With a core sector-specific offering which is led by the ‘exceptional’ Aled Walters, as well as the ability to effectively leverage the relevant expertise across the firm’s full-service offering, Hugh James ‘provides a 360-degree legal service’ to a myriad of stakeholders in the sector, running the gamut from advice on co-production agreements through to IP matters and financing arrangements. Walters has a ‘deep understanding of the media sector’ gleaned through private practice as well as his former role in-house at national broadcaster S4C; consequently he has tremendous insight into the nuances of the sector, regularly advising large UK-based television and film production companies across a range of complex commercial and corporate matters. ‘Professional’ and ‘very knowledgeable’ solicitor Ilan Jones, who was also formerly in-house at S4C, aids Walters with contractual and compliance mandates. The arrival of the ‘exceptional’ Mark Loosemore in July 2023 (following the absorption of his former firm Loosemores Solicitors) has also given the team an extra dimension, given his ‘strong legal credentials across the wider sports industry’ and the relevant media work within that sector, including advice on sponsorship and licensing agreements. Consultant solicitor Sara Griffiths retired in October 2023.
Media and entertainment in Wales
Hugh James
Responsables de la pratique:
Aled Walters
Autres avocats clés:
Mark Loosemore; Ilan Jones; Siôn Tudur
Les références
‘The service was efficient, effective, competitive and friendly. It was also a great benefit for me to be able to discuss my business in my first language and not having to conduct the business in English, that would have been more difficult for me.’
‘The team at Hugh James has excellent knowledge and understanding of the legal issues relating to media law.’
‘Hugh James provides a 360-degree legal service which means we feel supported and well covered for the diverse range of disciplines within our business.’
Principaux clients
Great Point Studios
Wildflame Productions Limited
Afanti Media Group Limited
Welsh Government
4 Wood Group Limited
Cwmni Da Cyf
Location Solutions Limited
Dragon Studios Limited
ITV plc
Football Association of Wales
Welsh Rugby Players Association
Horse & Country TV
Studio Collective
Welsh National Opera (WNO)
Opra Avanti
TAC
Screen Alliance Wales
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Great Point Studios on the purchase of Seren Studios from the Welsh government, in a multimillion-pound deal involving funding from the Cardiff Capital Region.
- Advised S4C on statutory and corporate governance matters.
- Advised Afanti Media on its rights and contractual position on the handover of the BBC’s Songs of Praise.
Acuity Law
Spearheaded by Welsh-speaking consultant Angharad Evans and also aided at times by practitioners within the firmwide commercial and technology plus IP teams, Acuity Law is well-positioned to act for clients within the creative industries across a range of commercial contract, financing and IP protection/commercialisation matters. Formerly in-house counsel at S4C, the 'superb' Evans has excellent insight into the Welsh and English TV and film industry, and regularly advises film and TV producers on the terms of rights, financing, co-production, distribution and exploitation contracts.
Responsables de la pratique:
Angharad Evans
Autres avocats clés:
Declan Goodwin; Adam Munn
Les références
‘We have felt supported across a wide variety of productions that straddle numerous formats and scales.’
‘Angharad Evans is superb and because she has worked across a huge variety of projects from both the side of the broadcaster and the indie, she is knowledgeable across a large cross-section of legals we deal with.’
Principaux clients
Joio Cyf
Riot Time Pictures Limited
Triongl Cyf
Carlam Ltd
Cread Cyf
Zwwm Films Cyf
Sixteen Media Limited
Truth Department Limited
Kailash Films Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Provided all legal and business affairs support to the Truth Department Ltd for the development and production of a theatrical documentary film funded by Ffilm Agency Wales.
- Provided legal and business affairs support to Zwwm Films Cyf in relation to a documentary on the Crossbow Killer.
- Provided ongoing legal and business affairs support to Triongl Cyf in the development of multiple television drama projects, including option and writer agreements.