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
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.’
Key clients
- Snowed-In Productions
- Copper Island Productions
Work highlights
Advising Inheritance Productions on the financing and production of its new five-part limited series for Sky Studios, Inheritance.
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