of indie production companies and deals primarily with matters pertaining to scripted television and VOD.

Practice head(s):

Robb Klein


Other key lawyers:

Robert Darwell; Linda Michaelson; David Sands; Shaun Clark; Leif Cervantes de Reinstein


Testimonials

Everyone at SM offers practical, business centric advice when I need it the most. With SM I know that I will always get an accurate risk analysis in a timely manner that allows me to move my business forward. Their Entertainment practices is one of the best I have worked with and their network of attorneys and their skills are always top-notch.

Robert Darwell, is the one-stop go to person for all my legal needs as he responds to an email immediately and puts me in touch with the right practitioner. He is the ultimate connector and an invaluable resource for in-house counsels.

Key clients

Amazon.com


Amazon Studios


TelevisaUnivision


Sony Pictures Television


ICM Partners


Black Bear Television


Fremantle


Domain Capital Group


Spotter, Inc.


Disney Television Animation


Crunchyroll


Ashland Hill Media Finance


iGeneration Studios


Lionsgate Entertainment


Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP

The corporate expertise at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP enables the firm to handle high-value acquisitions such as Amazon’s recent $8.45bn acquisition of MGM, closed in March 2022, in which the practice represented the acquirer. The team also frequently advises the likes of Yell Holdco Limited and Quibi Holdings on banking matters, restructurings and winding down processes. Faiza Saeed  leads the practice from New York and has extensive experience of crisis management and M&A- in a recent highlight she represented Disney in a support agreement with Third Point.

Practice head(s):

Faiza Saeed


Key clients

Amazon


Cable One


DreamWorks


Disney


Gannett


Hasbro


Quibi


Scientific Games


Rogers Communication


Univision


Yell


Work highlights


  • Representing Rogers Communications in its pending C$26 billion acquisition of Canadian connectivity company Shaw Communications.
  • Represented The Walt Disney Company in connection with its support agreement with Third Point LLC.
  • Represented Amazon.com, Inc. in its $8.45 billion acquisition of MGM Studios.

Loeb & Loeb LLP

The broad entertainment offering at Loeb & Loeb LLP incorporates episodic content for major streaming platforms, live music, immersive entertainment and a subgroup focused on podcasts and their crossover possibilities. Roger Arar co-heads the practice from New York; he has extensive experience of leading on network licensing agreements and represents the Kubrick estate on deals including the development of unproduced Kubrick film projects. In Los Angeles, co-head of practice Scott Edel ‘s practice includes production, financing and distribution transactions such as those he recently handled in support of the computer-animated film ‘Garfield’. Also in Los Angeles, John Frankenheimer  is a music specialist who represents companies and artists; he recently secured new songwriting agreements for Blake Bollinger, Lee Brice and Rachel Wammack. In New York, fellow music expert Debbie White focuses on artists’ work with streaming platforms and is representing media company Hello Sunshine in connection with the production of a music show named ‘My Kind of Country’. Another name to note is New York-based Mark Chamlin who represents Oprah Winfrey in a number of high-profile deals.

Practice head(s):

Scott Edel; Roger Arar


Other key lawyers:

John Frankenheimer; Debbie White; Marc Chamlin; Paul Swanson; Arash Khalili; Derek Crownover; Stefan Schick; Scott Zolke; Denise Stevens; Tiffany Dunn;  Ivy Kagan Berman; Frank D’Angelo; Carol Kaplan; Scott Wilcox; Anne Kennedy McGuire


Testimonials

‘I have worked with several of the leading entertainment law firms. They were all good but I never experienced the kind of comprehensive support that I’ve received from Loeb & Loeb. 

‘I have been working with Marc Chamlin for approximately 15 years and, in that time, Marc has become an essential part of my life and my work.’

‘I worked with Ivy Kagan Berman on union issues and she was extremely helpful.’

‘I worked with Frank D’Angelo and  was very impressed with Frank’s tough, thoughtful and even-handed approach.’

‘They are excellent.’

‘Carol Kaplan is extraordinarily knowledgeable about every aspect of this space and is a dedicated legal advisor. Scott Wilcox has also been great.’

