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Dentons Canada LLP
Department profile | Dentons Canada LLP
Media & Entertainment

About

Provided by Dentons Canada LLP

Dentons has the largest media and entertainment practice in Canada with the largest number of lawyers who are recognized by Lexpert and Best Lawyers as leading entertainment lawyers in Canada.


Whether it’s a complicated tax structure, a unique funding arrangement, a complex distribution deal or the drafting of a multi-party service contract, the North American sports and entertainment industry and its funders know that, in Canada, Dentons has the unique technical strength and experience they need. The deals we love are the ones no one has worked through before.


Effective tax planning is critical to cross-border transactions in any industry. Dentons Canada has a unique depth of tax experience in the media, entertainment and sports industries.


Many aspects of the entertainment industries are subject to federal and provincial regulation. We have considerable experience in dealing with Canadian Heritage, CAVCO, Creative BC, Ontario Media Development Corporation, SODEC and other regulators. We have also been centrally involved in the creation and the evolution of the film and video tax credits in Canada and the leading production provinces.


All this is backed by the depth and breadth of a full-service, forward-thinking global firm. We think like business people and involve lawyers from our offices around the world who can best help our clients achieve their objectives.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Media & Entertainment - Nationwide - Canada

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What the Team is Known For

Dentons Canada is a dominant name in the domestic and international film and TV market, working closely with industry players on domestic and cross-border production financing, acquisitions, private equity investments and international co-productions. The firm represents Hollywood studios and US and Canadian television networks and production companies, as well as those working in the music and internet entertainment service industries. Its clients also benefit from its specialists in media, broadcasting and communications regulatory law. With strong expertise based in both Toronto and Vancouver, the firm's lawyers are well-positioned to advise media industry clients on related employment and tax law issues.

Work Highlights

  • Dentons advised Spin Master on every "Paw Patrol" feature film, including the third instalment, "Paw Patrol 3", which is scheduled to be released in 2026. The firm's advice included talent deals, distribution agreements and Canadian content regulations for animated productions.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

The lawyers in the entertainment group at Dentons have deep experience and knowledge of the legal and business issues.

Media & Entertainment respondent
Canada

Dentons provides an outstanding level of service.

Media & Entertainment respondent
Canada

The firm is a collection of some of the most experienced entertainment lawyers in the country who have seen it all.

Media & Entertainment respondent
Canada

Dentons has the depth of knowledge and experience to handle all of our needs.

Media & Entertainment respondent
Canada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Ken Dhaliwal
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Ken Dhaliwal
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Ken Dhaliwal is based in Toronto, where he is well placed to advise on the financing and structuring of domestic and international film and television productions. His clients include Canadian and international film and TV producers, broadcasters and interactive media companies.

Ken's reputation speaks for itself and is obviously well earned. He is clear, focused and immediately puts clients at ease.

He is the best all-around entertainment lawyer in Canada. Ken is always very confident in his advice to make you feel comfortable relying on it without hesitation.

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Jayme Alter
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Jayme Alter
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Jayme Alter is an increasingly prominent partner in Dentons' media, entertainment and sports practice in Toronto. She advises Canadian and international companies on a wide range of film and TV production matters.

Jayme is excellent on all TV deals and guild issues.

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Juliet Smith
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Juliet Smith
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Juliet Smith is a highly experienced lawyer in the media sector who is based in Dentons' Vancouver office. She advises Canadian and international film and TV production companies and broadcasters, in addition to assisting financial institutions with media financing issues.

Juliet communicates clearly and sets clear strategy and expectations for our work.

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Bob Tarantino
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Bob Tarantino
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Bob Tarantino is widely recognised by sources for his knowledge of copyright law. He often advises clients on music publishing and rights management in the film and TV production industries. He is of counsel in Dentons' Toronto office.

Bob is excellent at structuring corporate deals.

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David Steinberg
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David Steinberg
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David Steinberg's practice extends across the gamut of legal issues related to film and television production, including matters of licensing and distribution. He possesses considerable experience in the music industry. He is based in Dentons' Toronto office.

David is excellent at providing practical legal advice with deep business knowledge.

He always gives the most realistic advice based on many years of experience with how things ultimately end up.

David is both knowledgeable and practical.

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Jim Russell
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Jim Russell
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Jim Russell is based in Dentons' Toronto office and frequently advises film and TV production and broadcasting companies on operational and corporate matters. He also assists financial institutions with media financing matters.

I can't imagine a more valuable legal resource than Jim Russell.

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Karin Kazakevich
Karin Kazakevich
Associates to watch

Karin Kazakevich is an associate in Dentons' media and entertainment group in Toronto. She advises and represents clients in the development, financing, production and exploitation of film, television and new media projects. She also assists clients with different commercial and intellectual property matters.

Karin is an outstanding resource and support. She is knowledgeable, clear and attentive to client needs.

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Ranked Lawyers at
Dentons Canada LLP

Provided by Chambers
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Nationwide - Canada

Media & Entertainment
Ken Dhaliwal
1
Ken Dhaliwal
1
Band 1
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Jayme Alter
2
Jayme Alter
2
Band 2
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Juliet Smith
2
Juliet Smith
2
Band 2
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Bob Tarantino
3
Bob Tarantino
3
Band 3
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David Steinberg
3
David Steinberg
3
Band 3
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Jim Russell
3
Jim Russell
3
Band 3
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Karin Kazakevich
Karin Kazakevich
Associates to watch
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