Harbottle & Lewis LLP fields a strong media finance team led by Abigail Payne, who is the go-to for film and TV production, financing, and distribution issues. She is known for her specialty in structuring finance and advising on international subsidies, tax credits, EIS and SEIS finance. The team works across a number of media sectors, including film and TV, theatre, publishing, games, music, and live events. The group acts for both financiers and media companies in debt, equity, and tax financings. Corporate specialist Charles Leveque aids investors, funds, and companies in the media sector with M&A, investments, joint ventures, and fundraising. Music-related venture capital investments are handled by Kieran Jay. Ed Lane was promoted to partner in April 2025 and is well-versed in fundraising, start-up ventures, growth equity investments, SEIS, and EIS investments for companies in the media industry.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team understand the complexities of film finance and the nuances of each case and the potential issues that they can foresee in the future. It is always a collaborative effort with a real understanding of what we as a client are wanting to achieve to get the best result.’
‘Abigail Payne really identifies the key issues whilst being detailed focused to ensure that nothing slips through the gaps whilst being practical to make it work for both sides where film financing is involved. It is always nuanced and gives rise to specific issues that might not be obvious or foreseen but Abigail picks up on these to ensure we get to the right result.’
‘A deep understanding of film finance that cannot be matched by other law firms offering a similar service.'
'Complex film finance deals are worked through methodically but in a practical way with paperwork between parties finalised quickly and efficiently.'
'The service provided is good value for money. Clients walk away feeling confident that arrangements have been papered correctly.’
‘Abigail Payne is a film financing stalwart. There are many occasions we would be lost without Abigail's knowledge and expertise. She is calm, reassuring and a joy to work with. Abigail brings clarity to complex financing arrangements, making sense of the risks and surfacing issues others may miss.’
Key clients
- MBC Studios
- Rabbit Track Pictures Limited
- Three Six Zero
- Marv Studios
- Neal Street Productions
- all3media Group
- Microsoft
- Hopster
- Punchdrunk Global Limited
- Finstock Capital
- Pixion Games
- LA Media Fund
Work highlights
Advised Neal Street Productions on all the financing and production agreements required for the large budget production of The Magic Faraway Tree.
Advised DNA Films on the sequels to the 2002 hit, 28 Days Later: 28 Years Later and The Bone Temple, which were shot back-to-back in summer and autumn 2024.
Advised UKIE on a broad range of commercial matters, and create and regularly update its Access to Finance Guide and its Template Agreements for its studio and publisher members.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Abigail Payne
Other key lawyers
Charles Leveque; Kieran Jay; Ed Lane; Teresa Walker; Sarah Lazerides