Jonathan Blair

Partner

Jonathan Blair is a Partner and commercial lawyer with a strong sectoral focus in film, television, publishing and digital media.

He advises producers and financiers on all aspects of film and television financing, including production finance, tax-based and other government incentives, bank finance, distribution pre-sales and gap financing. He has an extensive knowledge of the sources of finance and works closely with clients in structuring financing packages and deals.

​Jonathan’s many clients include film and television production companies, and he is an experienced business affairs lawyer with a rich knowledge-base in all aspects of film and television production in many genres. He also assists clients in building their businesses with a view to sale, and has represented a number of clients in their negotiations for the disposal of their businesses. 

​With the rise of digital media, Jonathan has developed expertise in all aspects of digital distribution and convergence. His clients in this area include distributors of mobile phone entertainment, on-line content distributors, authors and producers.

Jonathan is ranked in the Chambers UK 2026 Guide for Media & Entertainment: Film & Television, which praises his “deep and commercial understanding of the issues and opportunities within the TV and film industry” and notes that he is “always efficient and professional”.

Jonathan is also recognised in the Media: Film & TV category in the Legal 500 UK 2026 Guide, which notes that he “provides smart and commercial advice” and highlights his “excellent knowledge of the film finance world and knows when to push for more for producers”. 

​Jonathan is a regular speaker on film, television and digital media.

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Every lawyer I have worked with has been friendly, approachable and willing to listen.
Chambers & Partners
Simkins are knowledgeable, commercial, always responsive and willing to go above and beyond to help.
Chambers & Partners
Simkins have an excellent media practice constantly evolving with the changes in our industry.
Legal 500
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Jonathan is very responsive and provides sound and commercially astute advice.
Chambers & Partners
Jonathan is very pragmatic, a pleasure to work with, and creative in his problem-solving.
Chambers & Partners
Jonathan is a calm, supportive and very well-informed film lawyer. I know I will get useful and balanced advice from him in any new situation.
Chambers & Partners
Jonathan Blair has always delivered great work - he's got an excellent knowledge of the film finance world and knows when to push for more for producers. I would highly recommend him.
Legal 500

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