An expert UK film and television lawyer advising production companies, financiers, sales agents, completion bonds and distributors on all aspects of film and television development, production, and exploitation. Known for his deep understanding of clients’ business and industries and a highly commercial approach to dealmaking across scripted, non-scripted and animation projects.
Johan is a partner in the firm’s Film & Television group. He is highly regarded by his diverse list of clients, including leading independent production and finance companies, distributors, directors, writers, and completion guarantors. Johan’s practice covers all areas of the film and television industry including the setting up and structuring of film and television companies and projects alongside the full range of matters in relation to the development, production, financing, distribution and exploitation of film and television productions.
Johan applies his unique experience and industry understanding to work on a range of high-profile scripted productions alongside animation work and a leading documentary practice, working throughout the UK production industry and international co-productions across Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia, from independent film to high-end television commissions and SVOD/ streamer projects.
Johan joined the firm in 2017 having previously worked in house at a completion guarantor. Prior to this, he worked for NBCUniversal and another top UK entertainment law firm. He is a regular industry speaker at various institutions and events.
Recent highlights include leading production legal and business affairs for the following films: Gareth Evans’ “Havoc” (starring Tom Hardy, Forrest Whitaker and Timothy Olyphant), James McAvoy’s directorial debut “California Schemin’”, Brian Cox’s feature directorial debut “Glenrothan”, “Sacrifice” (starring Chris Evans, Anya Taylor-Joy, Vincent Cassel and Salma Hayek), “Ballad of a Small Player” (directed by Ed Berger and starring Colin Farrell) and “Tornado” (starring Jack Lowden, Tim Roth, Takehiro Hira and Koki).
For television, notable scripted productions include: “Steeltown Murders” (commissioned by BBC), “Schooled” (commissioned by Channel 4) and “Mudtown” (commissioned by S4C).
Recent non-scripted highlights: “We Are Newcastle United” (Amazon in the UK), “Doubters to Believers – Liverpool FC: Klopp’s Era” (Amazon in the UK), Untitled Iron Maiden Documentary (Universal – worldwide), “Coleen Rooney: the Real Wagatha Story” (Disney – worldwide), “Molly Mae: Behind it All” (Amazon – worldwide) and “Boom! Boom! The World v Boris Becker” (Apple – worldwide; directed by Alex Gibney).
