As the entertainment industry continues to expand across borders and technological platforms, Latham & Watkins LLP‘s media and entertainment team remains at the forefront of the market, providing comprehensive guidance on a diverse array of transactions for a range of clients including production companies, major motion picture studios, investment funds, financial institutions, and video game developers, among others. The team’s work frequently runs cross-border, regularly advising multinational clients on their acquisitions, operations expansions, and financing agreements. Following the departure of former practice head Ken Deutsch in June 2023, Rick Offsay now leads the department from Los Angeles, offering clients a wealth of experience in devising innovative transaction structures to help them deploy capital across various geographies and industry sectors. Also in Los Angeles are Kendall Johnson, who specializes in transactional matters in the sports sector, and Nancy Bruington, who has extensive experience in structuring and negotiating complex financing transactions within the entertainment industry for clients active in motion picture production, television, music, and sports media, among others. In New York, Justin Hamill further enhances the practice with his expertise in high-value strategic and private equity deals, advising clients on a broad spectrum of film, television, music, and content-related business transactions.
Media and entertainment: transactional in United States
Latham & Watkins LLP
Responsables de la pratique:
Rick Offsay
Autres avocats clés:
Nancy Bruington; Kendall Johnson; Jonathan West; Justin Hamill
Les références
‘A great breadth of experience.’
‘Kendall Johnson is relentless and dedicated.’
‘They are a market leader. The team is smart, responsive, efficient and imminently capable. I would trust them with all of my major transactions.’
Principaux clients
Mediawan
Endeavor
Skydance Media
A24
MGM
Media Res
Centricus
Savvy Games Group
Carlyle
Ryan Seacrest
Julia Louis- Dreyfus
Spotify
A-Frame Brands
D’Amelio Brands
MACRO
Blumhouse
Monroe Capital
Principaux dossiers
- Represented Mediawan in its majority investment in Plan B Entertainment.
- Advised Endeavor as primary outside counsel on multiple M&A deals across the industry, including on UFC and WWE’s $21bn merger to form a new, publicly listed company.
- Advised Skydance Media in deals including a $400m strategic investment round led by KKR and joined by the Ellison family, who remain the company’s majority shareholders.
Akin
Renowned as a go-to advisor for a diverse array of clients, including technology companies, motion picture studios, independent filmmakers, and financial institutions, Akin‘s Los Angeles-based media and entertainment team offers vast experience navigating complex financing arrangements within the industry. Christopher Spicer leads the practice and is well-known for his ability to facilitate high-visibility deals and credit facilities between movie production companies and financial institutions. Marissa Román Griffith specializes in negotiating high-value international financing arrangements for borrowers, financiers, and distributors in the film, television, and digital content spaces.. Alissa Miller and Vanessa Roman also contribute significantly to the team’s strength and depth, with Miller adept at handling deals between independent movie production companies and financial institutions, and Roman focusing on entertainment financings and single project loans. Lauren Epstein is a further name to note and handles private equity-backed and strategic M&A in connection with film and television projects.
Responsables de la pratique:
Christopher Spicer
Autres avocats clés:
Marissa Román Griffith; Alissa Miller; Vanessa Roman; Lauren Epstein
Principaux clients
American Film Institute
Bank of America, N.A.
California Bank & Trust
CIT Bank
City National Bank
Comerica Bank
Content Partners
East West Bank
Fifth Third Bank
HPS Investment Partners, LLC
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
Konami Cross Media
Lyrical Media LLC
Media Rights Capital
MUFG Bank, N.A.
Portfolio Funding Company
Sister Pictures
Truist Bank
XYZ Films
Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz PC
Leveraging its global presence, the media and entertainment group at Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz PC serves a wide client roster that encompasses banks, celebrity estates, authors, musicians, fashion models, and various professionals in the film, television, theatre, and comedy industries. Notably, as the digital landscape evolves, the team draws on integrated firmwide expertise in privacy and data security matters to advise on transactions related to blockchain technology and Web3 projects for video game and eSports publishers. Co-heading the practice from New York are Andrew Hurwitz, who maintains close relationships with clients in the film and television space, and Michael Williams, who is noted for his experience handling transactions in the fashion industry. Joining them in New York are Richard B. Heller, who focuses on new media and IP, Lisa Davis, whose practice centers on film, publishing, and live stage entertainment, and experienced M&A specialist Marcie Cleary. Also based in New York are Ben Moskowitz, who advises on transactional matters in connection with the production of documentary films and television programs, and Julie Murray, a specialist in television, documentary, digital, comedy, and branded content. A significant addition to the Los Angeles team in July 2023 was Melanie Tomanov, who joined the firm from Katten.
