The magic of film depends upon sound and realistic professional advice from first option to closing credit.

We see our role as assisting and advising on all stages of the film production process, often steering a path through the most complex issues and providing practical and commercial solutions.

We have a wealth of experience in the practicalities of the whole process of film development, finance and production, from the securing of initial rights through to the complexities of distribution.

We understand the problems faced by producers and financiers when dealing with the day to day pressures of the industry. In particular we appreciate that negotiations and agreements must be dealt with effectively and efficiently within the restraints of the production timetable.

We also understand the many technical needs of the various parties involved in the process of film making.

Of the many commercial imperatives faced by film producers and distributors, none is more challenging than the need to raise finance. Today’s market has opened up many new and innovative routes to sources of funding and, with our assistance, producers are developing ever more sophisticated financing structures to secure necessary finance.

• We are actively involved in the development and structuring of an increasing variety of methods of film finance, from equity to banking loans to state funding, both in the UK and internationally
• Our extensive range of experience in film insurance and completion bonding enables us to anticipate relevant issues and represent fully our clients’ interests
• Our advice covers a wide spectrum of contentious and non-contentious legal issues in the film business

Key services

• Finance
  Banking, securitisation; distribution; sale and leaseback; pre-sales; equity; state funding; completion bonding
• Production
  Development deals; options; writer and talent contracts; co-production; insurance; cast and crew; facilities
• Corporate and Commercial
  Mergers and acquisitions; sponsorship and merchandising agreements; agency, distribution and franchising; venture capital; MBOs and MBIs; joint ventures; flotation on the Official List and AIM; rights issues and demergers; EIS
• Contentious advice
  Script clearance; defamation; copyright; media litigation

Film team

• Keith Northrop - Consultant
• Paul Herbert - Partner
• Tanya Shillingford - Partner
• Patrick Swaffer - Partner
• Matthew Wanford - Solicitor

Film Newsletters

Although sale and leaseback has been around for a considerable period of time and was utilised within the film industry in the 1980s, its use has increased considerably over recent years due to the changes introduced by the present Chancellor to the treatment of monies expended on the purchase of films as a capital asset....

"Consolidation achieved; clarification awaited" or "The Devil's in the detail" A review of the Film Council's launch document "towards a sustainable UK film industry"...