Key clients

Oprah Winfrey and Harpo


Glenn Close


Jeff & Jackie Filgo


BTS


HYBE (formerly known as Big Hit Entertainment)


Nu’est


Seventeen


Enhyphen


Eric Nam


Sharp Entertainment


The Who


Christina Aguilera


Carrie Underwood


Gabby Barrett


Sam Hunt


Duran Duran


LeAnn Rimes


Regina Spektor


Melanie Martinez


Luke Combs


Old Crow Medicine Show


Midland


Dan Smalley


Dylan Brady


Lance Miller


Anna Vaus


Tyler Reeve


Vince Gill


Jerrod Niemann


Casting Crowns


Runaway June


Elvie Shane


Brooke Eden


Abbey Cone


Gordie Sampson


Double Down Music and Dallas Davidson


Jesse Frasure


Rodney Clawson


Teyana Taylor


Given Music Publishing


Dune Grass Music


Warner Bros.


Julie Taymor


Benjamin Lowy


Vivek Tiwary


Lia Vollack


Paula Wagner


Barry Weissler


Patti LuPone


Natasha Katz


Clint Black


Ross Golan


Netflix


Sony Pictures Entertainment


Paramount


Lionsgate


MGM Studios


Bold Films


Disney Jr.


HBO


Viacom


Nickelodeon


Media Rights Capital


STX


Village Roadshow


Jenna Segal


Alliance Entertainment


Ashley Gorley


Natalie Hemby


Audible


Buffalo Bills


Hello Sunshine


Tencent


Alcon Entertainment


Black Label Media


Voxovation


Morgan Creek Productions


Studio 8


Google/Youtube


Nintendo


Buzzfeed


Valve Corporation


Games Workshop


Elli Hakami, Julian Hobbs and Talos Films


RTR Media


Scott Brothers Entertainment


Station 6 Productions


Rust Movie Productions


Streamline Global


Stanley Kubrick Estate


Hearst’s King Features


Houghton Mifflin Harcourt


Estate of Otis Redding, Jr.


John R. Cash Revocable Trust


Lemonada Media, LLC


Audiochuck Network


Mike Rowe


Ree Drummond


Steve Irwin Family


Ty Pennington


Country Music Thunder Festivals


Superfly Events


Chet Holmgren


Rande Gerber and Cindy Crawford


Van Jones


Reggie Busch


Tony Gonzalez


Ingenuity Studios


Tyler “Ninja” Blevins


Lionel Richie


Desi Perkins


Jasmine Tookes


Josephine Skriver


Nexon Studios


Work highlights


  • Represented Nexon, a global leader in virtual world games, in its $400 million strategic minority investment in AGBO.
  • Represented Oprah Winfrey and Harpo in a number of high-profile transactions including the production and licensing of “Oprah + Viola Davis” to Netflix.
     
  • Representing Christina Aguilera on all agreements, including handling the clearance work for her Spanish language album.

Paul Hastings LLP

The California-based team at Paul Hastings LLP specializes in transactions that facilitate the creation and acquisition of content such as slate financing deals and acquisitions of high-profile production companies. The firm’s four practice heads all reside in Century City: Mickey Mayerson ‘s broad finance-based practice includes advising lenders and borrowers; Susan Williams specializes in complex licensing and distribution arrangements and also known for extensive mentoring work with up-and-coming female lawyers; Erik Hyman represents a number high-profile artists including Danielle Brooks, while Craig Emanuel is a digital media and investment expert who represents Ryan Murphy in ongoing transactions related to his multi-year Netflix deal. David Hernand brings a wealth of corporate expertise to the practice.

Practice head(s):

Craig Emanuel; Erik Hyman; Susan Williams; Mickey Mayerson


Other key lawyers:

David Hernand; Sean Monroe


Testimonials

‘Competence in every category.’

‘Responsive and best-in-class.’

They are all experienced, service oriented and fierce advocates for clients.’

Key clients

Vine Alternative Investments


Fox Corporation


Tribune Entertainment


Celebrands


Truist Bank


Motion Picture Corporation of America


Midcap Financial


Qcode


About-Face


Walmart


Morgan Stanley


Lion Tree


HYBE


The Friedkin Group, Inc.


