Matthew C. Lefferts

	mlefferts@fwrv.com (212) 446-9792

Matt represents individuals and entities in all aspects of the entertainment industry, focusing on television, new media, film and theater law, in addition to literary publishing and digital music licensing. Matt represents companies ranging from major media agencies to production companies in the development, production and distribution of programming for television, the internet, mobile and other new media, and theatrical and television films, including documentary and reality television programming.

Matt works with major Broadway and Off-Broadway theatre producers and authors in all areas of the live theatre industry, ranging from acquisition of underlying rights, financing and sponsorship of major musicals and dramatic plays, and negotiation of deals with authors, directors and other creators.

Matt’s clients also include individual talent, including on-screen talent, celebrities, writers and directors in all areas of entertainment such as film, television, new media, theater and literary publishing. Matt has negotiated merchandising, spokesperson and employment agreements, as well as writer, actor, director deals in connection with the exploitation of literary and other creative works in film, television, theater, and new media.

Matt received a B.A. in Economics from the University of Michigan and a J.D. from Columbia University School of Law. He was admitted to the Bars of New York and New Jersey in 1993. Matt is a member of the New York Bar Association and its Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law Division. He is the author of "Lights, Camera – Wait, what’s that in the background?" on the use of intellectual property in film.

Representative Work:

• Counseling major media agencies in connection with the development, production and exploitation of branded entertainment projects for the internet, television and mobile platforms, theater stage theatre producers in connection with the acquisition of underlying rights, and the financing and production of Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals and dramatic plays.
• Production counsel for producers of scripted, reality and documentary television programming, including television series and specials.
• Production counsel for theatrical motion pictures, including independent films and documentaries for general theatrical release and television broadcast, with respect to development, financing, production and distribution.
• Representing motion picture and television producers in connection with the financing and domestic and international distribution of audiovisual productions.
• Representing actors, producers, writers, celebrities and other talent in connection with new media projects, theatrical motion pictures, television programming, live stage productions, as well as merchandising, spokesperson and sponsorship deals.
• Representing executives in the entertainment industry in connection with employment agreements.