Latham & Watkins LLP is a leading name for film financing, M&A and live events, and counts major production companies, motion picture studios, new media companies and investors among its client base. The firm's international network is a key differentiator, with a number of transactions involving multi-jurisdictional components in Europe and Asia. Joseph Calabrese oversees the firm's entertainment practice globally and is highly skilled in film and TV-related transactions, financings and distribution agreements. Nancy Bruington is another key name with a greater emphasis on financing work related to motion pictures, TV series and digital content. Clients have also highlighted the 'whip-smart' Kenneth Deutsch, an expert in joint ventures, financing and distribution agreements. Also recommended are Robert Haymer, an expert in M&A, and Justin Hamill, who has been very active in private equity work.
Media and entertainment: transactional in United States
Latham & Watkins LLP
Practice head(s):
Joseph Calabrese
Other key lawyers:
Justin Hamill; Nancy Bruington; Ken Deutsch; Robert Haymer
Testimonials
‘The team led by Ken Deutsch provides a rare combination of top flight technical expertise and deep industry relationships with a highly time efficient and client-friendly approach. They are simply the best.’
‘Ken Deutsch is whip-smart, digests complex problems and information rapidly and communicates clearly without much legal jargon. He’s a star. His associates, especially Liliana Paparelli, are smart and efficient.’
‘Recognized as the top entertainment transactional practice for corporate clients.’
‘Joe Calabrese, Ken Deutsch, Nancy Bruington and Libby Savill are all great.’
Key clients
A24 Films
Anonymous Content
Parkwood Entertainment
Blumhouse Productions
Brothers International/AGBO
Content Partners
Endeavor Operating Company
Entertainment Studios
ICM
Illumination Entertainment
Media Res Productions, Inc.
New Republic Pictures
Postmates Inc.
Silver Lake
Skydance
TEB Capital Management
Virgin Fest, LLC
Youzu Games Hong Kong Limited
Work highlights
- Advised New Republic Pictures on its partnership with Paramount on 9 motion pictures.
- Advised Endeavor on a minority investment in Whalerock Industries and in engaging Whalerock’s chief executive to become president of Endeavor’s representation and management business.
- Advised on co-financing and distribution arrangements on behalf of Illumination, Universal and Nintendo on the production of an animated motion picture based on Super Mario Bros.
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
O'Melveny & Myers LLP fields a sizable and experienced team in Los Angeles, and maintains a market presence that sees it involved in all segments of the entertainment industry, acting for major clients such as Paramount, Warner Bros and Viacom. The team has also worked on cross-border matters involving Europe and Asia, most notably assisting Library Pictures International with financing the Oscar-winning Korean movie Parasite. Bruce Tobey leads the team and is well versed in the financing, distribution and licensing of motion pictures, in part owing to his former role as COO of CBS Films. Sean Monroe has a broader focus across sport and entertainment, with expertise in M&A, financings, joint ventures and private equity deals. Silvia Vannini is also noted for her broad expertise within the entertainment industry, acting for clients such as Twentieth Century Fox. Amy Siegel is another key name and has been very active in new media, most recently advising on digital events and meet and greets for music artists. Counsel Evie Whiting is a name to note on the more junior level. Former co-chair Matthew Erramouspe has moved in-house to Legendary Entertainment.
Practice head(s):
Bruce Tobey
Other key lawyers:
Sean Monroe; Silvia Vannini; Amy Siegel; Matthew Erramouspe
Testimonials
‘My #1 law firm for all media/entertainment work. They have the best lawyers and what makes them the best is not just that they are bright and experienced, its that they understand the business, are practical and work to getting a deal done.’
Key clients
127 Wall Productions
BRON Studios
CAA
Legendary Entertainment
Looped
Paramount Pictures
ViacomCBS
Warner Bros.
Work highlights
- Advised Viacom on its purchase if a 49% stake in Miramax from beIN Group.
- Advised Paramount on its partnership with New Republic Pictures towards financing ten motion pictures.
