Simkins LLP is noted for its expertise in productions, advising clients on financings, loan, security, and inter-party arrangements, as well as the structuring of equity investments. Practice head Jonathan Blair is a film and TV specialist who assists both producers and financiers with a range of media finance issues, including production finance, tax-based incentives, distribution pre-sales, and gap financing. The team is well-versed in aiding international co-productions and advising on its complex financing arrangements. Giao Pacey is a corporate media expert who regularly assists with M&A transactions and equity and debt investments, while Ben Gisbey is a go-to team member for music clients requiring assistance with corporate transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Strong team with great work ethic. Vast experience.'
‘Ben Gisbey has vast experience, from new entrants to established names in this arena. He is both very commercial but also technically excellent.’
'The culture of the firm is very much about providing excellent client service and it has a high level of sophistication when working on a transaction.'
'I worked with Giao Pacey who provided excellent client service. We worked very well together, which made the process of completing the transaction much simpler. Giao was very diligent and very thorough with her review, identifying and raising all the right queries to ensure the best outcome for our client.'
Key clients
- Lumina Studios Group Limited
- Virgin Music Group
- Ladywell Films Limited
- Gold Rush Pictures
- Copper Island Productions
- Coutts & Co
- Universal Music Operations
- Bella Figura Music
- Big Church Festival
- Phantom Music Management Ltd
- Andy Taylor and Rod Smallwood
- Snowed-In Productions
Work highlights
Advised Virgin Music Group on a loan arrangement with, and subsequently its acquisition of, Outdustry.
Advised Copper Island Production on its financing of the feature drama Apart from Her, based on a screenplay by Cypriot filmmaker Stelana Kliris.
Advised Lumina Studios Group on its share purchase and further equity investment in Short Form Film Company.
Practice head
Jonathan Blair
Other key lawyers
Ben Gisbey; Giao Pacey