Responsables de la pratique:
Andrew Hurwitz; Michael Williams
Autres avocats clés:
Richard B. Heller; Lisa Davis; Richard Hofstetter; Victoria Cook; Mark Merriman; Amy Nickin; Alan Sacks; Sean Kane; Gregory Boyd; Hayden Goldblatt; Sasha Levites; Julie Murray; Marcie Cleary; Dionne Gordon; Ben Moskowitz; Melanie Tomanov
Principaux clients
Aaron Sorkin
Dean Koontz
John Goodman
Keshet International
The Roald Dahl Literary Estate
Hasbro, Inc.
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
Epic Games
Genvid Entertainment
Topic Studios
First Look Productions
Frank Loesser Estate
Jupiter Entertainment
Zero Point Zero Production
Above Average Productions
Matt Groening
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP‘s media and entertainment practice is a hub for expertise in M&A, complex film finance transactions, and joint ventures across the film, live entertainment, and television sectors as well as in rapidly expanding areas such as interactive products and entertainment-related technology. Based in Los Angeles, the practice is led by two co-heads: Kevin Masuda is known for his representation of content companies in various transactions and strategic agreements, and Benyamin Ross has substantial experience advising on investments, joint ventures, and commercial agreements within the technology, media, and entertainment space. Complementing them are private equity specialist Ari Lanin and Steve Tsoneff, who maintains close relationships with a roster of content producers, distributors, and financiers, with a particular focus on audiovisual content. Further key contacts in the team include Sarah Graham, who boasts a strong track record of representing media, entertainment, technology, and gaming companies in a range of business transactions, and Taylor Hathaway-Zepeda, whose expertise lies in divestitures, joint ventures, equity investments, restructuring, and general corporate governance.
Responsables de la pratique:
Kevin Masuda; Benyamin Ross
Autres avocats clés:
Ari Lanin; Steve Tsoneff; Sarah Graham; Taylor Hathaway-Zepeda
Les références
‘The Media team is exceptional. They bring strong foundational knowledge to the deals but remain practical.’
Principaux clients
Shaquille O’Neal
Jersey Legends
National Football League
Universal Pictures
The North Road Company
The Chernin Group
Rachel Maddow
Klutch Sports Group
Tornante Company
Candle Media
SC Holdings
LeBron James
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Shaquille O’Neal and his production company Jersey Legends on its strategic partnership with the newly formed Authentic Studios, the entertainment division of Authentic Brands Group.
- Advised the National Football League on its joint venture with Skydance Media to create a global multi-sports production studio with Skydance Sports.
- Advised Universal Pictures in connection with the merger of Blumhouse and Atomic Monster.
Loeb & Loeb LLP
With its robust interdisciplinary composition and strengths in IP litigation, entertainment labor, and corporate matters, Loeb & Loeb LLP‘s media and entertainment team excels in helping clients seize cross-sector expansion opportunities in various areas of the market, including motion pictures and interactive media. The team is well-regarded for its ability to advise on innovative licensing and streaming deals in the music industry, providing strategic counsel to music companies, financial institutions, and leading technology firms. The practice also regularly handles transactions for clients active in the Broadway and live theatre, non-scripted television, sports, and new media spaces. Co-heading the practice from Los Angeles is Scott Edel, an expert in production, financing, and distribution transactions, while in New York, co-head Roger Arar specializes in network licensing agreements, finance, distribution, and production transactions. Other key figures in New York are Marc Chamlin, who chairs the firm’s television department, and music expert Debbie White. Los Angeles partner John Frankenheimer is also noted for his representation of clients in the music space, including record companies and distributors, multinational and independent music publishers and major artists. Sponsorship and licensing expert Bess Morgan, who practices from Nashville, is a further name to note.
Responsables de la pratique:
Scott Edel; Roger Arar
Autres avocats clés:
John Frankenheimer; Debbie White; Marc Chamlin; Paul Swanson; Arash Khalili; Derek Crownover; Stefan Schick; Scott Zolke; Tiffany Dunn; Ivy Kagan Bierman; Frank D’Angelo; Carol Kaplan; Scott Wilcox; Anne Kennedy McGuire; Bess Morgan
Les références
‘The lawyers at Loeb & Loeb seem to genuinely like one another and work extremely well together. Marc Chamlin is always my main contact, and he brings in the other attorneys as needed to support on specific matters. Marc always remains actively involved with these teams to make sure his colleagues know me and that I know them. In addition to knowing their areas well, the lawyers at Loeb & Loeb are efficient with their time and they are good communicators.’
‘Beyond being an excellent lawyer, Marc Chamlin has guided my career in a variety of ways. I can honestly say that in 15 years he has never let me down once.’
‘Marc Chamlin has a deep knowledge of the industry and a passion for his clients that is unmatched.’
