Media & Entertainment
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 1
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
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 also well placed to advise media industry clients on related employment and tax law issues.
Work Highlights
- Dentons advised Lions Gate Entertainment on its USD375 million acquisition of Entertainment One.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Dentons are very detailed and organised. Everyone is very knowledgeable and open to help, and the partners have a great reputation in the industry."
"Deadlines and expectations are always communicated clearly and there are never any late deliveries. I'm truly always impressed by their knowledge and understanding."
"Dentons have incredible experience and respect in the industry, which makes them a great team to have fighting for your matters. Responsiveness has also been incredible."
"An excellent team of seasoned lawyers who understand the industry and the law."
"Dentons' partners in entertainment across Canada are all very strong, with deep expertise in the industry. The entertainment group at Dentons is unparalleled in Canada."
"Dentons are very detailed and organised. Everyone is very knowledgeable and open to help, and the partners have a great reputation in the industry."
"Deadlines and expectations are always communicated clearly and there are never any late deliveries. I'm truly always impressed by their knowledge and understanding."
"Dentons have incredible experience and respect in the industry, which makes them a great team to have fighting for your matters. Responsiveness has also been incredible."
"An excellent team of seasoned lawyers who understand the industry and the law."
"Dentons' partners in entertainment across Canada are all very strong, with deep expertise in the industry. The entertainment group at Dentons is unparalleled in Canada."
Notable Practitioners
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 is a very knowledgeable and reliable partner with a great industry reputation. We’re very happy with his service and will continue to use Dentons for future deals because of him."
"Ken is long-established, knowledgeable, dependable and very effective."
"Ken has a wealth of information and is a really great person who's had our best interest in mind."
"Ken is top notch."
"Ken is a very strong production lawyer."
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.
"I simply could not have achieved the success that I have without the support of Juliet Smith."
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 for corporate entertainment matters."
"Bob is professional, knowledgeable, responsive, thorough, calm and courteous. Truly wonderful to work with."
"Bob understands copyright issues and media law at a deep level. He is a prolific writer and a very solid entertainment lawyer."
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 for production acquisition and music law matters."
"David is an invaluable partner to our company, on both a personal and professional level. I cannot stress enough how much we rely on his guidance and advice on all corporate and production matters."
"I can't say enough good things about David - a delight and pleasure to work with each and every time."
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 great. She is very knowledgeable in a very niche and rapidly changing area and is cost-effective."
"I love working with Jayme. I have trusted her since our first meeting and feel that she is really in our corner."
"Jayme's ability to take complex ideas and distil them into clear and concise mechanisms are unparalleled. She is thought-provoking and proactive, and not afraid to fight the good fight."
"Jayme is the future."
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.
"Jim is excellent in banking and the overall entertainment industry."
"Jim has a strong background in Canadian regulatory matters and has great insight into legal solutions to issues."
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 has been incredible! She is meticulous and creative, understands our industry and is always looking to make sure that we feel supported."
"Karin has been tremendous to work with. She's incredibly efficient and has always given us great suggestions on any matter we bring to her."
"Karin's attention to detail, dedication and ability to handle complex tasks efficiently have been impressive. She has demonstrated strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of our industry."
Ranked Lawyers at
Dentons Canada LLP
Nationwide - Canada
Members
Provided by Dentons Canada LLP