Poyner Spruill

knows all about movie magic, but sometimes even the best magicians need a little help.

We've been in the film and television business for over 15 years, representing some of North Carolina's most prominent producers, directors, production companies, and studios. We average about 10 films a year, and a number of the projects we've worked with have enjoyed critical acclaim and awards around the world. Our team regularly works with studios, distributors, producers, talent, and agents in Los Angeles and New York, which gives us a distinct advantage over other firms in North Carolina.

Music Studio

Film Clients


The demand for independent films continues to grow, and North Carolina continues to be one of the strongest filmmaking centers in the country. Our team provides advice to filmmakers from pre-production through distribution and has served as production counsel on dozens of projects. The services we provide include:

  • Advising on film financing structures and preparing financing agreements and offering documents (PPMs)
  • Advising investors on film investment transactions
  • Advising on rights acquisition matters, including option and purchase agreements
  • Drafting and negotiating production financing distribution agreements and coproduction agreements
  • Negotiating with talent, including actors, directors, producers, and writers
  • Advising on business formation and structure
  • Advising on state tax credits and production rebates
  • Preparing all above-the-line and below-the-line contracts
  • Advising on intellectual property issues
  • Negotiating and structuring distribution deals in all media
  • Forming film funds and preparing their investment documents

Television and Video Clients


With the proliferation of cable network channels and Internet-based video, the demand for content has exploded. Unscripted reality television is as strong as ever. North Carolina is a critical supplier of this content (the most popular reality show on cable TV is produced by a company in North Carolina), and our lawyers are involved in all aspects of this industry. Our services include:

  • Preparing and negotiating production agreements
  • Reviewing and advising on pitch packages and pitch process
  • Advising on financing structures and process
  • Preparing financing and offering documents
  • Advising on tax credits and production rebates
  • Drafting and negotiating celebrity host agreements and other talent contracts
  • Advising on music rights and clearances
  • Negotiating animation production agreements
  • Advising on children’s programming matters

Quick Links