Principaux clients
Adult Swim
Alcon Entertainment
Black Label Media
Buzzfeed
eOne
Flawless AI
Fremantle
Cartoon Network Studios
Guthy-Renker
Legendary Entertainment
Rick and Morty, LLC
ShadowMachine
Starz
STX Entertainment
Village Roadshow
Warner Bros Animation
Weigel Broadcasting Co.
Aperture Media Partners
Ley Line Entertainment
Cast & Crew Financial Services
Buffalo Bills
MUFG Bank, Ltd.
Bank of Hope
Comerica Bank
City National Bank
O&M Theatricals
O’Henry Productions
SteadiBeat Media
Black Cap Productions
White Dog Productions
Handspring Puppet Company
Stephen and Ruth Hendel
Seaview Productions
Jamrock Productions
Mike and Carlee, Inc
Lionel Richie
Vin Di Bona Productions
FishBowl WorldWide Media
Cindy Crawford
Annapurna Pictures and Annapurna Games
Tyler “Ninja” Blevins
Dot Dot Dot
Diana Ross
Katherine Schwarzenegger
Oprah Winfrey
Harpo Productions
Glenn Close
HYBE
Big Hit Music
BTS
TXT
SEVENTEEN
NewJeans
JYP Entertainment
Christina Aguilera
Duran Duran
The Who
Regina Spektor
Artists Equity
Games Workshop
Voxovation
Morgan Creek Entertainment
Nexon Studios
YouTube
Nintendo
Valve Corporation
Papergames
Nexstar Media Group
Lemonada Media
Audiochuck Network
Warner Bros.
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Paramount
Nickelodeon
BET Networks
Lionsgate
MGM
Bad Robot Productions
Netflix
Disney Jr.
HBO
Viacom
WildBrain
Paramount+
The Seelig Group
Media Rights Capital
World of Wonder Productions, Inc.
Audible
Talos Films
True Religion
Hello Sunshine
Linden Labs
Stanley Kubrick Estate
StudioCanal TV
The Last Manhunt, LLC
VaynerWATT
The Steve Irwin family
Truly Original
Sharp Entertainment
Lucky 8 TV
Bungalow Media
Hudsun Media
RTR Media
Scott Brothers Entertainment
Six West Productions
Plimsoll Productions
Crossroads Live, Inc.
Creative Partners Productions, LLC
New York Theatre Workshop
The Flea Theater
Center Stage Baltimore
Alley Theatre
Hartford Stage
The New Group
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
Alliance Entertainment
Horizon Media
Tenacious D
The Estate of BB King
The Estate of Otis Redding, Jr.
The John. R. Cash Revocable Trust
Bon Iver
Black Pumas
Big Loud Records
The Four Seasons / Frankie Valli
Loretta Lynn
Old Crow Medicine Show
Dylan Brady
Double Down Music
Dallas Davidson
Tape Room Music, LLC
Carrie Underwood
Given Music Publishing
Dune Grass Music
UFC
CTM Outlander
GoDigital Media Group
Hearst’s King Features
Superfly Events
Sony/ATV
The Estate of Alfred Hitchcock
Frederick Loewe Trust
The Maurice Sendak Foundation
The Estate of Ella Fitzgerald
Ford Motor Company
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted domestic and foreign-based independent production companies with obtaining SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreements throughout 2023.
- Represented Alliance Entertainment in its business combination agreement with Adara Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company.
- Assisted Oprah Winfrey and her production company, Harpo, with the launch of the People’s Fund of Maui, a fund created to distribute cash directly to those affected by the wildfires in Maui.
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP‘s media and entertainment practice represents industry giants in the production industry as well as major music artists and broadcast personalities, offering a comprehensive range of services covering high-profile M&A transactions, distribution deals, corporate partnerships, and financings. With a particularly strong foothold in the music sector, the team's expertise extends to emerging companies and platforms in podcasting, television, games/esports, virtual reality, and other emerging digital media spaces. The team is headed up by Jordan Bromley in Los Angeles, who is renowned for his work on issues surrounding the streaming economy, major music transactions, and deals related to Web 3.0 products and projects. Other key figures at the firm include prolific debt financing expert Sophia Yen, Christopher Chatham, who is experienced in advising clients on various production issues, and Gary Gilbert, a sought-after advisor in the music space who represents recording artists, producers, songwriters, and executives in complex, high-profile transactions.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jordan Bromley
Autres avocats clés:
Sophia Yen; Gary Gilbert; Christopher Chatham; Joe Anderson; Lee Philips; Monika Tashman
Les références
‘They are extremely reliable, accountable and thorough with all their work.’
‘Trustworthy, methodical team with a good work ethic.’
