The Film & Television Group advises on all the legal and related issues involved in the development, production and exploitation of audiovisual material in all forms, traditional and developing. Our clients come from all areas within the film and broadcast industries and range from individuals to multi-national corporations. They include talent, producers, financiers, broadcasters (including radio), distributors, exhibitors and merchandising licensors, television format owners and creators. The size and expertise of the Film & Television Group ensures that our advice is comprehensive, practical and relevant to our clients' commercial needs. We were one of the first UK law firms to specialise in this area and our advice draws on many years of experience in the media industries. Clients involved in the film and television industries often have other media business interests. The firm's strength across all areas of media and entertainment enables us to call upon the experience of our other practice groups to provide a truly comprehensive service. Below are examples of relevant areas which we advise: Development   acquiring option agreement engaging writers negotiating development and first look overhead deals Financing   advising on structuring co-productions negotiating equity finance bank financing both pre-sales and debt Production   all talent agreements, including directors, producers, artists and composers compliance with broadcasting codes, privacy and defamation Distribution   sales agency agreement, distribution deals Company Agreements   advising on shareholder agreements, joint ventures, EIS schemes Compliance Issues for Production Companies Primary contact: Nigel Bennett