Lee & Thompson LLP‘s media finance practice has considerable experience in assisting banks with the financing of film and TV productions. Other types of financiers - including private equity firms, providers of post-equity finance, as well as post house and non-bank financiers - also turn to the team for assistance with media finance transactions as do producers, with the group often acting as production counsel on films. Sam Tatton-Brown leads the practice and is the go-to for film and TV financings. Christos Michaels assists finance clients with film-related financing issues. Nicki Parfitt represents a mix of financiers, sales agents and production companies, while Johan Ewing advises on the setting up and structuring of film and TV companies and projects. Sarah Cundall is the key associate to note, whose areas of expertise cover the financing, development, production and distribution of film and TV productions. Anwen Griffiths left the firm in March 2024.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I feel completely secure when I work with Lee & Thompson. The depth and breadth of knowledge, their years of experience, the variety of disciplines their partners and associates possess, means that whatever hurdle I may be facing, they will have an array of solutions for me.’
‘Christos Michaels's calm, diplomatic approach to problem solving and conflict resolution means I always have a safe, calm pair of hands to help me navigate often tricky, time-sensitive issues.’
‘We always feel totally looked after. The expertise brings an exceptional level of trust and the team is completely flexible, adjusting its approach according to the needs of individual projects and transactions. Lee & Thompson are always the proverbial calm in the eye of the storm.’
‘Christos Michaels has to be one of the most respected partners operating in the UK screen sector. He can see his way through incredibly complex deal structures and work with incredibly big hitters, but can always find time to support and advise those nearer the start of their careers.'
'Sarah Cundall is a brilliant associate who understands all aspects of the screen sector and always steers business along the smoothest path, even when transactions become tricky. Both Christos and Sarah have a generosity and humour which makes everything so much more enjoyable.’
Key clients
- Headgear
- JW Films
- LA Studios
- Media Finance Capital
- Arbuthnot Lathan
- Coutts
- Lorton Entertainment
- Creativity Capital
- Cofiloisirs
- Aver
Work highlights
- Advised James Wilson on the financing of the Academy Award and BAFTA-winning theatrical feature film "The Zone of Interest".
- Acted for financier Head Gear with respect to its financing of "How to Have Sex".
- Represented LA Studios in the provision of equity finance for "The Cleaner", a UK action thriller starring Daisy Ridley and Clive Owen.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
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
Sam Tatton-Brown
Other key lawyers
Christos Michaels; Nicki Parfitt; Stephen Spence; Johan Ewing; Sarah Cundall