- Advised FilmDistrict Holdings on its sale to Content Partners.
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
Based in Los Angeles, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP has a broad client base of major financiers, lenders and production companies, and is distinguished through its work advising inbound investors from Asia such as MUFG Bank, East West Bank and China Media Corporation, among others. The team’s domestic client base is equally impressive, including a number of major names such as Bank of America and JP Morgan. Given its solid financier client base, the practice’s workload consists primarily of credit facilities and financing work. Christopher Spicer chairs the practice and has experience in financing work for private equity and venture capital investors, mezzanine investors and production companies. Also recommended is John Burke, who also assists private equity firms as well as hedge funds, high-net worth individuals and financial institutions.
Practice head(s):
Christopher Spicer
Other key lawyers:
John Burke
Key clients
American Coalition for Independent Content Producers (ACICP)
American Film Institute
Aperture Media Partners LLC
Bank of America, N.A.
China Media Corporation
Comerica Bank
Content Partners
East West Bank
Hudson Private
Ingenious Investments Ltd.
JPMorgan Chase Securities
Media Content Capital
Media Guarantors Insurance Solutions
Media Rights Capital
MUFG Union Bank, N.A.
Narrative Capital Partners
Portfolio Funding Company
SunTrust Bank
T&B Media Global (Thailand) Company Limited
XYZ Films
Work highlights
- Advised Mubadala Capital on its participation in a consortium that purchased Yes Network from The Walt Disney Company.
- Advised MUFG Bank on financing several motion pictures, including Greenland and The Night House.
- Advised Bank of America on financing several TV series, including Property Brothers and American Pickers.
Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP is highly immersed in the film and TV space and regularly advises on major M&A and financing transactions, as well as on capital markets, tax and other corporate matters. The team’s client base includes well-known media companies such as Viacom and Disney, and several major financial institutions. New York-based Faiza Saeed oversees the practice and has expertise in M&A, corporate governance and crisis management. She works alongside George Schoen and Allison Wein, both of whom are corporate partners with a particular focus on the entertainment industry.
Practice head(s):
Faiza Saeed
Other key lawyers:
George Schoen; Allison Wein
Key clients
Cincinnati Bell
Cinemark
Dentsu Aegis Network
Deutsche Telekom
Disney
Hasbro
HBO
Univision
Viacom’s Transaction Committee of the Board
The Weinstein Company
Work highlights
- Advised Viacom Inc.’s transaction committee of the board on the $30bn merger of Viacom with CBS Corporation.
- Advised Deutsche Telekom AG on its master framework agreement with SoftBank Group Corp. and T-Mobile US, Inc.
- Advised Hasbro, Inc. on its $4bn acquisition of Canada-based Entertainment One Ltd.
Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz PC
Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz PC has a strong reputation in the film, television and theatre segments, and is also highly regarded in the areas of fashion and photography. New York-based Michael Williams and Richard Heller lead the practice, with Williams focusing on photography agreements relating to major fashion shows, and Heller specializing in publishing and playwriting deals. Also in New York is Lisa Davis, who advises directors, performers and writers on commercial deals. On the West Coast, Los Angeles-based Andrew Hurwitz is an expert in negotiating deals between production companies and writers in the film and TV industries. Julie Murray was promoted to partner in January 2021, and is a name to note for financing matters and distribution agreements. Clients have also singled out Ariel Sodomsky, who stands out at the associate level.
Practice head(s):
Michael Williams; Richard Heller
Other key lawyers:
Lisa Davis; Andrew Hurwitz; Julie Murray; Ariel Sodomsky
Testimonials
‘Michael Williams (partner) and Ariel Sodomksy are truly an extension of my team. I’ve been working with Mike for almost 4 years now – and I can honestly say there are few individuals in the entertainment industry I trust more than him.‘
‘First and foremost – they LISTEN. Not just to me and my team, but to my clients and the legal teams of the opposing sides. I have yet to be confronted by anything remotely resembling “we can’t do this”… Mike and Ariel are consistent problem solvers, and consistently allow me and my clients to feel protected and confident through every deal.’
