Six Manatt attorneys were named in Variety’s 2022 Legal Impact Report, including Manatt Entertainment Leader Jordan Bromley and Manatt Entertainment Partners Gary Gilbert, Eric Custer, Monika Tashman, Chris Chatham and Sophia Yen. This list honors leading showbiz lawyers who consistently get wins for their clients in court and effectively guide them through industry disruptions.
In the music group’s profile, the Variety highlighted the group’s work with Diplo, Pop Smoke, Jack White, Eagles, Migos, the John Lee Hooker estate, Odesza, Stephen Stills, Christopher Cross, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Peter Frampton, Jackson Browne, Wynonna Judd, Pat Benatar, kd lang, Kenny G, Lyle Lovett, Paul Williams, Papa Roach, Blondie and BMG Rights Management. Bromley also commented on creator rights, stating that he sees a major issue in “creators finally getting their fair share of music consumption revenues.” Tashman spoke on the current state of licensing in the music industry, saying, “Licensing of music on a worldwide basis has never been so wrought as it is right now. The arduous task hinders growth, innovation and, ultimately, income.”
Chatham was highlighted for his work advising clients on production issues, management strength, deal structuring and new-media business, and identified him as the go-to Hollywood dealmaker for consumer brands backed by celebrity influencers. In his profile, Chatham noted that “Creators of content have more influence and direct access to audiences now than ever before. Box office performance and TV ratings are still relevant, but the capitalization of millions of followers on social media and other emerging platforms are just as important, if not more.”
The publication noted Yen’s work advising clients such as Sony Pictures Entertainment, Miramax, eOne, Perfect World Pictures, O2 Filmes, FilmRise, Content Partners, David Chang’s Majordomo Media and Kevin Hart on a significant slate of deals across the industry, including notable production and development agreements, financings and M&A transactions. In her profile, Yen discussed the continued consolidation of media and its impact on valuations and investments into independent, talent-fronted production companies, saying “It’s changing the endgame for some talent.”
To see the full 2022 Legal Impact Report, click here.