Entertainment, Media & Communications

Attorneys in this practice represent major film studios, independent producers and new media ventures in every aspect of development, production, finance and distribution.  If you stay long enough at the movies, you'll often see "Sheppard Mullin" acknowledged in the closing credits (be careful not to let your feet get stuck on that goo on the theatre floor). We recently represented successfully a major film studio in a matter that gave rise to two reported appellate decisions that were closely watched by the entertainment industry.  

Our attorneys also represent a significant number of clients in the television industry.  They negotiate and draft distribution and production deals for network television, syndication, cable and Internet based clients, and guide production on "reality" programming. 

As if that weren't enough, our dynamic entertainment attorneys help companies "cover their ads."  As online advertising reinvents itself, regulatory requirements proliferate, and branded opportunities are sought after, it is important for advertisers and their agencies to get sound legal advice prior to going 'live' with their copy.

Lastly, our highly regarded First Amendment attorneys defend media organizations and handle pre-publication clearance work.  We recently received a favorable ruling from the United States Supreme Court in a First Amendment case which we handled on a pro bono basis.