‘I also feel as though I can always count on them to get everything done when necessary. They are also so very thorough – no matter what size of deal. They take great care with everything I bring to them.’
‘Mike Williams is by far and away the best entertainment attorney I’ve worked with. It’s a testament that any clients I have that are looking for attorneys – I take to Mike. I guess some could say he’s a perfect balance to my own personality – he’s incredibly calm and measured and that coupled with his experience makes him such an indispensable asset that I have him as the lawyer for some of my top talent.
‘It has the intimacy of a boutique firm but the capacity of a big practice.’
‘The incomparable Richard Hofstetter. He has been one of the most accessible, smart, and creative outside counsel I have ever worked with.’
‘Richard Hofstetter is available at a moment’s notice. He remains calm in any discussion, and he is so focused on getting the best deals for his clients, while also recognizing what seems fair to the other party. I can’t recommend Richard highly enough.’
‘Julie Murray is another smart entertainment attorney who always looks for reasonable answers and is very responsive. I have always enjoyed working with her, and I know we are in good hands when she is involved in a deal, even if it’s on the other side.’
‘The team is responsive, expert and able to think creatively to problem solve. They are exceptional.’
‘They are approachable, generous with their time, have a sense of humor. These are important ingredients to put into the mix of expertise, efficiency and good judgement. It marks them out.’
‘The practice has a more welcoming, friendly feel than others I’ve worked with, and I’ve been made to feel that I really ‘belong’ there. I feel in great hands working with the lawyers who take care of our needs, as I know that they’re extremely thoughtful and thorough, and understand the bigger picture of our requirements.’
Key clients
Aaron Sorkin
Dean Koontz
The Roald Dahl Literary Estate
John Goodman
Hasbro, Inc.
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
Epic Games
Topic Studios / First Look Productions
Frank Loesser Estate
Work highlights
- Advised Medstar Television on the reboot of the TV series Forensic Files.
- Advised the musician and playwright Anais Mitchell on her book publishing deal.
- Advised The Estate of Robert B. Parker on a Netflix series based on the author’s series of novels.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is highly experienced in M&A, financing, joint ventures and commercial agreements, spanning the film, TV, music and sport segments. The key figures in the New York office include M&A and capital markets specialist John Gaffney and Richard Birns, who focuses on M&A and rights agreements. On the West Coast, Los Angeles-based Kevin Masuda is highly skilled in corporate transactions and distribution agreements, and Benyamin Ross is a name to note for M&A, equity offerings and joint ventures.
Practice head(s):
Kevin Masuda
Other key lawyers:
John Gaffney; Richard Birns; Benyamin Ross
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP operates across film, TV and music entertainment, with well-known production companies, music labels and entertainers among its key clients. Lindsay Conner is a highly regarded name in the entertainment industry, with expertise in M&A, financing and investment deals. Sophia Yen has a similar background and has recently been most active in cross-border film financing. Neil Sacker is also highly focused on film production, but has also built a strong standing in emerging media platforms such as online video content and podcasting. The team’s work within the music industry is primarily led by Gary Gilbert, who is a seasoned expert in advising on publishing and record label deals. Clients have also singled out Lee Phillips, Charles Biederman and Jordan Bromley, all of whom focus on deals in the music industry.
Practice head(s):
Lindsay Conner; Jordan Bromley
Other key lawyers:
Gary Gilbert; Sophia Yen; Neil Sacker; Lee Phillips
Testimonials
‘Gary Gilbert has been my attorney for almost 40 years. That in itself speaks for itself. He has always surrounded himself with the staff that is strong in most areas relating to music.’
‘Lee Phillips is my main contact and his experience and knowledge is vast. He knows how to manoeuvre through the quagmire of the entertainment business, which helps us lay-people tremendously.’
