Michael Brader > Wiggin LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Wiggin LLP
9TH FLOOR, MET BUILDING
22 PERCY STREET
LONDON
W1T 2BU
England
Michael Brader photo

Work Department

Corporate and sport.

Position

With over 25 years’ experience, Michael is the go-to UK corporate adviser in the independent television production sector, where he has advised on some 120 investments and sales.

“I engage with creatives on a daily basis, whether they are producers, writers, directors, commissioners or on-screen talent. I ensure they never have to contend with jargon and always clearly understand each stage of the transaction. My work leaves them free to focus on the key creative decisions.

When clients set up new TV production companies, I draw on my experience to help create business plans, to identify and engage with potential investors and then to package deals to turn my clients’ ideas into scalable businesses.

I also advise on the sale of production companies. I’ll negotiate the best possible deal for my clients with a focus on the points that really matter.”

Career

Herbert Smith 1989-93; Ashurst 1993-94; Stephenson Harwood & Lo (Hong Kong) 1994-95; Olswang 1995-2006, partner 1998; Wiggin 2006 to present.

Memberships

British Association for Sport and Law; editorial board, World Sports Law Report.

Education

Bradfield College; Queens’ College, Cambridge; College of Law, Chester.

Leisure

Family; rugby; running; shooting.

Lawyer Rankings

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

Home to a premier film and TV media finance practice, Wiggin LLP boasts strong capabilities across the development, production, finance, content distribution, and sales and acquisitions of content companies. With a strong following of UK and US clients, the group assists leading local and international studios as well as networks, platforms, financiers and distributors with the financing of major productions across the UK and Europe. Its base in Brussels make it well placed to handle international media financing matters. Charles Moore assists with financings for film and TV productions, while Michael Brader focuses solely on TV production deals. Matthew Dando concentrates on disputes work; Neil Gillard advises banks, broadcasters, film and TV distributors and sales agents; and Chris Hammond is a notable film and TV lawyer. Chris Hanson is a key member of the media finance team with extensive experience in representing Hollywood studios, banks, private equity funds and government bodies. Gráinne McKenna is the go-to contact for US studios, while film and TV finance specialist David Quli acts for financiers, producers and distributors on all financing aspects of the development, production and exploitation of films, TV, games and music.

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

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

London > Corporate and commercial > M&A: Smaller Deals, £10m-£100m

Wiggin LLP has established itself as a popular choice for clients in the media, entertainment, and technology sectors, and has seen recent growth in the computer game industry. The corporate team assists both public and private companies in domestic and cross-border transactions including investments, M&A, and joint ventures.  Technology and media expert Ciaran Hickey heads up the practice and has extensive experience leading on M&A and venture capital transactions, and advising on joint ventures and reorganisations. The department also benefits from the expertise of Michael Brader – a recognised authority in the independent television production sector – and Ben Whitelock, who stands out for his deep knowledge of the media and technology sectors. Tom Gastrell is a notable name for his focus on venture capital, technology investments, and M&A. Gastrell is adept at handling multijurisdictional transactions on behalf of investors, corporates, founders, and entrepreneurs. The practice has been bolstered by the addition of David Nicholls, who joined from Dechert LLP in September 2023.