A leading media finance lawyer advising predominantly on finance work in the film and TV sector. Known for his work with international banks and senior debt financiers as well as his standout industry knowledge.
Sam is a partner heading up Lee & Thompson’s Media Finance team within the Film & TV group. His practice focuses on finance work and he has a long-standing reputation as one of the pre-eminent lawyers in his field.
Sam has represented virtually all UK-based banks who have been active in film and television financing over the last quarter century. Examples include acting for: Bank Leumi and RBS on over 80 productions including Ken Loach’s Cannes Palme D’Or winner “The Wind That Shakes The Barley” (starring Cillian Murphy); Barclays Bank on numerous ITV dramas including the evergreen “Midsomer Murders” and the award winning TV series “Parades End” for HBO and BBC; Alliance & Leicester on the first James Bond film featuring Daniel Craig. “Casino Royale”; Coutts on a range of television and film finance transactions and Arbuthnot Latham on their television financing activities. Beyond the UK, Sam also acts for banks on the continent and in LA.
Sam’s practice also extends to acting for private sector senior debt financiers on mezzanine finance and equity finance. Sam was responsible for devising the documentation that has now become industry standard for banks to discount BBC and C4 commissions from independent producers.
Sam is independently recognised by legal directories, having been named a ‘Leading Partner’ by Legal 500 and ranked in Chambers & Partners for the last 24 years.
Sam is a regular speaker at industry events and conferences.
