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.
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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.’
Key clients
- MBC Studios
- Rabbit Track Pictures Limited
Work highlights
Advised Neal Street Productions on all the financing and production agreements required for the large budget production of The Magic Faraway Tree.
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