Field Fisher Waterhouse builds on market leading media expertise with new partner hire
13 May 2010
Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP announces today the appointment of
media partner Barry Smith who joins the
firm’s cross-practice Media Group. Barry joins from Reed
Smith having spent the majority of his career as a partner
with Richards Butler before the merger.
Barry advises media and entertainment
clients on a wide range of transactional issues, with a particular
focus on film and television finance, production and
distribution. He advises on cross-border deals,
co-productions, completion guarantees, talent agreements and all
types of financial and loan arrangements as well as the taking of
security over intellectual property. In recent years Barry has
developed a particular expertise in tax efficient funding
structures for the production and distribution of films. His
practice also incorporates advice on internet based delivery, all
forms of broadcasting, publishing and music agreements as well as
sponsorship, character merchandising and brand protection.
Field Fisher Waterhouse’s Media Group draws expertise from
across the firm’s corporate, IP, technology and regulatory practices. Barry’s appointment builds
on the market leading expertise of the group which advises clients
such as the BBC, Liberty Global and NBC Universal and is headed up
by Tim Johnson who joined the firm from
SJ Berwin in January 2009.
In April Field Fisher Waterhouse unveiled its new strategy,
focusing on attracting clients from industries that are highly
regulated and those that are IP and technology driven, including
the media and entertainment sector.
Tim Johnson, Head of the Media Group at Field Fisher Waterhouse,
said: “Barry’s joining will be a significant addition to our team,
enabling us to expand our transactional media financing capability.
Our Media Group, which is an important part of the firm’s new
strategy, continues to grow and attract big name clients with the
objective of becoming one of the leading European media practices.
Barry's expertise and experience will complement our existing
capabilities and help us consolidate a market leading position in
the media sector.”
Barry Smith said: “This is an extremely exciting time for the
media industry and I am looking forward to joining Field Fisher
Waterhouse and helping them build on their commitment to the
sector.”
For further press information please
contact:
Louise Eckersley, PR Manager,
Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP on +44 (0)20 7861 4120.