Simons Muirhead Burton handles a mix of contentious and non-contentious work for the film and TV sector. Film financiers, independent production companies, streaming services, and broadcasters all turn to the team for assistance with domestic and cross-border productions. The practice has a wealth of experience assisting clients with documentaries that are made in the UK. Its dedicated film and TV litigation team, led by Jeffrey Smele, represents film and TV clients in disputes surrounding issues such as rights. Practice head Razwana Akram centres her practice on SVODs, film and TV production, and financing. She often advises documentary filmmakers on upcoming productions. Nick Miller co-leads the team and has assisted clients with independent feature films, animations, dramas, documentaries, and other genres of film and TV. Other than production, finance and distribution, Miller also advises on merchandising and licensing issues. Simon Goldberg is also noted for his work with production companies and talent agencies, while Blaise Gaymer helps clients with multi-party structured agreements and streamer deals.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A practice with strong media expertise but also huge strengths in their corporate and property groups.’
‘Simon Goldberg is wonderful- helpful, caring and attentive. He also really knows his stuff.’
Key clients
- Next Life Films Limited
- Curious Films
- CBH James Limited
- Hammer Film Holdings
- Principal Film Finance Limited & Moo Studios Inc
- Vikrant Bansal
- Bridge7 Entertainment
- Off The Kerb Productions Limited
- Hammer Films
- Principal Film Finance
Work highlights
Advised Next Life Films Limited (42 M&P) on the production and finance agreements in relation to an upcoming film entitled 'Next Life'.
Advised Curious Films on matters relating to the production of a documentary series for Sky about the boy band 'Boyzone'.
Advised CBH James Limited on the project currently entitled 'James - Getting Away With It'.
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
Jeffrey Smele; Simon Goldberg; James Greenslade; Blaise Gaymer