Principaux clients
FilmRise
HARTBEAT, LLC
Wavelength Productions
Stage 29 Productions
Dunshire Productions
Pride of Gypsies
SymphonyOS
Majordomo Media, LLC
Mirrored Media
Third Man Records
Logan Paul
Burt Bacharach
Death Cab for Cutie
Chris Harrison
Dr. Phil
Heidi Klum
Styx
Exceleration Music
The Zombies
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
With longstanding experience advising Hollywood clients, O'Melveny & Myers LLP maintains its stronghold in the entertainment and media sector, navigating both traditional formats like film and television in addition to handling emerging technology-driven media deals in spaces including streaming, NFTs, and AI. Supported by a global network of lawyers in Europe and Asia, the team excels in cross-border joint ventures and transactions aimed at producing, financing, and distributing content. Amy Siegel leads the practice from Los Angeles and is renowned for her expertise in licensing and joint venture arrangements. In addition to advising studios and streamers, Siegel’s client base has expanded to include commercial brands and sponsors. Also based in Los Angeles are Lindsay Conner and Silvia Vannini, who are particularly well-regarded for their ability to handle multijurisdictional transactions. In New York, Matthew Syrkin is recognized for his adeptness in negotiating innovative deals, establishing him as a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies. Bruce Tobey departed the firm in July 2023, while the New York office welcomed the arrival of leveraged finance and acquisition financings specialist Robert Wann from Baker Botts L.L.P. in March 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Amy Siegel
Autres avocats clés:
Lindsay Conner; Terrence Dugan; Chris Owens; Matthew Syrkin; Silvia Vannini; Robert Wann; Eric Zabinski
Principaux clients
Liberty Broadband Corporation
Liberty Media Corporation
Offscreen, Inc.
Stanford University
Animal Logic
CAA
Comcast
Content Partners
fuboTV
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
Lionsgate
Madison Square Garden
Paramount Global
Paramount Pictures
Passionflix
SkyShowtime
Starz
Warner Bros.
Principaux dossiers
- Represented Australian animation studio Animal Logic in connection with its acquisition by Netflix.
- Advised Comcast and Paramount Global on the 2023 roll-out and launch of their joint venture for a new streaming service “SkyShowtime,”.
- Advised JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent on a $750m syndicated secured revolving credit facility for Skydance Productions, LLC.
Paul Hastings LLP
Leveraging its international network, Paul Hastings LLP‘s entertainment and media group caters to a diverse clientele which includes high-profile individuals, independent content companies, banks, talent agencies, and private equity investors. The team’s comprehensive range of services encompasses advice on significant M&A deals as well as on acquisition and project financings. The practice recruited entertainment investment and acquisitions specialist Ken Deutsch from Latham & Watkins LLP in June 2023. Deutsch now co-chairs the practice group alongside Erik Hyman, who is well-regarded for his ability to advise non-entertainment companies on their television industry strategies. Other key figures within the practice include Susan Williams, who is noted for her role in sophisticated entertainment-related capital market transactions as well as in licensing and distribution agreements, and Mickey Mayerson, who offers clients expertise in single-picture financings, securitization transactions, and joint ventures involving entertainment industry companies. Additionally, the practice benefits from the expertise of David Hernand, who specializes in studio and streaming-services acquisitions, and Sean Monroe, whose proficiency lies in sports industry matters. Craig Emanuel retired from the practice in September 2023. All lawyers mentioned are based in Los Angeles.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ken Deutsch; Erik Hyman
Autres avocats clés:
Susan Williams; Mickey Mayerson; David Hernand; Sean Monroe
Principaux clients
About-Face
Aristocrat Leisure Limited
AT&T
Celebrands
First Street Entertainment LLC
Fox Corporation
Golem Creations, LLC
HYBE
Imperative Entertainment
Macro Media
Motion Picture Corporation of America
Midcap Financial
National Amusements Inc.
New Republic Holdings, LLC
News Corp. Ltd.
QCode
Paramount Global
Stampede Entertainment
The Friedkin Group, Inc.
Tribune Entertainment
Tyler Perry Studios
Vine Alternative Investments
Walmart
Warner Bros. Discovery
WES Brands LLC
30WEST
777 Partners
Perkins Coie LLP
Perkins Coie LLP‘s media and entertainment group maintains its strong presence in the gaming industry and also places a notable focus on advising on projects related to innovative technologies in sectors spanning entertainment, media, sports, software, social networking, e-commerce, retail, and advertising industries. Jason Schneiderman, based in Palo Alto, is one of the practice’s three co-heads and routinely advises on transactions in the entertainment tech sphere, handling deals related to virtual reality, blockchain, SaaS, interactive entertainment, and artificial intelligence. Co-head Kirk Soderquist, located in Seattle, maintains close relationships with a client roster of emerging growth technology companies. Also based in Seattle, Ron Koo serves as a key contact for transactions in the gaming sector, collaborating with leading developers, device manufacturers, and social connectivity platforms on commercial agreements and international product launches. In New York, John Delaney, the third practice head, focuses on sectors such as music, TV, film, and online platforms. His New York colleagues include live sports rights specialist Shirin Malkani and Ali Mirsaidi, who is a further key contact for entertainment technology M&A.