777 Partners


AT&T


Paramount Global


Warner Bros. Discovery


Imperative Entertainment


30WEST


Ryan Murphy/Ryan Murphy Productions


Tony Gilroy


Anthony Bregman and Likely Story


Luke Davies


Nancy Meyers


Radical Media


Charles Randolph


George Wolfe


Carol Aebersold and family


Mandalay Pictures


Robert Rodriguez


New Slate Ventures


Jac Schaeffer


Snoot Entertainment


Sarah Streicher


Kevin Willmott


Anthony Ramos


Quincy Jones


Jason Beghe


Danielle Brooks


Work highlights


  • Represented Morgan Stanley and Lion Tree, who acted as financial advisers for MGM Studios, in connection with Amazon’s acquisition of MGM Studios.
  • Represented Paramount Global, Warner Bros. Discovery and The CW Network in a definitive agreement for Nexstar Media Group to acquire a 75% ownership interest in The CW Network LLC.
  • Representing Ryan Murphy and Ryan Murphy Productions in connection with his multi-year overall deal with Netflix and Fox to produce new series and films.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

A key strategic player in the world of media and entertainment, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP handles a range of complex corporate transactions for major cross-platform content providers. Renowned M&A expert Robert Schumer co-heads the practice- in a recent highlight he advised Advance in the high profile merger between WarnerMedia and Discovery. Michael Vogel completes the leadership team, his transactional proficiency was recently showcased in his representation of Bowlero Corp in a business combination with Isos Acquisition Corporation. Further recommended is Robert Zochowski Jr.  who specializes in film and music rights asset securitizations. All lawyers mentioned are based in New York.


Practice head(s):

Robert Schumer; Michael Vogel


 


Other key lawyers:

Robert Zochowski Jr.; Chuck Googe


Testimonials

‘Paul Weiss has represented me for over thirty years. Their support, advice and actions on my behalf have never been less than flawless. Their protection of my IP has always been swift, elegant and successful.’

‘My attorney Chuck Googe is a friend as well as fierce advocate on his clients’ behalf. His counsel is very valuable and wise.’

 

Key clients

Advance


Bowlero Corp


Legendary


Perkins Coie LLP

The ‘well-conducted orchestra’ at Perkins Coie LLP parlays its traditional strength in the videogame sector into a broader practice that encompasses digital media and sport and is well placed to take advantage of the ongoing convergence of technology and entertainment in the space. Technology lawyer Kirk Soderquist co-leads the ensemble from Seattle, he is currently conducting due diligence of Activision Blizzard’s intellectual property and video game assets for longstanding client Microsoft. The baton is shared with the Alto Palo-based lawyer Jason Schneiderman, who specializes in matters pertaining to immersive technology. John Delaney rounds off the leadership team from New York; his broad practice includes product counseling and music licensing. Technology transactions lawyer and Seattle Symphony board member Ron Koo acts as the primary client lead for Epic games; his work for the company includes various IP matters and B2B agreements.


Practice head(s):

Kirk Soderquist; Jason Schneiderman; John Delaney


Other key lawyers:

Ron Koo; Ali Mirsaidi; Meeka Bondy; Divya Taneja; Mark Goodrich; Michelle Han; Kyle Simon; Brian Eiting


Testimonials

‘Kyle Simon puts together a first-class team with efficiency at the associate level matched by experts that come in and out to the deal with the seamlessness of a well-conducted orchestra.’

‘Kyle Simon has emerged as an up-and-coming deal lawyer, bringing a savvy and practical sense of deal-making to an increasingly deep command of the media sector.’

‘John Delaney is a brilliant IP and tech transactions lawyer who knows the landscape and always thinks two or three steps ahead.

‘Brian Eiting is a practical, commercially-minded lawyer who drives great deals for his clients. Fully trust him with board-level deals.’

 

Key clients

Epic Games


Microsoft


The Orchard Enterprises


Nintendo


Snapshot Games


FazeClan


Pixel United (Aristocrat Leisure Limited)


Boomy


Google


Pokemon Company International


Work highlights


  • Represented Epic Games in various legal focus areas since 2013.
  • Representing Microsoft in its acquisition of Activison Blizzard: team is leading the due diligence of Activision Blizzard’s IP and video game assets.
  • Representing HTC America, Inc. and HTC Corp. for over 10 years providing product counsel on their AR/VR headsets, privacy counsel, patent portfolio management, trademark enforcement, and litigation.

