Victoria Gaskell > CMS > London, England > Lawyer Profile

CMS advises multinational brands and corporations on both contentious and non-contentious advertising and marketing matters, including transactions and regulatory issues. The practice showcases particular strength in dealings with the ASA, where it often acts for advertisers in late stage complaints. Stuart Helmer oversees the advertising and marketing group, and is noted for his expertise in advertising disputes and compliance. Victoria Gaskell and Paul Guite lead the wider media and entertainment group.

CMS assists producers and financiers within the film and TV industries with production loan deals. The team’s wide-ranging expertise covers the drafting and negotiation of transaction documents – including media rights deals and M&A – as well as tax credit issues, and distribution and exploitation agreements. Sports financing is also at the core of the media finance practice. Victoria Gaskell, who advises production companies, distributors and platforms on a range of deals from joint ventures to publishing deals and M&A, leads the team alongside Paul Guite, who acts for international listed corporations as well as individuals in media transactions, including fundraisings, reorganisations, acquisitions and disposals. Rebekah Hayes, a key contact for major lenders within the film and TV sectors, leads the specialist production finance practice at the firm.

CMS handles a mix of corporate and commercial matters for national and international broadcasters and production companies. Broadcasters regularly turn to the team for advice on carriage negotiations with platforms, as well as electronic programme guide deals and content acquisitions. The group also has a strong presence in TV rights transactions, and sector-related M&A and joint ventures. Co-head Paul Guite routinely assists with high-profile commercial and corporate transactions in the film and television sectors, while fellow co-leader Victoria Gaskell advises production companies and distributors on regulatory and transactional issues. Rebekah Hayes is noted for her specialist expertise in production finance, acting for producers and financiers.

The media practice at CMS acts for major streaming clients and leading sporting organisations in a wide range of contentious and non-contentious issues. The team as a whole works across multiple media segments, combining its digital content and social expertise with substantial experience in the audiovisual, gaming and sports sectors. The firm has strong international ties, allowing it to advise clients on cross-border mandates, including M&A. John Cloake is especially active in transactional matters involving commercial rights in the sports sector. Co-head Victoria Gaskell, a key contact for production companies, platforms and channels, focuses on content and digital media mandates. Fellow co-leader Paul Guite handles international and UK-based transactions for media and technology clients. Sam Oustayiannis, who was promoted to partner in May 2024, advises on content distribution issues and on the launch of new media technology products and platforms. Selina Potter leads on broadcasting and technology matters, while John Enser is a strong performer in mandates involving the distribution of audio and audiovisual content via digital platforms.

CMS is known for its strong work in the technology and music spheres, where it assists major record labels and social media companies on commercial and corporate mandates. The wider media practice is led by Victoria Gaskell and Paul Guite who handle regulatory and corporate work, respectively, for media and tech clients. The go-to name for music-related matters, John Enser is routinely engaged by platform operators and clients offering audio and audiovisual content via digital platforms in relation to regulatory, commercial and copyright mandates.