Gráinne McKenna

Having worked on some of the biggest-name film and TV shows over the last 20 years, both as lawyer and client, Gráinne knows the industry inside and out.

“My passion is production – assisting the collective team effort that takes an idea from spark to screen. From nascent development to full blown production, culminating in the long awaited premiere, broadcast or stream, I have over twenty years’ experience advising on the life cycle of film and TV content.

I was SVP Business & Legal Affairs for many years at Working Title Films and at NBCUniversal International Productions, so I know from first-hand experience what clients require from their legal advisors. Now as an external advisor myself, I aim to provide pragmatic and insightful analysis and advice. I rely on my in-depth sector knowledge and practical production experience to assist clients in converting their strategic aims into successful content and – ultimately – revenue.

I act for a wide range of clients – major US film studios, US TV networks and studios, streamers, independent film and TV production companies in the UK, US and Europe. This broad client base means I have exposure to all aspects of the film and TV industries and understand the differing commercial priorities of various parties – producers, talent, financiers, broadcasters and distributors, whether operating within the studio system or as independents. With this perspective I seek to conclude workable, successful transactions for my clients in a clear, collaborative style, across all aspects of development, production and exploitation.

Alongside my film and TV practice I also advise on theatre and immersive experience production and am involved in a number of initiatives and programmes promoting greater diversity in the film and TV industry.”