‘There is no replacement for experience and knowledge. Lee Phillip’s extensive tenure as an entertainment attorney cannot be replaced by education or simple intelligence. There are few in entertainment law who can be called peers.’
‘The team is intimately aware of its clients’ business and personal elements. It handles many different legal issues including publishing, litigation, record negotiation, estate planning, business contracts, stalkers, copyrights and related infringements, real estate transactions and other matters.’
‘The individuals are all good attorneys and top line in their professional capacities. They are up to date on all matters and their quality control is very good. I find that they can handle all the matters that my clients bring to them.’
‘Sophia Yen is our main contact at the firm, and she’s been nothing short of wonderful. She’s incredibly knowledgeable in almost all the questions we ask, but also doesn’t hesitate to bring in her colleagues when necessary. We really appreciate everything that she’s done for us and our small but growing business.’
‘Charles Jeff Biederman combines his legal expertise with strong people skills and unyielding commitment to servicing the client. He is inherently fair, yet the zealous advocate. Jeff’s approach is to be nice, as long as the people on the other side of the table allow him. He has a unique understanding of leverage and market conditions. Jeff has NEVER sugar coated our position or incorrectly assessed a situation, which is why we have had the good fortune of being litigation free for so many years. To summarize, he doesn’t guess.’
‘I think what separated Manatt apart from others is Jordan Bromley. His leadership over the music team and instincts on how best to use the firm’s other practices are truly unique.’
‘Jordan Bromley’s strategic, thoughtful and incredibly innovative thinking makes him the perfect partner for the several clients he and I share together.’
Key clients
AT&T
Content Partners
Chuck D, of Public Enemy
Death Cab for Cutie
Dierks Bentley
Diplo
IMAX
ITV Studios America
Kast Media
KC Global Media Entertainment LLC
Majordomo Media, LLC
New Republic Pictures
O2 Filmes (Brazil)
Perfect World Pictures (Beijing, China)
Showtime Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Steve Perry
Temasek (Singapore)
THiS Music
Triller
Wavelength Productions
Work highlights
- Advised the YouTube channel CoComelon on the sale of the channel to UK-based Moonbug Entertainment.
- Advised KC Global Media Entertainment on its acquisition of four pan-Asian television networks from Sony Pictures Entertainment.
- Assisted ITV Studios America with several agreements with well-known producers that resulted in the creation and long-term financing of new television production companies.
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP has expertise in both traditional and new media, focusing on music, television and film. On the traditional side, the group acts for household names such as Disney, Sony Pictures and Universal, and has also advised Amazon on its disruptive entry into the market through Amazon Studios. As for new media, the team is highly skilled in issues such as music streaming, mobile apps and VR technology. The practice is jointly led by Century City-base Robb Klein and Linda Michaelson, as well as David Sands, who works from the Los Angeles office. All three practice heads are highly skilled in transactions, financing and commercial agreements surrounding film and TV. Also recommended is Daniel Schnapp, who focuses on new media.
Practice head(s):
Robb Klein; Linda Michaelson; David Sands
Other key lawyers:
Robert Darwell; Daniel Schnapp; Shaun Clark; Leif Cervantes de Reinstein
Testimonials
‘The depth and breadth of practical commercial understanding combined with expert legal knowledge is unmatched by other firms. And it’s amazing to get such focused and one-to-one attention from a large firm.’
‘I’d like to comment on Robb Klein for outstanding client attention, detailed legal expertise supported by a keen commercial sense.’
‘The media team as Sheppard has a broad range of experience and is always up to date in what is consistently a very fast moving and ever-changing practice area. The team are readily available to us, quick to provide advice and work product, and – especially important to our business – pragmatic and commercially minded, with a good understanding of current market dynamics and industry practices.’
‘I have known and worked with Dan Schnapp for many years and he has been an invaluable sounding board during that time. Dan is cautious in his approach and consistently demonstrates a thorough understanding of the law and the many nuances of a particular situation, contract provision and/or or relevant regulation, while showing the ability to get out of his comfort zone and balance relative risks to effectively run a business.’