Reed Smith LLP

The team at Reed Smith LLPLLP frequently acts on the borrower’s side in film and television productions as well as assisting in the creation of film funds, aggregation of entertainment capital and music industry transactions, alongside digital ventures and copyright issues. Century City-based Stephen Sessa leads the team- his practice is centered around music and he advises across the industry from artists to publishing companies. His Century City colleague Joshua Love handles music-asset related matters on the buyer’s and seller’s side.  Also in Century City, Michael Sherman specializes in entertainment finance and intellectual matters. In New York, Christian Simonds acts primarily for film and television clients in areas such as debt facilities and equity finance.



Practice head(s):

Stephen Sessa


Other key lawyers:

Michael Sherman; Joshua Love; Christian Simonds; Amy Dunitz; Henry Birkbeck


Testimonials

‘Personal and professional service.’

‘Dedicated, intelligent, personable, available.’

‘The firm has a large field of practice with attorneys that practice in many specialty areas.’

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Record labels, gaming conglomerates and  animation studios are among the broad roster of clients advised by the team at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Practice head David Eisman is a versatile practitioner with a history of major transactions in the film and music industries. In a recent highlight, he represented music label 300 Entertainment in its acquisition by Warner Music Group. Seasoned entertainment lawyer Glen G. Mastroberte handles a range of corporate matters for entertainment companies with strategic alliances and joint ventures standing out as areas of particular expertise. All lawyers mentioned are based in Los Angeles.

Practice head(s):

David Eisman


Other key lawyers:

Glen G. Mastroberte


Key clients

300 Entertainment


Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP stands out for having the bandwidth to handle large industry-shaping deals such as the firm’s representation of Discovery in its $130bn takeover of TimeWarner; a deal that required a complex Reverse Morris Trust transaction. The team is led by Jonathan Levitsky from the firm’s New York offices, he is an M&A specialist and led on the Discovery takeover. San Francisco-based Michael Diz  is another M&A expert at the firm; he is currently advising the Dolan Family on the creation of a spin-off company that would combine Madison Square’s live entertainment business with MSG Networks.

 


Practice head(s):

Jonathan Levitsky


Other key lawyers:

Michael Diz


Key clients

Consilio


DoubleVerify, Inc.


Gympass


Liberty Media


Match Group


Providence Equity Partners


Qatar Investment Authority


Sonos


Syniverse


TA Associates


The Carlyle Group


The Dolan Family (controlling stockholders of Madison Square Garden)


Verizon Communications Inc.


Warner Bros Discovery


Warner Music Group


Work highlights


  • Advised Discovery, Inc. in its acquisition of WarnerMedia from AT&T Inc.
  • Advising The Dolan Family in Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.’s (NYSE: MSGE) spin-off that would create a separately traded public company.
  • Advised Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) in its $375 million co-investment to help finance Elon Musk’s take-private acquisition of Twitter (NYSE: TWTR).

DLA Piper LLP (US)

DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s Los Angeles-based team handles music and media acquisitions, promotional partnerships and various matters at the intersection of technology and experiences such as the first ever NFT drop from space. Practice co-head Tom Ara specializes in strategic industry transactions and is representing VVIP Venture in the acquisition of National Enquirer, National Examiner and Globe. Fellow practice co-head Robert J. Sherman‘s practice includes music rights acquisitions and entertainment bankruptcy proceedings. Final practice co-head David Markman frequently negotiates on behalf of above and below-the-line talent. He currently represents Jeanie Buss and David McLane on multiple transactional issues relating to their all-female wrestling organization: Women of Wrestling. Another name to note is Katherine Imp who provides key support to Ara on a wide array of matters.

Practice head(s):

Tom Ara; Robert J. Sherman; David Markman


Other key lawyers:

Katherine Imp


Testimonials

‘This team is extremely knowledgeable of the film and tv industry in many facets: a pleasure to work with.’

‘They are quick to respond and have deep institutional knowledge.’

 

Key clients

TikTok Inc.


ZASH Global Media and Entertainment Corporation


Cyber Group Studios


Coupang Corp.


Alchemy Copyrights (d/b/a Concord Music)


Michelle Rodriguez


CJ ENM Co. Ltd.


