Media & Entertainment: Transactional
USA Guide 2024 : California
Band 3
About
Provided by Manatt Phelps & Phillips LLP
As a leader in entertainment law, Manatt boasts some of the industry’s most respected, renowned and sought-after advisors across music, film, television, digital media and other burgeoning entertainment sectors, including podcasts, gaming and esports.
Manatt advises some of the nation’s most well-known and fastest-growing entertainment companies through high-profile M&A transactions; film, television and media financings; distribution deals; and other transformative transactions. The Firm’s talent-side practice has helped promote and protect its clients’ interests and drive highly negotiated, boundary-pushing deals. Manatt represents some of the most important artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, including luminaries such as the Eagles, Migos, Brian Wilson, Burt Bacharach, Paul Anka, Neil Young, Diplo, ODESZA, Major Lazer, Steve Perry, John Lee Hooker, Jackson Browne and Tracy Chapman.
Each year, the Firm represents major lenders in hundreds of millions of dollars in film and television financings, and it has negotiated more than two billion dollars in catalog sales in the past year alone. Additionally, Manatt has been at the forefront of the growing non-fungible token (NFT) space, working alongside its Fintech practice to drive numerous deals and advise on associated intellectual property implications for a variety of clients.
Chambers Review
Manatt Phelps & Phillips LLP has a deep bench of attorneys catering to talent as well as content companies and financiers. The law firm offers expertise in all aspects of entertainment, including film, television, music and digital content transactions. The team is particularly experienced with negotiating complex financing deals, such as film slate financing. It represents prominent recording artists and songwriters as part of its respected talent practice.
Work Highlights
- Manatt Phelps represented HARTBEAT in its $100 million capital raise by private equity firm Abry Partners.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The firm has a deep bench of capable attorneys from the senior partners to the associates."
"The team demonstrates knowledge and creativity around deals that arise."
"Their response time is unmatched and their ability to assess the challenge and implement a solution is unparalleled. They are part of our infrastructure. We feel fortunate to have them on our side."
"The firm has a deep bench of capable attorneys from the senior partners to the associates."
"The team demonstrates knowledge and creativity around deals that arise."
"Their response time is unmatched and their ability to assess the challenge and implement a solution is unparalleled. They are part of our infrastructure. We feel fortunate to have them on our side."
Notable Practitioners
Gary Gilbert represents an impressive roster of clients in the music industry, including prominent artists, producers and songwriters.
"He is always diligent and thorough in his approach. He gives us good advice and counsel to help us work through thorny issues."
"Gary is as professional, smart and tireless as he is personable. He is an advocate that both knows every end of the music business and can communicate details to those who don’t have a legalese vocabulary."
Jordan Bromley leads the firm's entertainment transactions and finance practice. He predominantly advises recording artists on the full gamut of music transactions.
"Jordan always has thoughtful insights and knowledge regarding any matters we discuss."
"He is excellent at executing a lot of detailed work in a short amount of time. He is a really great strategist, not only answers your questions but making sure you're asking the right question."
Lee Phillips is a highly experienced music attorney with an enviable client base consisting of recording artists, producers and composers.
"He is a fantastic music lawyer."
Sophia Yen is well regarded at the media and entertainment Bar, with expertise advising corporate clients on film and TV production and development deals.
"She stands out in the independent film finance space, where technology and entertainment connect."
"She's an amazing communicator. She is responsive, effective and trusted by everyone in our company."
"It is a true pleasure working with Sophia across a number of projects and situations. She efficiently walks through cases and is also proactive in bringing up items that will help improve our business."
Ranked Lawyers at
Manatt Phelps & Phillips LLP
California
Clients
Provided by Manatt Phelps & Phillips LLP
AT&T
CBS Broadcasting
Goldman Sachs Group Inc.
Huayi Brothers Media Corp.
IMAX Corporation
Perfect World Pictures Co., Ltd.
ProSiebenSat.1
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Tang Media Partners
Industries
Provided by Manatt Phelps & Phillips LLP
Entertainment
Media
Private Clients / Individuals
Telecommunications