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.
Media and entertainment: transactional in United States
Latham & Watkins LLP
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.’
‘The people at PH are excellent. Attentive to our specific needs (which at times are unlike other companies’).’
‘Sean Monroe: top-notch in every way. Smart, thoughtful, excellent approach. Trust him to represent us in any situation. Literally always available to us.’
‘The team is deeply experienced and knowledgeable about this highly nuanced industry. There are a small number of firms that possess the practice’s skillset making the practice a top and trusted resource.’
‘Highly collaborative, not shy about providing guidance while also recognizes the client’s objectives and respecting the direction indicated by the client.’
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
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.