Simkins LLP is a specialist media and entertainment firm with strong film and TV capabilities. The team advises domestic and multinational financiers and producers on unscripted projects, documentaries, productions, and financing issues. Jonathan Blair spearheads the practice and is key to assisting clients with structuring international co-productions and financing deals. Juliane Althoff, who has recently been promoted to partner, assists with development, production, and exploitation matters, as well as the financing of film and TV works. She is also a go-to for matters related to animation productions. Giao Pacey is noted for her work on corporate film and TV mandates. The firm also represents clients in copyright infringement claims, distribution disputes, and contractual litigation.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Jonathan Blair is the lead partner with a wealth of commercial knowledge across all aspects of film and television finance and production. Juliane Althoff is our day to day partner lawyer and manages all the companies needs across film and television, applying a broad range of skills.'
‘They are a phenomenal team; Juliane Althoff, Giao Pacey, and Sophie Neal have been wonderful to work with. As a first timer in the film business, their expertise and knowledge was second to none, they advised me across many processes which I would’ve been completely lost in otherwise. They’re also very approachable and always up to the task, they all made it feel very safe and comfortable.’
'Juliane Althoff has demonstrated a lot of integrity, knowledge and dedication to her practice, as well as to her clients. I am utterly assured that, should I need anything, she would be there to help me navigate the best course of action. I’ve truly enjoyed working with her and would recommend Simkins to anyone in the same line of work.'
'Giao Pacey has demonstrated an incredible dedication to her work and her clients.'
'Sophie Neal put in an incredible effort across the board. l am very, very thankful for her time and expertise.’
‘Very responsive team, deep understanding of the legal concerns while balancing the company's risks. It has a pragmatic and creative approach.’
Key clients
- Snowed-In Productions
- Copper Island Productions
- Snowstorm Productions
- JK Rowling
- Brontë Film and Television
- Magical Society
- Studio Hamburg UK
- Preschool Film UK Limited
- Gold Rush Pictures
- The Blair Partnership
- Raw TV
- Coutts & Co
Work highlights
Advising Inheritance Productions on the financing and production of its new five-part limited series for Sky Studios, Inheritance.
Advised Magical Society on financing and production matters for the television series Virdee, commissioned by the BBC.
Advised Snowed-In Productions on all financing and production matters for its new six-part series for the BBC, Babies.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Jonathan Blair
Other key lawyers
Juliane Althoff; Giao Pacey; Sophie Neal