The practice at Simons Muirhead Burton handles both contentious and non-contentious matters in the film and television sectors, often working in collaboration with its defamation team. The group is jointly led by Razwana Akram, who is knowledgeable of SVODs, financing and production matters, and Nick Miller, who joined from ACK Media Law LLP in June 2023, and is experienced in matters concerning feature films, documentaries and TV shows. Disputes work is overseen by Stephen Shotnes, while Simon Goldberg assists with the development and production of film and television projects. These are also key areas of focus for Blaise Gaymer, who also advises on the acquisition, licensing and distribution of feature films and TV programmes across networks, media and streaming services.
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Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Simons Muirhead Burton has a deep knowledge of the media landscape, partnered with their strengths in other key areas of any business. We have found their advice on the restructuring of our business to make it more attractive for industry investment to be exemplary.’
‘Simon Goldberg has been a standout partner for us, particularly in giving us the information and context that allowed us to make some challenging decisions for the business. As a female-run business we find Simon to be a great ally and advocate, who is always keen to make introductions and facilitate relationships of real value to our business.’
‘Excellent knowledge of the industry. Friendly and helpful staff. Lawyers who understand the tight timeframes and need to respond quickly in the media industry.’
‘Nick Miller has very in-depth knowledge of the industry. Extremely hard-working and dedicated.’
Key clients
- UMO Project Ltd
- Five Blind Dates Ltd
- Penguin Lessons LTD
- Jovera Pictures AG SA Ltd
- S4C
- Toho International
- Article 1 Productions
- Blackbox Media
- Mojo Swoptops Productions
- Dirty Films
Work highlights
- Advising UMO Project Ltd on all production, finance and distribution matters for the film "My Fault London".
- Advised Five Blind Dates LTD on all production, finance and distribution matters for its film "Untitled Nikita Project", including the main agreements with talent, crew, the financiers and Amazon.
- Advised Penguin Lessons Ltc on all production, finance and distribution matters for the film "The Penguin Lessons", including the main agreements with talent, crew, financiers and the main distributor.
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
Razwana Akram; Nick Miller
Other key lawyers
Simon Goldberg; Stephen Shotnes; James Greenslade; Peter Weiss; Blaise Gaymer; Annika Chauhan