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 media team at Harbottles & Lewis is quick, responsive, smart and commercially aware. I have, over many years, consistently found them to be ahead of other comparative firms in their understanding of the industry and the specific needs of small and medium-sized indie producers.’
- ‘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
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