Responsables de la pratique:
Kirk Soderquist; Jason Schneiderman; John Delaney
Autres avocats clés:
Ron Koo; Ali Mirsaidi; Meeka Bondy; Divya Taneja; Mark Goodrich; Michelle Han; Kyle Simon; Brian Eiting
Les références
‘Perhaps the most experience of any firm in web 3.0. Deep experience in video games work.’
Principaux clients
Epic Games
Nintendo of America
Microsoft
YouTube TV
Bungie
AviaGames
iHeartMedia
Bandai Namco
Cox Media Group
The Pokémon Company International
Krafton
Principaux dossiers
- Represented Alphabet as the owner of YouTube in its negotiation for exclusive rights to the NFL’s Sunday Ticket offering and in a renewal and renegotiation of all other deals between YouTube and the NFL for distribution of NFL content.
- Advised Hopoo Games LLC on its sale of the “Risk of Rain” video game franchise to The Gearbox Entertainment Company, Inc.
- Represented Cox Media Group in a definitive asset purchase agreement for its Houston radio cluster by Urban One Inc.
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP
Drawing upon its extensive global experience, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP‘s media and entertainment practice group adeptly manages the acquisition, financing, production, and distribution of content for major studios, streaming services, and other platforms worldwide. The practice’s expertise extends across various industry sectors, including sports, music, live events, podcasts, art, publishing, and fashion. Leading the practice from New York is Alexis Robinson, who is renowned for providing strategic counsel in complex commercial transactions involving the emerging technology, entertainment, and media sectors. In Los Angeles, key contacts include advertising, fashion, and art specialist Robert Darwell, Robb Klein, whose expertise lies in film and television financing, production, merchandising, and the licensing of rights in digital media, and Linda Michaelson, who assists public and private companies with a range of corporate transactions. Further key contacts in the Los Angeles office include finance and mergers expert David Sands, Leif Cervantes De Reinstein, who has notable experience in scripted television and VOD matters, and Shaun Clark, whose entertainment practice encompasses IP rights and first-look agreements.
Responsables de la pratique:
Alexis Robinson
Autres avocats clés:
Robert Darwell; Robb Klein; Linda Michaelson; David Sands; Shaun Clark; Leif Cervantes de Reinstein
Les références
‘Robert Darwell is unique in its practical and savvy view of the issues at stake, always providing a legal perspective of the matters involved while at the same time never losing sight of the commercial and practical angles that are relevant in the analysis and decision-making process.’
‘Robert Darwell always stands out for being highly experienced in his field of knowledge, highly respected by all his colleagues, strong in defending his client’s interests while at the same time providing practical solutions to the issues under analysis.’
Principaux clients
Amazon.com
Amazon Studios
TelevisaUnivision
Lionsgate Entertainment
101 Studios
Fremantle
Spotify
Meta
QVC
Strand Equity
Banc of California
Wiip Management
Foundation Building Materials
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted Amazon Studios with the ongoing integration of its acquisition of MGM and the development, production, and exploitation of the MGM library of intellectual property.
- Advised Amazon Studios on the production of the second season of its series “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.”
- Advised TelevisaUnivision on negotiations in connection with its license of Telemundo for a five-year term.
Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP has amassed considerable experience in handling transformative transactions, including as acquisitions, divestitures and financings, for a raft of blue-chip media and entertainment clients. In New York, practice head and firmwide presiding partner Faiza Saeed is sought out by public companies, boards of directors and special committees for assistance with M&A, corporate governance, takeover defense, and crisis management work. Her transactional prowess was notably demonstrated in her recent assistance to Hasbro in connection with the $500m sale of its Entertainment One film and TV business to Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.
Responsables de la pratique:
Faiza Saeed
Principaux clients
Amazon
Amblin
Cable One
Hasbro
OUTFRONT Media
Quibi
Rogers Communications
The Snyder Family
The Walt Disney Company
Principaux dossiers
- Representing Disney in ESPN’s strategic alliance with PENN Entertainment to launch ESPN BET.
- Represented the Snyder family in the $6.05bn sale of the NFL’s Washington Commanders to a partnership led by Josh Harris.
- Advised Hasbro on the pending $500m sale of its eOne Film and TV Business to Lionsgate.