Educational Media Foundation/K-LOVE Radio


The Walt Disney Company


HarbourView Equity Partners


Multimedia Music


Work highlights


  • Represented Concord in connection with the purchasing of the published and recorded music catalogues of Phil Collins, Tony Banks, and Mike Rutherford.
  • Represented ZASH Global Media & Entertainment Corp. in a key streaming and promotional partnership with Insomniac for the Electric Daisy Festival 2022.

Katten

Katten represents leading creators, film studios and television networks on both the domestic and international stage. Development, production and licensing arrangements are key areas of focus team. Practice head Michael Hobel handles an array of matters related to content creation and distribution for clients such as Debmar-Mercury and HBO. Melanie Tomanov specializes at negotiating deals for high-profile clients from the film and music industry, while Scott Cutrow provides key support to Hobel, including on talent agreements for the streaming platform Hulu. All named lawyers are based in Los Angeles.

Practice head(s):

Michael Hobel


Other key lawyers:

Melanie Tomanov; Scott Cutrow


Key clients

Chicago Bulls


Debmar-Mercury


EPiX


FremantleMedia North America


Handmade Films


HBO


Legendary Entertainment


Los Angeles Clippers


Matt Groening Productions (creator of “The Simpsons”)


MRC Entertainment


Resurgence Media Group, LLC


Trent Reznor, Nine Inch Nails


Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Representing pay television network, Home Box Office (HBO), in relation to its original programming.
  • Advised on many critical business transactions for television syndication company Debmar-Mercury.
  • Representing FremantleMedia North America in a number of critical entertainment transactional matters.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Kirkland & Ellis LLP specializes in joint ventures, strategic alliances and high-profile acquisitions in areas from music catalogs to video game development studios. Carve-out transactions specialist Seth Traxler operates from the firm’s Chicago office - in a recent highlight he represented MNRK Music Group in its sale of the Death Row Records brand to Snoop Dogg. Also in Chicago, Rory Wellever leverages his entertainment industry experience to advise on a range of commercial transactions such as Hipgnosis Song Management’s recent acquisition of Justin Timberlake’s song catalog. In New York, Shellie Freedman centers her practice on IP and technology matters and worked alongside Traxler on the Death Row matter. Another name to note is Chicago-based Bernadette Coppola, who focuses her practice on data-related transactions.

Other key lawyers:

Seth Traxler; Shellie Freedman; Rory Wellever; Bernadette Coppola


Key clients

ABRY Partners II, LLC


Bazooka Companies, Inc., The


Be Sunshine, LLC


Blackstone Inc.


CC Neuberger Principal Holdings II


Charter Communications


Kodiak Cakes


Hipgnosis Songs Assets (Delaware) LP


Horizon Acquisition Corporation


Kid Distro Holdings, LLC


Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., L.P.


Krafton, Inc.


Dave & Buster’s Entertainment Inc.


Nexstar Media Group


SESAC Rights


The Blackstone Group International Partners LLP


TPG Real Estate


Verizon


Work highlights


  • Represented Charter Communications in its $900 million joint venture with Comcast Corp.
  • Represented Hipgnosis Song Management in acquisition of pop icon Justin Timberlake’s current song catalog.
  • Represented Blackstone-backed MNRK Music Group in its sale of the Death Row Records brand to hip hop legend and entrepreneur Snoop Dogg.

Proskauer Rose LLP

The New York-based team at Proskauer Rose LLP advises on high-profile M&A , OTT launches and distribution deals for the likes of Warner Bros, Discovery, Hulu and iHeartMedia.  Practice co-head Robert Freeman ‘s detailed knowledge of the media and entertainment side of M&A deals makes him a valuable corporate asset. Fellow co-head Lauren Boglivi  is another M&A expert who recently represented Homecare Homebase LLC in its acquisition of CellTrak Technologies. Co-head Sandra Crawshaw-Sparks divides her time between New York and Los Angeles and focuses her bi-coastal practice on music litigation and transactional matters. Also in New York, Jeffrey Neuburger is a blockchain specialist who is handling a range of matters for Miramax related to a a collection of NFTs, while filmmaker-turned-lawyer Wai Choy  is another name to note who is also leading on the Miramax NFT matter.

