About Us
Our Expertise
Whitaker Law was formed for the principal purpose of serving the creative community.
We pride ourselves on our passion for, and our understanding of, the creative industries.
Our expertise covers the areas of commercial, intellectual property and company law, with a particular focus on the media and entertainment sectors.
We aim to to provide dedicated, tailored support and strategic legal guidance to participants in the media and entertainment community, based on many years’ experience of working with those involved in multiple areas of the creative industries.
We proudly serve those working across film and television, music, theatre, literature and publishing, new media and digital content, and video games, including filmmakers, musicians, writers, artists, performers, content creators, producers and production companies, directors, crew, financiers and many others involved in the creative process.
What They’re Saying
"Calm, measured, and reassuring; working with James Whitaker feels like sheltering in a safe haven amid the chaotic storm of film production."
DL
Founder, Seraphim Pictures
About Whitaker Law
Our approach
Our priority, and focus, is providing top quality tailored advice to our clients, with City of London-level rigour and at a fair price. We are proud of our ability to offer innovative pricing models which meet the financial needs of our clients. Providing pro bono assistance for the creative community is also a core part of our philosophy.
Whitaker Law brings senior, hands-on experience to the creative industries, combining technical rigour with a deep understanding of how projects are developed, financed and brought to market.
Indicative Recent Experience
Advising of producer of major, award-winning, feature documentary on various discrete aspects of production.
Acting for major US screenwriter in connection with multiple projects with UK nexus.
Advising rights holder in respect of exploitation of intellectual property in the context of major factual television project.
Advising in relation to music licensing contract documentation for documentary film.
Advising video production company on image rights issues in context of using well-known name, image and likeness in project.
Advising VFX company on contractual framework and protections for major motion picture project.
Acting for independent film producer in negotiations regarding ownership of intellectual property in feature film production.
Acting for content creator in negotiations regarding credit for work carried out on basis of copyrighted works.
Representing independent film producer in negotiations and in respect of contractual framework for major property for potential PVOD and SVOD streaming.
Negotiating sales and distribution agreements in respect of multiple territories on behalf of motion picture director.
Advising UK film and television body on suite of sustainability-focused contracts for sustainable studios project.
Advising in relation to sustainability / ESG policies and protocols in light of emerging legislative and regulatory regimes.
Advising content creator in respect of applicable licensing framework.
Advising producer/director on complex intellectual property issues arising in context of early stage development of episodic television series.
Advising screenwriter in relation to potential infringing use of protected work.
Royalty assessments and analyses, and audit settlement negotiations.
Negotiating musical artist release agreements and confidentiality agreements.
Multiple content license negotiations and agreements.
Acting for special effects company in negotiating contracts for major motion picture.
Advising in relation to commercial and intellectual property issues arising from drinks brand development.
Negotiating release from contractual hold on developing derivative work in the film and television context.
Advising on licensing issues in the context of use of intellectual property in major advertising campaign.
Advising in relation to horror feature film co-authorship dispute and resulting rights and revenue split.
Acting for principal director in potential dispute with documentary film producer in respect of co-authorship dispute.
Advising independent film maker in rights dispute with former commercial partner regarding use of material on website sizzle reel.
Advising major film and television industry sustainability organisation on suite of commercial contracts.
Start the Conversation
If you’d like to explore a project, ask a question or understand how we can support you, we’d be pleased to have an initial conversation.