DLA Piper LLP (US)
Praised for its ‘ hands-on deal management’ and ‘deep expertise in the entertainment and music sectors’, DLA Piper LLP (US) advises extensively on music rights securitization and is equipped to structure and negotiate a broad range of agreements in areas such as content development, production and distribution. A trio of partners head up the Los Angeles-based team: Tom Ara‘s transactional abilities were most recently showcased in his handling of a VR content production deal for TikTok and parent company ByteDance, Robert Sherman is frequently sought out by music rights acquirers to advise on distressed transactions, and David Markman‘s broad practice includes serving as production counsel for film and television projects. Seasoned entertainment lawyer Richard Petretti is geared to assist with work including secured and unsecured film, television and music financings, while Katherine Imp has extensive experience in negotiating production and post-production agreements for audiovisual content.
Responsables de la pratique:
Tom Ara; Robert Sherman; David Markman
Autres avocats clés:
Richard Petretti; Katherine Imp
Les références
‘Really fantastic folks. Super-knowledgable. Collaborative. Easy to work with. ’
‘The level of collaboration is unreal, they are just so wonderful. ’
‘Deep expertise in the entertainment and music sectors, and very strong expertise across corporate matters, financings, tax, etc.’
Principaux clients
TikTok Inc.
Creative Artists Agency, LLC
Cyber Group Studios
Coupang Play
Concord
Michelle Rodriguez
CJ ENM Co., Ltd.
Educational Media Foundation
The Walt Disney Company
HarbourView Equity Partners, LLC
MMM Asset Co LP
Annapurna Games LLC
Principaux dossiers
- Represented Concord in its $1.8bn music securitization.
- Represented ByteDance and TikTok in a multi-year VR content production deal with WaveXR.
- Counseled Victoria’s Secret & Co. in connection with the production and distribution of the recently released Victoria’s Secret: The Tour ‘23 documentary.
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Kirkland & Ellis LLP pulls together a robust transactional offering in the entertainment space, with music catalog acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic partnerships among the firm’s areas of focus. In Chicago, practice head Seth Traxler frequently brings his tech expertise to bear on a range of technology transactions for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to high-growth start-ups in the media and entertainment space. Spin-offs, carve-outs and securities offerings are among New York-based Edward Lee‘s areas of expertise. In the same office, Shellie Freedman is geared to handle mandates with a technology and IP element, while Rory Wellever and Bernadette Coppola in the Chicago office further bolster the firm’s strength in a diverse range of M&A work. The unit is additionally equipped to handle ESG and data privacy issues as well as regulatory concerns in transactions.
Responsables de la pratique:
Seth Traxler
Autres avocats clés:
Edward Lee; Shellie Freedman; Rory Wellever; Bernadette Coppola
Les références
‘Kirkland’s M&A team is stellar, the best we’ve used for both quality and service.’
‘Edward Lee offers very high service, very good quality, and industry knowledge.’
Principaux clients
Bedford Productions LLC
Cosm
Francisco Partners
Hipgnosis
Kobalt Music Group
Metallica
Mohari Hospitality
Naver
Oaktree Capital Management
Providence Equity Partners
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Hipgnosis on a variety of music acquisition deals, including 100% of Justin Bieber’s music catalog.
- Advised Vincent McMahon on leading WWE through a review of its strategic alternatives and on the resulting merger transaction with Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc.
- Advising Cosm on its multi-year partnership with the NBA that will feature a new live game viewing experience.
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
Praised for its ‘deep expertise in media asset-backed securities transactions’, the team of ‘excellent lawyers’ at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP handles a range of transactional work for a range of key strategic players in the market. Practice co-heads Robert Schumer and Michael Vogel ’s M&A expertise is frequently brought to bear on major deals in the space. They co-lead the team with Charles H. Googe Jr., who is noted for his experience with financing transactions. Robert Zochowski Jr. is particularly well-regarded for his ability to advise on project financings involving assets such as music rights securitizations. Ariel Deckelbaum departed in March 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Robert Schumer; Michael Vogel; Charles H. Googe Jr.
Autres avocats clés:
Robert Zochowski Jr; Scott Barshay; Brian Kim; Claudine Meredith-Goujon; Steven Williams
Les références
‘The media and entertainment finance team are excellent lawyers and a pleasure to work across from. They have deep expertise in media asset-backed securities transactions.’
‘Bob Zokowski is a very experienced and commercially-minded attorney. He combines strong esoteric ABS expertise with broad experience with media and entertainment transactions.’
‘Bob Zochowski is commercial and easy to deal with.’
Principaux clients
Advance
Carnival Corporation & plc
Legendary Entertainment
MGM
Score Media & Gaming
Univision Holdings
World Wrestling Entertainment
The Special Committee of Board of Directors of CBS
Diamond Sports Group
Party City
Reed Smith LLP
Overseen by music industry expert Stephen Sessa from the firm’s Los Angeles office, Reed Smith LLP‘s entertainment and media industry group is praised for its ability to help its clients navigate ‘film, television, live events, and music legal landscapes’. Sessa’s colleague Michael Sherman is praised by clients as ‘a perfect partner for a company that wants to explore a TV/movie project outside of its usual scope of business’. In the same office, Joshua Love is another key contact for recording and distribution agreements in the music industry, while in Chicago, Robert Newman is an expert on data security and IP matters and Jason Gordon chiefly handles transactions in the sports sector.
