Matheson LLP is a go-to firm for the film and television sector, advising producers, broadcasters, financiers and distributors on development, production, commissioning and cross-border financing arrangements. The practice has particular strength in feature film and TV financing, including multiple party financings, equity investments, gap-financing and negotiating facilities against Ireland’s tax credit for film production. The ‘knowledgeable’ Ruth Hunter oversees the group, which also advises on rights arrangements for creative talent and provides production counsel services, including clearance and E&O support. A specialised team within the firm’s commercial litigation group handles defamation and privacy matters, including for media and broadcasting clients.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Ruth Hunter and Nicole Mitchel have a great understanding of and experience in film, TV and animation. They are responsive, a pleasure to deal with and work diligently on the legal closing like an extension of our team.'
- 'What sets them apart, is if some issue / new nuance arises on a project, they consider its implications and the pros and cons of accepting it or suggest compromises that balance the desire to reach agreement, ensuring our company is protected. We have worked with them for several years and look forward to continuing to do so.’
- ‘Ruth Hunter is known as one of the most knowledgeable media lawyers in Ireland. In our experience, this reputation is warranted due to her collaborative approach, quick grasp of the key deal points and proactive guidance / suggestions to close the project.'
- ‘The strengths of the team at Matheson is their reliability and expertise. Their capability to advise with precedent and knowledge gives great comfort of correct decision making.'
- 'Nicole Mitchel is an excellent lawyer: her attention to detail and diligent oversight, always with our best position in mind, is reassuring at all times.'
- ‘Ruth Hunter has a reputation second to none. Her colleague Nicole Mitchel is always present and very adept at looking after certain elements while Ruth focuses on core issues to push the overall closing forward. The two combined are a support structure that is invaluable to our company.’
Key clients
- Port Pictures Limited
- Hail Mary Pictures Limited
- Creekview Limited t/a CFF No.2 Fund
- Salt Films Limited
- Treasure Entertainment Limited
- Subotica Productions Limited
- Deadpan Pictures Limited
Work highlights
Advising Creekview Limited as lead financier on the television series “The Walsh Sisters” based on the novels of author Marion Keys.
Advising Salt Films Limited on the production of the television series entitled “Marble Hall Murders” starring Lesley Manville and Tim McMullan.
Advising Deadpan Pictures on the television series “Irish Blood” in association with AMC Studios.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Ruth Hunter
Other key lawyers
Nicole Mitchel