Jonathan Blair > Simkins LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Simkins LLP
LYNTON HOUSE
7-12 TAVISTOCK SQUARE
LONDON
WC1H 9LT
England
Jonathan Blair photo

Work Department

Commercial.

Position

Jonathan is a commercial lawyer with a strong sectoral focus in film, television, publishing and digital media. He advises producers and financiers on all aspects of film and television financing, including production finance, tax-based and other government incentives, bank finance, distribution pre-sales and gap financing. He has an extensive knowledge of the sources of finance and works closely with clients in structuring financing packages and deals. Jonathan’s many clients include film and television production companies, and he is an experienced business affairs lawyer with a rich knowledge-base in all aspects of film and television production in many genres. He also assists clients in building their businesses with a view to sale, and has represented a number of clients in their negotiations for the disposal of their businesses. With the rise of digital media, Jonathan has developed expertise in all aspects of digital distribution and convergence. His clients in this area include distributors of mobile phone entertainment, online content distributors, authors and producers. Jonathan is a regular speaker on film, television and digital media.

Lawyer Rankings

London > TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Media finance

Media and entertainment specialist firm Simkins LLP fields a media finance practice which works closely with the film and TV team to advise on the financing of film and TV productions. Core areas of activity for the department include equity investments, and loan, security and inter-party financing arrangements in the media sector. Practice head Jonathan Blair excels in audiovisual matters, advising both producers and financiers on film and TV financings. Euan Lawson handles a mix of corporate and commercial matters, while corporate specialist Giao Pacey is a name to note for investors, producers, studios and talent. Ben Gisbey focuses on music-related transactions.

London > TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Film & TV

(Leading partners)

Jonathan Blair – Simkins LLP

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