Our Film Team is pre-eminent among practices of its kind in Europe and consistently ranked in the top tier for its areas of expertise by legal directories.

Our international offices advise many of the most important and influential players in this global industry, from the major US Studios to European producers, distributors and financiers and we are proud to have contributed to the success of some of the highest-profile film and television projects of the last few years.

We have unrivalled experience in structuring multiparty financing deals and are perfectly placed to advise on international co-productions, from blockbusters to smaller independent productions, as well as on television content from one-off specials to long-running series.

We also have a dedicated unit of lawyers that focus on providing expert advice on development and production agreements and can help our clients navigate international talent union issues, including advising on the application of SAG Global Rule 1 and the terms of British Equity and the DGA. Our in-house production co-ordinators can also assist producers with matters such as clearances, below-the-line agreements and delivery issues.

Our expertise in sales and distribution, meanwhile, goes beyond a deep understanding of standard deals in this area. Our knowledge of digital media and convergence means we are familiar with the latest technologies that are redefining the way content providers engage and interact with their audience and customers, and the business models and legal principles that underpin these arrangements.

Together with experts from throughout the firm, the Team can also advise on the full range of other issues that film clients encounter, from tax, intellectual property, merchandising, product placement and regulatory to dispute resolution.

Moreover, our Film Team is at the forefront of wider industry developments. Through our lawyers' involvement in key groups, film boards and councils, Olswang has helped set the agenda on many major developments in the sector, including both the UK and German Government's consultations on changes to film tax incentives. Over the last decade Olswang has also been involved in a significant proportion of the sales and acquisitions which have shaped the European independent TV production landscape and has been recognised by Content Economics Research as the leading legal adviser to the UK independent production sector.

This immersion in the media and entertainment industries keeps our team on top of the commercial and practical realities that our clients face and in touch with all the key players that shape the marketplace. 

Film was one of the founding practices of Olswang. We believe the expertise and service the Film Team can offer its clients remains unrivalled. 

The King's Speech
We advised See-Saw Films on the financing, distribution and production of the Oscar and Bafta-award winning film The King's Speech starring Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. Olswang was involved in negotiations at every stage of the production. The King's Speech is notable for many reasons, including (for Olswang) the additional role Libby Savill played in an executive producer capacity in arranging and structuring the financing of the film.

BFI (previously UK Film Council)
With the squeeze on credit still being felt throughout the UK film industry, the role of the BFI has become more important than ever. Olswang has continued to act for this longstanding client on its investment in a multitude of UK films including Shame, 360, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen and Streetdance - Encore 3D.

Hugo
A large team in the London office advised GK Films in connection with all aspects of the production, financing and structuring of Martin Scorsese's film Hugo, his first family film and his first film made in 3D.

Reliance Big Entertainment
We advised Reliance Big Entertainment in connection with its multi-picture deal with BBC Worldwide for the co-production, financing and distribution of three big budget natural history feature films.

The Artists
Our Brussels office assisted Caviar, an international production house with offices also in Los Angeles, Paris and Amsterdam, and broadcasters VRT, VARA, NRK, SVT and YLE in relation to their intended European co-production of the participatory drama The Artists.

Anton Capital
We advised Anton Capital on the setting up of a Luxembourg-based fund which raised €30m equity and €75m debt from international funds and family offices and negotiated and concluded the fund's arrangements with StudioCanal for a three year slate financing deal.

My Week with Marilyn
We acted for The Weinstein Company in connection with its pre-buy of the majority of the worldwide rights in the film My Week with Marilyn.

Lovefilm
We advised Lovefilm (now wholly owned by Amazon) on its acquisition of SVOD rights from major studios and independents, including Warner Brothers and EOne, and the opening of a second pay window.

CBS Corp.
We advised CBS on their output agreements with the Tele München Group (feature films) and ProSiebenSat.1Media AG (tv programmes), and recently on their acquisition of certain territorial rights in the Martin McDonagh film Seven Psychopaths.

Shine Limited
We advised Shine on its joint venture with New Regency to form Shine Pictures LLP and on establishing each of its international joint ventures with key talent in Australia, France, Germany and Spain.

Working Title Television
We advised Working Title Films on its joint venture with NBC Universal. The joint venture Working Title Television will develop comedy and drama properties for both UK and US broadcasters.

Globe Productions
We have advised Universal Music's television production arm on its production business, including numerous commissioning arrangements with commercial and public broadcasters, content development agreements with internet platforms and co-development agreements with third party producers. 

Dancing on the Edge
We acted for financier/distributor Endgame Entertainment on its investment in, and acquisition of North American rights to, the forthcoming Stephen Poliakoff television drama Dancing on the Edge staring John Goodman and Chiwetel Ejiofor.