Responsables de la pratique:
Stephen Sessa
Autres avocats clés:
Michael Sherman; Joshua Love; Robert Newman; Jason Gordon
Les références
‘Michael Sherman is an exceptionally skilled legal professional with a deep understanding of the entertainment sector.’
‘Reed Smith LLP proved to be an honest law firm with great lawyers on board. When dealing with their team, you can be sure that you will get the best professional advice within the agreed deadline.’
‘Michael Sherman is extremely knowledgeable and business-oriented. He also knows the industry and during negotiations showed that he knows how to navigate the process in order to achieve the best outcome possible. We really appreciate working with Michael!’
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Motion picture and television studios, film financiers, music publishers, gaming companies and sports franchises are among the clients that routinely turn to Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP for assistance with impactful M&A deals, financing transactions and the formation of entities such as music labels. David Eisman heads up the team from the firm’s Los Angeles office and has a proven track record in cross-border transactions. Also in Los Angeles, Glen G. Mastroberte‘s varied practice includes assistance with acquisition and gaming transactions, joint ventures and strategic alliances.
Responsables de la pratique:
David Eisman
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is geared to assist with a range of high-value transactional work for clients connected to the content production and distribution industries. New York-based duo Jonathan Levitsky and Emily Huang share leadership duties. Both are well-placed to handle corporate transactions for entertainment clients, with Levitsky also a key contact for media clients and Huang frequently mandated by sports sector entities. In San Francisco, Michael Diz‘s broad practice spans M&A, corporate governance and fiduciary duty matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jonathan Levitsky; Emily Huang
Autres avocats clés:
Michael Diz
Principaux clients
Consilio
DoubleVerify, Inc.
Gympass
Liberty Media
Match Group
Providence Equity Partners
Qatar Investment Authority
Sonos
Steve Cohen and Cohen Private Ventures
Syniverse
TA Associates
The Carlyle Group
The Dolan Family
Greenberg Traurig
From the negotiation of content distribution deals to the establishment of production companies to cross-border business expansion, the varied practice at Greenberg Traurig, LLP is well-positioned to assist a diverse cross-section of entertainment clients with a broad array of transactional mandates. The firm’s wide reach is underscored by its three practice heads: Bobby Rosenbloum is based in the firm’s Atlanta office and centers his practice on negotiating content agreements with rights owners. Dan Black operates from the firm’s Los Angeles office and counts high-profile music catalog acquisitions among his strong suits. Barbara Meili in New York completes the leadership team and has a proven track record in distributor arrangements and acquisitions in the broadcasting sector.
Responsables de la pratique:
Bobby Rosenbloum; Dan Black; Barbara Meili
Katten
With a cross-country and international reach, Katten‘s Los Angeles office is a popular destination for clients such as motion picture studios, video game developers and major sports teams. Michael Hobel heads up the practice and is geared to assist with mandates involving intellectual property rights and assets. Scott Cutrow‘s portfolio of work encompasses entertainment finance transactions and talent agreements. Daniel Render‘s transactional prowess is relied upon by a range of sports clients, including teams, stadia and strategic investors. The unit additionally collaborates closely with the firm's entertainment litigation group to handle issues such as chain-of-title reviews, conflict resolution and dispute avoidance.
Responsables de la pratique:
Michael Hobel
Autres avocats clés:
Scott Cutrow; Daniel Render
Principaux clients
Charlotte Hornets
Debmar/Mercury
FremantleMedia North America
Handmade Films
Intuit Dome
Legendary Entertainment
Los Angeles Clippers
MRC Entertainment
Resurgence Media Group, LLC
Riot Games
Sacramento Kings
Silver Chalice LLC
The Tornante Company
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Debmar/Mercury on several business transactions.
- Advised Riot Games in connection with a variety of entertainment matters, including rights agreements, talent agreements, joint ventures and general entertainment matters.
- Advised an ownership group on its acquisition of the Charlotte Hornets NBA basketball team.
Proskauer Rose LLP
Proskauer Rose LLP‘s established media and entertainment practice is known for its ability to negotiate and structure media distribution deals involving cable, satellite, and telecoms providers. The team is also well-versed in mandates relating to NFTs and over-the-top platforms. Practice co-head Robert Freeman has a proven track record in advising on joint ventures and strategic alliances in the media and entertainment field. Co-head Lauren Boglivi frequently leverages her private and public M&A experience to handle transactions in the gaming and sports spaces, while in Los Angeles, co-head Sandra Crawshaw-Sparks is a seasoned entertainment industry litigator. Wai Choy’s broad practice extends to the negotiation of regional and national content licensing deals. Unless otherwise mentioned, all named lawyers are based in New York.
