Harbottle & Lewis LLP's film and TV practice is led by Sarah Lazarides, who is praised as ‘one of the very best media lawyers’; Lazarides boasts experience advising Hollywood, UK independent players, and SVODs on a range of complex film and TV mandates, and she has advised both producers and rights holders on production deals and assisted with commercial issues and other complex matters. The team also supports clients with negotiations with sales agents, distributors, and licensees, and has assisted high-profile talent, such as actors and directors, with negotiating deals for film and TV projects. The group is sought after by clients for help discussing negotiations with industry unions. Abigail Payne is key in handling media financing issues and advises on international subsidies and tax credits. Lazarides and Payne are ably supported by Clare McGarry, who frequently advises independent production companies and streamers on development and exploitation of rights, and Catherine Flood, who assists major US studios and streams with rights acquisitions, copyright, and production issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Our team at Harbottle & Lewis not only offer us the best possible legal counsel in an incredibly timely fashion, they also bring warmth and fantastic interpersonal skills, together with an enthusiasm for the projects we are working on with them. They are adaptable, and cover the industry at such breadth that they really have their finger on the pulse of what is happening beyond our doors, which helps us make the best possible decisions on our deals.’
‘The whole team are great, and work together brilliantly. From Sarah Lazarides, who always leads with such insight and energy, to Catherine Flood & Clare McGarry, who are diligent, fast-acting, and incredibly thorough in their work.’
‘Sarah Lazarides and her team are best in class. Their support, knowledge and practical approach to legal is unrivalled. On top of this, they are able to turn things around incredibly quickly, which is essential in a fast-paced business.’
‘Sarah Lazarides is fantastic. She's someone you want on your side. She is calm, practical, friendly, patient and very quick! Despite what must be a very heavy workload, she never makes you feel rushed and she is clearly doing an excellent job of growing and supporting her team.’
‘Given the exigencies of film production work, it is critical to have a quick and concise response to any questions regarding talent contracts, guild requirements, IP clearances, location agreements, and vendor agreements. Harbottle excels in this area, as well as providing immediate solutions and guidance, and anticipates follow up questions while providing the appropriate responses.'
‘I have worked closely with Sarah Lazarides and Catherine Flood. They are extremely responsive and knowledgeable, and most importantly bring a practical business perspective to legal issues as well. They focus on providing realistic solutions and approaches to the production issues we face so we can solve any problems expeditiously. They are also excellent managers of a particular matter.’
Key clients
- Complete Fiction Pictures
- Box to Box Films
- New Regency
- Jolly Octopus
- Neal Street Productions
- Black Label Media
- In the Shadows Ltd
- Ranga Bee
- Sarah Putt Associates
- DNA Films
Work highlights
Advised Complete Fiction Pictures on all of their TV development legal work, and on their production of The Undertow for Netflix.
Advised In The Shadows on all the complex financing agreements required for the production of this feature film, directed by Anthony Wonke.
Advised Box to Box Films on clearance, production, and rights issues arising across their slate documentary productions broadcast on HBO, Netflix, and Apple TV.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Sarah Lazarides
Other key lawyers
Abigail Payne; Clare McGarry; Catherine Flood