Latham & Watkins's film and TV practice assists clients in the industry with content financing, development, production, acquisition, and licensing deals. It draws on its corporate strength to also advise on joint ventures, investments, dispositions, and mergers for film and TV-related companies. Rachael Astin was recently promoted to partner and leads the team alongside Patrick Mitchell. Astin largely advises US studios, international TV channel groups, and streamers on a mix of transactional and regulatory work; she also assists on live sports broadcast deals. Mitchell is a sports expert, advising sports-related clients on M&A and other commercial transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Rachael Astin and her team provided exceptional advise, and diligently guided us through a long contract negotiation.’
‘Rachael Astin provided excellent advice.’
'I worked with Rachael Astin who understood our needs and gave excellent commercial advice.'
'Rachael Astin was incredibly professional and proactive around our project.'
'Rachael Astin was brilliant. She was expert in the field and understood our needs and gave clear advice.'
'The team is very good at analysing a difficult scenario and advising on what is a real issue, quantifying the issue and providing practical advice.'
Key clients
- Skydance Media
- DAZN Limited
- Two Circles Ltd.
- CVC Advisors Limited
- Saudi Research and Media Group
- Moonbug Entertainment Limited
- Pinewood Studios
- Kobalt Music Group
- Marv Studios Limited
- England and Wales Cricket Board Limited
- Anton Capital
- Shamrock
Work highlights
Represented Skydance in its merger with Paramount to form “New Paramount”.
Advised DAZN on an agreement to acquire Foxtel Group from News Corp and Telstra at an enterprise value of $2.2bn, subject to regulatory approval.
Advised Two Circles on its agreement to acquire Spring Media Group.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Rachael Astin; Patrick Mitchell