Practice head(s):

Lauren Boglivi; Sandra Crawshaw-Sparks; Robert Freeman; Jeffrey Neuburger


Other key lawyers:

Wai Choy


Testimonials

‘They are responsive and smart. The team knows the industry and are extremely creative when it comes to business and legal solutions.’

‘They are fun and smart and make what seems like a difficult situation more pleasant and workable’

 

Key clients

AMC Networks


Bain Capital


Big Ten Conference


Castlelake


Crown Media


Cox Communications


Digicel


Doodles


DISH Network


Fan Controlled Football League


FanDuel


ForgeLight LLC


fuboTV


Hearst


Hulu


iHeartMedia


Los Angeles 2028 Organizing Committee (LA 2028)


LPGA


Minute Media


Major League Soccer


Miramax


National Basketball Association


National Football League


National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences


Rádio e Televisão Bandeirantes


Shamrock Capital Advisors


Spectrum (Charter Communications)


Tegna


TelevisaUnivision


The Ivy League


TMRW Sports


United States Golf Association


Urban One


Warner Bros. Discovery


Pryor Cashman LLP

The team at Pryor Cashman LLP represents high-profile individuals from film and music, technology giants and major entertainment companies in transactions ranging from intellectual property acquisitions to endorsement deals. James Janowitz co-heads the practice; he represents influential artists and organizations from the TV and film industry and recently advised longstanding client David Gordon Green on his recent three-picture deal with Blumhouse and Morgan Creek. He shares leadership duties with new recruits Simon Pulman and Briana Hill, who joined the practice from Cowan, Debaets, Abrahams and Shepherd in February 2022. Pulman is particularly experienced in financing and complex transmedia deals, while Hill, who is based in Los Angeles, is an experienced company-side entertainment lawyer whose practice extends to co-production and licensing deals. Maraiya Hakeem is another name to note; she is a corporate practitioner with significant experience of drafting and negotiating arrangements for SVOD platforms. All lawyers mentioned are based in New York unless otherwise stated.












Practice head(s):

James Janowitz; Briana Hill; Simon Pulman


Other key lawyers:

Maraiya Hakeem; James Sammataro


Key clients

Kevin Durant, Rich Kleiman, and Thirty Five Ventures


NMPA/NSAI


AMC Networks


The Latin American Film Company


David Gordon Green


Independent Film Channel (IFC)


WHP Global (and other private equity shops)


Muserk


Pure Flix


Steve Aoki


Various high profile athletes and celebrities


Numerous ArtNews Top 200 Collectors (based in the U.S. and internationally)


Work highlights


  • Representing film director David Gordon Green, who recently secured a reboot deal for The Exorcist trilogy.
  • Advised Steve Aoki on most of his endorsement and appearance-based deals, investments and his new NFT creative agency.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

A strong corporate track record has made Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP a key destination for media and entertainment companies carrying out acquisitions on both the buyer’s and seller’s side. The practice is headed by Michael Lubowitz  in New York. In addition to his M&A expertise, Lubowitz has experience in hostile tender offers and restructurings, and recently represented DirecTV in the acquisition of assets and liabilities from AT&T.

 


Practice head(s):

Michael Lubowitz


Key clients

Aleph Capital


AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc


The Anthem Entertainment Group Inc.


Blackstone


Bungie, Inc.


Clearhaven Partners


CPP Investments


Crestview


DirecTV, LLC


Discovery Communications, Inc.


EQT Partners


Getty Images


Goldman Sachs


J.P. Morgan


Major League Baseball Players Association


MGM Resorts


Morgan Stanley


Providence Equity Partners


Redbox Entertainment Inc.


SiriusXM


Skillz Inc.


Starz, Inc.


Storytel AB


TCV


Thryv Holdings, Inc. (f/k/a Dex Media, Inc.)


Topgolf International, Inc.


Trader Interactive, LLC


Trebia Acquisition Corp.


Vivial Media Holdings, Inc. (f/k/a Vivial Media, LLC)


 


 


Work highlights


  • Advised DirecTV, LLC, a global provider of digital television entertainment services, in its acquisition of certain assets and liabilities from AT&T AND  WarnerMedia.
  • Representing the independent directors of Bungie, Inc. in Bungie’s $3.6 billion sale to Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. (Japan).
  • Advising MGM Resorts International in its pending $607 million tender offer to acquire LeoVegas AB.