Key clients
Amazon Studios
Sony Pictures
ICM Partners
Focus Features
ViacomCBS
Spotify
101 Studios
MGM
Disney
Fox
Universal
Warner Bros
eOne
Gaumont
Pathe
StudioCanal
Truepic
Specular Theory
Entertainment Software Association
Cameo
Vindex
ASCAP
Spotify Inc.
Mastercard
Peloton
Etsy
ASCAP, Vevo and Bandsintown
Work highlights
- Advised Amazon Studios on its TV series and productions.
- Advised ViacomCBS on its sale of Kevin Costner’s hit series Yellowstone to Peacock.
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
Practice head(s):
Charles Googe
Other key lawyers:
Ariel Deckelbaum; Michael Vogel
Testimonials
‘They are far and above the most strategic thinkers we have ever worked with and we constantly work with top law firms on a daily basis.’
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP focuses on corporate transactions concerning TV, print media, OTT services and live events. Charles Googe chairs the team and is an expert in transactions involving IP rights, licensing and technology. Deputy chair of the corporate department Ariel Deckelbaum is another key name; he has extensive experience in M&A, joint ventures and restructuring. Similarly, Michael Vogel is a recommended corporate lawyer with a focus on the entertainment sector and noted expertise in acting for media companies and investment houses. All named lawyers are based in New York.
Practice head(s):
Charles Googe
Other key lawyers:
Ariel Deckelbaum; Michael Vogel
Reed Smith LLP
Reed Smith LLP has a very strong bicoastal practice and also leverages its international network to handle large-scale multi-jurisdictional matters. This is particularly true for its client base of musicians, authors, and TV personalities with other interests in the UK, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Century City-based Michael Sherman leads the practice and is an expert in film financing as well as in production and distribution deals. Stephen Sessa co-chairs the team and has a particular niche in commercial contracts and catalogue acquisitions. In the New York office, Christian Simonds is adept at advising on debt facilities, production financing loans, and equity financing opportunities.
Practice head(s):
Stephen Sessa
Other key lawyers:
Christian Simonds; Michael Sherman; Moshe Kupietzky; James Sully
Testimonials
‘The team at Reed Smith works exactly as one, different practices, multiple expertises but always a team.’
‘My experience with ReedSmith has been nothing less than exceptional over the past 5+ years. They are responsive, concise, and experienced. They have been able to successfully represent and guide me in my initial foray in the entertainment industry after 35 years in government service. They have the ability to simplify complex legal issues, especially to a non-lawyer. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.’
‘I can not emphasize enough the outstanding service provided by Michael Sherman of the LA office. All of the success I have achieved is directly attributable to Michael. He is a senior member of the firm, yet with the work ethic and enthusiasm of a first year attorney. He has always put my best interest first, even when I did not recognize the issues at hand.’
‘I was introduced to Michael Sherman through Thomas Suddath of the Reed Smith Philadelphia office when it became clear I needed an attorney experienced in the cut-throat world of Hollywood. Michael and Thomas have worked side by side in promoting and marketing my projects, and I could not be more pleased. Exceptional legal minds.’
‘I’ve known Michael Sherman for decades now and knew him to be a knowledgeable, tough negotiator. I was delighted when Michael became our point person in Los Angeles. Michael embodies all the qualities one wants in one’s attorney; no-nonsense, tough, thorough, knowledgeable, and responsive. It gives us all a tremendous amount of “tummy-comfort” to have Michael in our corner.’
‘All of the lawyers I deal with at Reed Smith have incredible integrity and vast experience. They always give the personal attention that we all desire despite being a very large firm. With other large firms, you can get lost in the mix, but not with Reed Smith. They truly care about their clients and partnerships. ’
‘The personal connection and attention that the lawyers give at Reed Smith is a breath of fresh air. They really do care about their clients. The quality of the advice they give is top of the class and that paired with the care and meaningful relationships make them very unique and different to other firms. Michael Sherman in particular at Reed Smith holds these qualities of utmost importance and is an absolute pleasure to do business with.’
