Legal 500 Law Firm
Specialist media and entertainment lawyers for the creative sectors.
We are a boutique law firm advising the entertainment and creative sectors. We work with our clients across the UK and globally to ensure their creativity is protected and rewarded.
The creative industries we advise and support
❖
Film
Advising producers, directors, talent and financiers on development, production, rights management and commercial exploitation.
❖
Television
Advising broadcasters, producers and contributors on commissioning, production agreements, rights clearance and programme exploitation.
❖
Music
Advising artists, composers, performers, producers and rights holders across recording, publishing, performance and touring matters.
❖
Games
Advising studios, developers and rights holders on intellectual property, publishing deals, licensing and commercial strategy.
❖
Literature and publishing
Advising authors, publishers and literary estates on copyright, publishing agreements, licensing and rights exploitation worldwide.
❖
New media and digital content
Advising content creators, platforms and digital businesses on intellectual property, licensing and commercial arrangements.
Welcome
About Whitaker Law
Whitaker Law exists to provide first-class legal advice to the entertainment and creative industries with the technical rigour, commercial realism and international perspective required in a fast-moving, rights-driven economy.
We work with businesses, brands and individuals across film and television, music, theatre, literature and publishing, video games and content creation, serving as legal advisors and business counsellors, to develop, promote and protect content.
Our Areas of Expertise
-
Film and television; music; literature and publishing; new media and digital content; and games.
-
Protection and enforcement of, and dealing with (licensing/assignments), copyright, image rights, trade marks, design rights, and other intellectual property rights.
-
Drafting, negotiating and advising on full suite of commercial and industry contracts.
-
Company, joint venture, and special purpose vehicle establishment and governance, shareholder agreements and issues, directors’ duties and issues, insurance.
-
Support and advice in respect of the use of AI in creativity, and implications for, and protection of, associated IP rights.
-
Tailored support and advice.
-
Tailored support and advice.
Grounded in experience
Entertainment and media law expertise you can trust.
Whitaker Law was founded in 2023 by James Whitaker, a City-trained lawyer with 15 years’ experience in a large international law firm, including four years as partner, who previously worked in the business affairs team of a major music label.
James is dual qualified in England and Wales, and California, and brings his experience of both jurisdictions to bear in his practice.
Previously named as a “Key / Recommended Lawyer” for Media and Entertainment in major legal directories, James has served as a non-executive director, as well as a trusted advisor to multiple start-up, scale-up and established companies, in the media and entertainment sector over many years.
This deep and longstanding experience underpins Whitaker Law’s expertise.
Curious to know more?
Frequently Asked Questions
-
It will not surprise you to hear our view that engaging an entertainment lawyer at an early stage, before signing any contract or agreement, is preferable to doing so after problems arise.
Key moments in any project might include: attaching a scriptwriter or director or cast to your project, negotiating your first major deal, forming a band or creative partnership, self-releasing content commercially, licensing your work, receiving investment or financing, facing IP infringement, or structuring your business entity.
Early advice prevents costly mistakes. Understanding industry-standard terms (and practices), what is negotiable and what is not, and red flags to watch for, is critical; the earlier in the life of a project this is achieved, the better. Proactive legal support helps you build a sustainable creative career while protecting your rights and maximising opportunities for commercial success across all media platforms.
-
Legal advice does not come cheap. Entertainment lawyer fees vary based on experience, case complexity, and billing structure. Historically, legal fees have been based on hourly rates; this remains the predominant approach (so the bigger the piece of work, the more expensive it will be).
We are proud of our ability to offer innovative pricing models to our clients based around their particular circumstances. Whilst we use an hourly rate model as the starting point, we always explore alternatives with clients, most commonly – in the context of film and television – by reference to project budget and/or finance secured and/or revenue generated. We are also always prepared to consider fixed fee arrangements for particular types of work.
-
Rights ownership in collaborations depends on agreements made before or during the creative process. Is there a presumption of joint ownership? How might that complicate licensing, income splits, and future use? Each contributor may have equal (or unequal) rights regardless of their creative input level, potentially blocking commercial exploitation if disputes arise.
Creative partnership contracts prevent devastating disputes by establishing clear terms before conflicts arise. These agreements can address issues which, at the moment, seem irrelevant (such as dispute resolution – you will never fall our with your best friend…).
Whether it’s a straight collaboration agreement, partnership agreement, co-writing contract or something else, the importance of clearly establishing ownership percentages, credit allocation, income division, decision-making processes, how the work can be licensed or sold, and multiple other issues, cannot be overstated (even with best friends…).
-
Whether you're a filmmaker, musician, author, content creator, or game developer, protecting your intellectual property is fundamental to realising your vision, and building sustainable income from your work.
Entertainment lawyers can assist in protecting your creative work by advising on intellectual property and other rights, drafting and negotiating contracts, licenses and other agreements, and enforcing your rights against infringement; in other words, we help to preserve your IP rights while maximising revenue.
We handle clearances for samples and covers, draft publishing agreements that protect your interests, and take action when others use your work without permission. With UK copyright law diverging from EU regulations post-Brexit, specialist guidance ensures your rights are properly protected under current legislation. Strong IP protection also increases your work's value for future licensing, adaptation rights, and commercial exploitation across multiple platforms and territories.
-
We provide comprehensive legal services across the creative industries including film, television, music, publishing, theatre, video games, and digital content creation.
Core services include: contract drafting and negotiation for attachment, recording, publishing, management, production, and distribution agreements; intellectual property protection and advice; rights licensing and clearances; business structuring and company formation; and ongoing commercial advice.
