North America - United States • Media, technology and telecoms
Akin
Renowned as a go-to advisor for a diverse array of clients, including technology companies, motion picture studios, independent filmmakers, and financial institutions, Akin‘s Los Angeles-based media and entertainment team offers vast experience navigating complex financing arrangements within the industry. Christopher Spicer leads the practice and is well-known for his ability to facilitate high-visibility deals and credit facilities between movie production companies and financial institutions. Marissa Román Griffith specializes in negotiating high-value international financing arrangements for borrowers, financiers, and distributors in the film, television, and digital content spaces.. Alissa Miller and Vanessa Roman also contribute significantly to the team’s strength and depth, with Miller adept at handling deals between independent movie production companies and financial institutions, and Roman focusing on entertainment financings and single project loans. Lauren Epstein is a further name to note and handles private equity-backed and strategic M&A in connection with film and television projects.
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Key clients
- American Film Institute
- Bank of America, N.A.
- California Bank & Trust
- CIT Bank
- City National Bank
- Comerica Bank
- Content Partners
- East West Bank
- Fifth Third Bank
- HPS Investment Partners, LLC
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
- Konami Cross Media
- Lyrical Media LLC
- Media Rights Capital
- MUFG Bank, N.A.
- Portfolio Funding Company
- Sister Pictures
- Truist Bank
- XYZ Films
Lawyers
Leading associates
Rising stars with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Chris Spicer serves as the head of the firm’s media, entertainment & sports practice. He focuses on entertainment and media transactional matters, advising on projects throughout North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. He represents financial institutions, mezzanine investors, equity providers and other investors with respect to their film, television, digital media and music financings as well as in other media investments. He also advises borrowers, distributors, independent production companies and others involved in various aspects of the production, financing and distribution of content. To learn more about Chris, please visit his full profile: https://www.akingump.com/en/lawyers-advisors/christopher-s-spicer.html
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Vanessa is a key player on Akin’s renowned entertainment team and throughout the corporate entertainment world. She is regularly found at the table with seasoned professionals who seek her guidance and advice in finalizing their deals. Vanessa provides counsel in various aspects of the production, financing and distribution of film, television, digital media and music projects. She is keenly focused on helping clients address issues related to the rapidly-changing landscape of the entertainment industry, including the proliferation of streaming services and the rise of virtual reality. She leverages positive relationships across the sector to facilitate efficiencies in transactions. To learn more about Ms. Roman, please visit her profile here: https://www.akingump.com/en/lawyers-advisors/vanessa-f-roman.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Christopher Spicer