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is highly experienced in the acquisition of IP for major films and music catalogues, as well corporate transactions such as M&A, restructurings and public offerings. Additionally, the team is skilled in regulatory, antitrust and employment issues affecting the industry. Los Angeles-based David Eisman leads the team and regularly advises investment firms on acquiring major royalty and distribution rights. In New York, Howard Ellin is an experienced corporate lawyer, who often handles matters in the media and entertainment sector.
Practice head(s):
Howard Ellin
Other key lawyers:
Stephanie Teicher
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP handles a full range of M&A, joint venture, private equity investments, and corporate finance, for clients in the areas of TV, film, music and new media. Howard Chatzinoff co-chairs the practice and has currently been very active advising Discovery and Major League Baseball on joint ventures. Also recommended are senior partner Michael Lubowitz, and Jackie Cohen, who is highly skilled in M&A, divestitures and joint ventures.
Practice head(s):
Howard Chatzinoff; Michael Lubowitz
Other key lawyers:
Jeffrey Osterman; Jackie Cohen
Key clients
AMC Entertainment Inc.
Discovery Communications, Inc.
Goldman Sachs, Inc.
LBI Media, Inc.
Liberty Media Corporation
Major League Baseball Players Association
MGM Resorts International
Picture Head Holdings, LLC
Providence Equity Partners
Scripps Network Interactive
SiriusXM
Skillz Inc.
Starz, Inc.
Thryv Holdings, Inc.
TPG Global, LLC
Work highlights
- Advised Discovery on its joint venture with Magnolia.
- Advised Skillz Inc on its joint venture with Flying Eagle Acquisition Corp.
- Advised SiriusXM on its acquisition of Stitcher.
Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP
Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP operates under the leadership of Matthew Syrkin, who brings a unique insight to the practice having formerly worked in-house at Major League Baseball, News Corporation and TiVo. His expertise has attracted major clients such as Sony Music and Warner Media, which he regularly assists with corporate transactions and commercial agreements. Syrkin is supported by deputy chair Kenneth Lefkowitz, who has experience of M&A, private equity, disposals and hostile takeovers in the media and entertainment space.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Syrkin
Other key lawyers:
Kenneth Lefkowitz
Key clients
Advance Publications/ Conde Nast
AMC Networks/BBC America
CBS Corporation
HBO Latin America
Bumble and Badoo Dating App (Bumble Trading, LLC)
Madison Square Garden (NY Knicks and NY Rangers)
Roku, Inc.
Sony Music Entertainment
WarnerMedia
Viacom
Ernst & Young LLP
Legendary Scottish Comic Book Writer Mark Millar (d/b/a Dave & Eggsy Ltd.)
Work highlights
- Advised CBS Corp. on its merger with Viacom Inc. in an all-stock deal worth $30bn.
- Advised Sony Music Entertainment on the terms to be entered into with Apple for a new licensing, production and distribution deal covering the characters of Peanuts and related IP.
- Assisted Warner Media with its launch of HBO Max in Latin America.
Katten
Based in Los Angeles, the team at Katten predominantly deals with matters relating to the production and development of TV and film. Michael Hobel heads up the service group and has advised on transactions surrounding hit TV series such as Game of Thrones and House of Cards. He is supported by Susan Grode, an expert in IP, licensing and merchandise-related matters, and Melanie Tomanov, who is experienced in production and distribution deals.
Practice head(s):
Michael Hobel
Other key lawyers:
Susan Grode; Melanie Tomanov
Work highlights
- Advised HBO on its original programming, including transactions related to the hit series Game of Thrones.
- Provides ongoing representation to MRC in transactions involving the development, production and exploitation of films and television programming.
- Handled many critical business transactions for Debmar-Mercury.
