Media & Entertainment: Games, Interactive Entertainment & Social Media - UK-wide
What the Team is Known For
Sheridans is a celebrated full-service media firm with an impressive litigation offering. The firm's music lawyers act for talent, producers and managers, while its strong film and TV department advises independent producers and digital media platforms. Sheridans is also well known for its innovative gaming practice, which attracts established and startup video games developers. The firm offers considerable expertise in advising producers and artists in the theatre world.
Strengths
"They go above and beyond for their artists, taking on an almost management/lawyer approach, which is incredibly beneficial for an artist."
"Sheridans have expertise in our niche industry, with real-world experience and understanding of the issues and challenges we are facing."
"They are fantastic. Legal knowledge combined with in-depth understanding of the games, advertising and socials industries to provide commercial and tailored advice in a pragmatic and responsive way."
"Without Sheridans’ support we would not be able to function as a business. The relationship we have is as if the service was in-house."
"They are best in class and are always very responsive and client-focused."
Work Highlights
Sheridans advised ITV Studios on all cast deals for the new Disney+ series Rivals.
Notable Practitioners
Howard Jones is the firm's managing partner and is one of the UK entertainment industry's most venerable advisers. He is particularly celebrated for his work in music and theatre.
Alex Chapman advises games developers and content creators on all manner of commercial and corporate deals, including M&A transactions, share sales, and development and publishing agreements. "Alex is excellent and has deep practical knowledge of our issues and the issues impacting the industry." "Alex has been a great partner for many years. I cannot fault him and never have been able to. Best in the business, I think."
Alex Tutty is head of the computer games and interactive entertainment department at Sheridans. He regularly acts for developers and publishers on all manner of licence agreements and advises on intellectual property issues. "We have worked with Alex for years and he has always been responsive, knowledgeable and pragmatic. He feels very much like part of our business." "Alex is without a doubt one of the best in the games industry, and he has good commercial awareness."
Jacqueline Hurt is recognised for her excellent reputation for working at the summit of film and TV. She advises Hollywood studios, UK and international producers, SVOD platforms and investors on all stages of finance, production and distribution. "Jacqueline is a great film lawyer."
James Kay leads Sheridans' media finance team. He advises investors, studios, producers and also a number of high-profile comedians on all manner of production, exploitation and carriage agreements. "James is excellent."
Claire Lewis helps playwrights and impresarios bring their productions to the London stage and advises recording artists and promoters on worldwide touring arrangements. She also advises creatives and industry-side clients on album deals.
Jeremy Roberts heads Sheridans' film, TV and broadcasting department. He specifically focuses on the television sector, advising notable companies and well-known individuals in this space. "Jeremy is an excellent lawyer - very commercial and pragmatic." "Jeremy is always incredibly supportive, and his advice, knowledge and experience have been crucial in helping us navigate new opportunities and challenges." "Jeremy is a reliable and trusted partner who has helped us navigate complex international deals with confidence. He provides expert advice and acts as an invaluable resource for our business."
Russell Roberts represents talent, executives, music publishers and record companies in negotiations for all kinds of commercial and corporate agreements. These range from catalogue and image rights deals to joint ventures and share offerings, as well as employment matters.
Nick Mahara acts for a range of film and television clients including producers, financiers and talent. His practice includes assisting talent on deals with major UK and US studios and producers. "Nick impresses everyone with his legal production work. He is a super entertainment lawyer."
Robin Hilton advises talent, producers, studios and financiers on the financing, production and monetisation of all manner of audiovisual content. He is best known for his work in film and TV, and he also acts for comedians and for music and social media stars. "Robin is very responsive on urgent matters and remains calm. He is very experienced, smart and identifies the important issues quickly." "Robin is a key negotiator and someone I couldn't do without. He is a vital cog of the team around our talent. He's always up to date regarding the latest industry deals, which is helpful."
Stephen Luckman's client base includes up-and-coming and well-loved legacy artists, as well as management and media companies. He advises on commercial contracts, licence agreements and IP rights. "I highly recommend Stephen."