We represent individual creators (musicians, filmmakers, authors, content creators, performers) as well as production companies, publishers, labels, studios, and creative businesses. Our work spans transactional matters like negotiating label deals or film financing agreements, to advising on contentious issues such as infringement claims or contract disputes.
Specialist entertainment lawyers understand industry-standard terms, what's negotiable, and how to structure deals that protect your interests while enabling commercial success. We combine legal expertise with deep knowledge of creative industry business practices, ensuring advice that's both legally sound and commercially practical for building sustainable creative careers.
-
Contracts are key. Entertainment contracts contain complex clauses on rights ownership, licence fees, royalty calculations and other monetary term, territory restrictions, and reversion rights (to name just a few) that can impact the use of your IP, and your income, for decades.
A specialist entertainment lawyer can assist in identifying unfavourable terms, negotiating better deal structures, and ensuring you fully understand exactly what you're signing (any unwelcome perpetual rights grants, unreasonable exclusivity clauses, hidden recoupment costs, or vague termination provisions that could lock you into disadvantageous relationships, for example?).
We review management agreements, recording contracts, publishing deals, producer agreements, distribution arrangements, and collaboration contracts across film, television, music, publishing, theatre, and digital media.
Whether you're attaching talent or crew to your project, licensing IP, or signing with a major label, production company, streaming platform, or brand partnership, professional contract review is important.
-
★★★★★
James has been an exceptional source of support for our clients. His reliability, expertise and calm, clear guidance make an enormous difference to people navigating stressful and often complex intellectual property concerns as film and TV creatives. He takes time to understand each individual’s situation, explains options in an accessible way, and offers thoughtful, high‑quality advice with professionalism and compassion. Our clients consistently express how heard and supported they feel when engaging with him. His contribution to our service is invaluable.
JW, The Film & Television Charity
-
★★★★★
James has been nothing short of incredible. Knowledgeable, responsive, and professional. I look forward to our continued working relationship throughout my career in the film industry.
AS, Independent Producer and Director
-
★★★★★
James has been a fantastic asset from day one. He has worked tirelessly on my behalf and not only protects my interests but also explains every step of the process clearly, ensuring I always understand what is happening. He consistently goes above and beyond. His expertise in contract drafting and his ability to clarify complex legal documents have been invaluable. I genuinely feel completely confident knowing I am in safe hands.
AW, Screenwriter
-
★★★★★
I have no hesitation in recommending James Whitaker for legal advice and representation in the entertainment industry. As a first-time author whose book was being made into a film, James was hugely helpful in guiding the way through a complex process; informing, advising, fronting negotiations, and co-drafting the agreement that was signed with the film production company.
SG, Author
-
★★★★★
I could not recommend better legal support; James understands the industry inside out and provides a personal bespoke service that feels boutique and caring yet utterly professional and erudite. James understands all the complexities and intricacies of filmmaking, he makes my whole process easier and I feel supported.
JM, Director
-
★★★★★
Whitaker Law are our go-to specialists in media law, supporting us across an extensive slate of feature films and international series projects; James operates with the kind of speed, transparency and due diligence that reflects a level of excellence and genuine passion for supporting the UK creative arts industry that is seldom seen.
DV, Ex Animo Ltd (UK)
-
★★★★★
808 Create have worked with James Whitaker Law on multiple occasions and we consistently receive fantastic support. James combines deep legal expertise with genuine kindness, an ability to listen well and navigate complex media and commercial issues astutely. His advice is prompt, diligent and always guides us towards clear, practical solutions. 808 Create confidently recommend him to anyone seeking expert legal counsel in the media and creative industries.
AE, 808 Create
-
★★★★★
As an Emmy-winning producer operating a multifaceted creative and financial ecosystem, we value Whitaker Law enormously for their professionalism, experience, and unwavering commitment to protecting our interests at every level. We deeply value Whitaker Law for their professionalism, insight, and steadfast support, a team who consistently understand the bigger picture while resolutely protecting our interests. Whitaker Law are exceptional advisers: experienced, precise, and consistently focused on protecting our interests across creative, commercial, and financial matters.
CM, Thulsa Doom Films
-
★★★★★
Legal matters can be incredibly overwhelming, but James made the entire process feel manageable. Importantly, I was able to retrace my understanding of what I had contractually signed and add a new layer of ‘aha-ism’ to my learning. Thus it empowered me to the point I could confidently decide on my next move; legally challenge - or move on with life. I moved on - you have to pick your battles carefully. Thanks James.
CI, Cellsya7 Studios
-
★★★★★
James provided us with a superb level of support, offering rock solid communication right through to the satisfactory resolution of our particular situation. I would recommend with no hesitation.
PH, Jinx Media -
★★★★★
James was really helpful in building contract templates for us, which were then used to contract a new collaborative project with our new partners. He was very accommodating and work was finished in a very professional manner.
JR, Cloth Cat -
★★★★★
James’ extensive legal and industry knowledge, combined with commerciality, were crucial in getting our rights position clarified and confirmed. Thank you so much James for all your help.DS, The Filmworkers
-
★★★★★
I have had the pleasure of working with James Whitaker in my current role and previously at BAFTA albert where he was instrumental in creating and monitoring content for the many complicated agreements we had in place with a variety of TV and film companies, trade bodies and other associated organisations. His vast experience and knowledge in the legal entertainment sector was invaluable when finalising deals and he executed all requests promptly, efficiently and with great humour. We will continue to work with Whitaker Law as our trusted partners in this area.
DHP, Murmur
-
★★★★★
James was extremely helpful in guiding us through the shareholder agreement, carefully balancing our Hungarian client requirements with the complexities of UK law. His advice was clear, pragmatic, and commercially focused, making the entire process smooth and efficient.
ZS, Leverage Point Entertainment
Contact Us
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.