Loeb & Loeb LLP
Loeb & Loeb LLP has a strong reputation in commercial agreements across TV, theatre, film and music. The practice group is led by Scott Edel, who has expertise in production, distribution and financing agreements. Deputy chair Roger Arar is also skilled in these areas, but is recognized in particular for his experience of copyright and licensing issues. John Frankenheimer leads on music-related matters and is highly experienced in talent contracts, publishing deals and matters relating to live events.
Practice head(s):
Scott Edel
Other key lawyers:
Roger Arar; John Frankenheimer
Key clients
Discovery, Inc.
Saul Zaentz Company
Amazon.com, Inc.
Diane von Furstenberg
Greenlight, a Division of Branded Entertainment Network
Work highlights
- Advising AMC Networks on a deal wherein AMC acquired audio-visual rights to Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles and Mayfair Witches novels.
- Advising Showtime on the development of various TV series, including Halo, Ripley, Multifarious Maris, and Good Lord Bird.
- Advising Alcon Entertainment in connection with the development, production, financing and distribution of its film and television properties.
Proskauer Rose LLP
Based in New York, Proskauer Rose LLP excels in M&A, joint ventures, private equity and commercial agreements, with standout expertise in handling content distribution deals. TMT practice co-head Robert Freeman is a key name for these arrangements; he recently advised AMC on its content distribution agreement with AT&T. Jointly leading the TMT group is Jeffrey Neuburger, who is an expert in telecoms, cybersecurity and privacy issues. Lauren Boglivi is the key contact for M&A and private equity deals, and recently assisted Discovery with its acquisition of Golf Channel Latin America. The team also has significant expertise in copyright law, an area where Sandra Crawshaw-Sparks is a name to note.
Practice head(s):
Lauren Boglivi; Sandra Crawshaw-Sparks; Robert Freeman; Jeffrey Neuburger
Testimonials
‘Understanding and experience in the business of professional sports.’
‘Proactive approach, never a problem too big or too small, always available to provide support in any manner needed.’
Key clients
Altice USA
AMC
Bain Capital
Cox Communications
Digicel
Discovery
DISH Network
Fan Controlled Football League
ForgeLight LLC
fuboTV
Hulu
iHeartMedia
Los Angeles 2028 Organizing Committee (LA 2028)
Minute Media
Major League Soccer
National Basketball Association
National Football League
Spectrum (Charter Communications)
Tegna
The Ivy League
United States Golf Association
Work highlights
- Advised ForgeLight LLC, an operating and investment company led by former Viacom CFO Wade Davis, on its acquisition of a majority stake in Univision Holdings, Inc.
- Advised Discovery Inc. on its acquisition of Latin American Golf, S.L., which operates Golf Channel Latin America.
- Advised The Stars Group on the formation and launch of a media and sports wagering partnership in the US with FOX Sports, including the launch of FOX Bet.
Pryor Cashman LLP
Pryor Cashman LLP has expertise in M&A, joint ventures, distribution deals, and the acquisition of movie rights and music royalties. New York-based James Janowitz leads the practice and is highly skilled in the financing and distribution of motion pictures, as well as in various other corporate transactions in the sector. Also in New York is Frank Scibilia, a respected name for copyright clearance and licensing, particularly in relation to digital music. In Miami, James Sammataro is recommended for transactions and commercial agreements in the music industry, with a particular niche in the Latin music segment.
Practice head(s):
James Janowitz; James Sammataro
Other key lawyers:
Frank Scibilia
Key clients
Andre Gower
Pure Flix
Mechanical Licensing Collective (“MLC”)
National Music Publishers Association and Nashville Songwriters Association International
Crestview Partners
David Gordon Green
Cher
Muserk
IFC
Work highlights
- Advised Crestview Partners on the purchase of a minority interest in International Creative Management Partners.
- Advised film director David Gordon Green on securing a deal with Universal Content Productions to turn the 1977 film Smokey and the Bandit into a TV series.
- Advised Pure Flix on its acquisition by Sony Pictures Entertainment through its subsidiary AFFIRM Entertainment, Inc.