Fieldfisher's media team excels at handling media financings, corporate finance, and M&A transactions. In particular, the group stands out for its expertise in advising on TV and film production deals and financings, and media asset production and distribution matters are also key focuses of the firm. The practice is jointly led by Stephen Saltzman and Carlton Durrant; Saltzman is well-known for his media and entertainment expertise, utilising his overseas experience in the US to advise American, European, Asian, and UK-based studios and mini-majors on global cross-border deals. Durrant is a corporate transaction specialist, and he advises both domestic and overseas media clients on investments, fundraising, M&A, and joint ventures. Alice Taylor is noted for assisting with media-related transactions. Tim Johnson retired from practice in December 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The market and industry knowledge is second-to-none but it is the commercially driven advice tailored to our business that is most impressive.’
‘Stephen Saltzman is a tireless worker, he is as sharp as they come and an expert negotiator. He's the best I've worked with.’
‘Clear, confident, straight-talking, impeccable, agenda-free advice and guidance.’
‘Carlton Durrant, Jessica Kilkelly, and Louise Paull are all classy, timely and amiable to deal with, adept at turning complex legalese into user-friendly clarity.’
‘Very experienced, client-oriented, and responsive.’
‘Excellent service and expertise in US and British law, good network of producers and studios/licensees. The firm has a solution-oriented and customer-focused approach and the ability to explain even complex legal issues.’
Key clients
- BBC
- BBC Studios
- Tortoise Media
- Lumina Studios Group
- Natixis Coficine
- Amplifi Global
- See-Saw Films
- UKTV Media Limited
- Deutsche Zentral-Genossenschaftsbank
- Constantin Film
- Spiro Films
- Sony Pictures Television Production UK
Work highlights
Advised Amplifi Global (dentsu) on its co-investment terms in relation to the production of animated motion picture Angry Birds 3.
Advised the UK division of a US Studio on its acquisition of a majority equity stake in a high-end scripted UK production company.
Advised Tortoise Media on its £25m equity financing and simultaneous acquisition of the business and assets of 'The Observer' from Guardian Media Group plc.
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
Stephen Saltzman; Carlton Durrant
Other key lawyers
Christine Phillips; Ruth Lewis; Alice Taylor; Alisa Logvinenko; Jessica Kilkelly; Louise Paull