Former C4 lawyers set up shop
A trio of former Channel 4 lawyers have set up a legal practice aiming to support filmmakers and producers to “get the strongest content to air”.
Creators Counsel has been founded by senior media lawyers Prash Naik (pictured, right), Emily Barber and Sophie Argent - who first worked together in Channel 4’s legal department - and established in partnership with media and entertainment law firm JL Media.
The new outfit is already up and running, providing specialist content legal advice to the industry, while JL Media provides specialist commercial and legal affairs advice to across the audiovisual landscape.
Together, the companies aim to provide a niche, “one-stop shop” for the media production community.
Naik spent 23 years in legal roles at C4 and was appointed as the broadcaster’s first general counsel in 2014. He has advised across many ground-breaking titles including: The Rise of the Murdoch Dynasty, I May Destroy You, The Territory, Tango with Putin, While We Watched, and Inside the Iranian Uprising.
Barber started her career in private practice before being recruited to join C4’s award-winning legal and compliance team in 2011. She has advised on projects including, Libby Are You Home Yet?, Sex Education, Top Boy, 24 Hours In Police Custody and Gogglebox.
Argent was a programme lawyer in the broadcaster’s legal and compliance team and a senior lawyer at ITN, taking the lead for Channel 4 News, which she continues to do as a consultant. She has also worked at Ofcom and has advised on a number of acclaimed series including First Dates, 24 Hours in Police Custody and Gogglebox.
In a statement, the trio said: “We are very excited to launch our new venture, supporting filmmakers and producers by enabling them to get the strongest content to air. We are delighted to be partnering with James Jackson, Pennie Crocker and their team at JL Media, which ensures that we can continue to provide our clients with a comprehensive service.
“The combination of the new team brings a wealth of experience, and we are uniquely placed to help our clients navigate legal challenges and risks.”
This article first appeared on our sister site, Broadcast.
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