Responsables de la pratique:
Robert Freeman; Lauren Boglivi; Sandra Crawshaw-Sparks
Autres avocats clés:
Wai Choy
Principaux clients
AMC Networks
Bain Capital
Big Ten Conference
Castlelake
Crown Media
Cox Communications
Digicel
Doodles
DISH Network
Fan Controlled Football League
FanDuel
ForgeLight LLC
fuboTV
Hearst
Hulu
iHeartMedia
Los Angeles 2028 Organizing Committee
LPGA
Major League Soccer
Miramax
National Basketball Association
National Football League
National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences
Spectrum
TelevisaUnivision
TMRW Sports
United States Golf Association
Warner Bros. Discovery
Women’s Tennis Association
Pryor Cashman LLP
Praised for its ability to make ‘the difficult look easy’, Pryor Cashman LLP‘s in-depth expertise is sought out by studios, publishers, distributors and a host of other major industry players. Leadership duties are divided between Briana Hill, whose LA-based practice incorporates rights acquisitions and co-production deals, and a New York duo comprising Simon Pulman, who is praised for his 'firm grasp of market terms for deals in the entertainment industry', and James Janowitz, who specializes in distribution agreements. Amy Stein Simonds counts podcasts and digital media among her areas of focus.
Responsables de la pratique:
Briana Hill; Simon Pulman; James Janowitz
Autres avocats clés:
Amy Stein Simonds
Les références
‘Extremely competent, knowledgeable, well-connected, and expedient. They make the difficult look easy.’
‘Simon Pulman has represented my companies for several years. His interdisciplinary approach and deep fluency in his clients’ entertainment work set him apart from any other attorney I have ever worked with. He handles complex matters with confidence and competence. ’
‘We have followed our lawyers Simon Pulman and Briana Hill to Pryor Cashman and have been impressed by the ease of the transition and the friendly staff.’
Principaux clients
Blumhouse TV
Locksmith Animation
Sister
wiip
dj2 entertainment
Story Kitchen
Macmillan
Rough House Productions
Hipgnosis
Chernin Entertainment
Skybound Entertainment
Artists Equity
SLL America
Rococo Punch
AWA
Pod People
Big Indie
Exactly Right Media
Office Ladies
Likely Story
Structure Films
Insignia Films
Stick Figure Productions
AllDayEveryDay
Cedar Creek Media
First Look Media
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Sister on a competitive rights acquisition for a spec script for “MY EX-FRIEND’S WEDDING”.
- Advised Blumhouse TV on business and legal affairs in connection with the television series Scarpetta.
- Advised dJ2 Entertainment on the negotiation of a first-look agreement with Amazon Studios and second-look agreement with Legendary Entertainment.
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP‘s entertainment, sports and media practice guides clients such as production companies, A-list actors and publishers through transactions spanning recapitalizations, acquisitions, and strategic investments. The Los Angeles group is overseen by Alan Epstein, who chairs the entertainment transactions practice, Sidney Fohrman, who chairs the music and digital media practice, and Andrew Kramer, who chairs the motion picture, television and entertainment finance practice. Strategic relationships expert Steven Hurdle is described as ‘best in class in terms of corporate counsel in media transactions’. Shane Nix is a key contact for matters that fall at the nexus between entertainment and technology.
Responsables de la pratique:
Alan Epstein; Sidney Fohrman; Andrew Kramer
Autres avocats clés:
Steven Hurdle; Shane Nix; Ray LaSoya
Les références
‘Mid-size firm with a solid reputation and dependable partners and associates. Well-known name and well-known clients.’
‘Willkie Farr & Gallagher is an exceptionally good law firm with great industry expertise, deep bench strength and impressive capability in all key areas of law and many specialist areas such as derivatives and complex tax issues. They are very user-friendly with lots of experience of dealing with international clients. ’
‘Steve Hurdle is best in class in terms of corporate counsel in media transactions. He is extremely responsive, very commercial and with an excellent knowledge of media transactions. We use him for all of our corporate dealings and couldn’t be happier.’
Principaux clients
Ryan Reynolds
Mint Mobile
Shamrock Capital Advisors
Plan B Entertainment
Estate of Joe Cocker
North Road Company
SPIN
Sister Holdings Limited
Hybe America
BMG
Create Music Group
AmazeVR
TikTok
Brillstein Entertainment Partners
Sister
Principaux dossiers
- Represented Brillstein Entertainment Partners in its sale to Wasserman Media Group.
- Represented Ryan Reynolds as part owner of Mint Mobile in connection with T-Mobile’s acquisition of Mint Mobile and one other brand.
- Advised Plan B Entertainment on its definitive agreement to sell a majority stake to Mediawan.