Entertainment
Goodmans Entertainment Group is recognized worldwide as one of the leading practices in Canada, dedicated exclusively to film and television, sports, digital media and book publishing. We assist our clients to structure and optimize production financing, negotiate international co-productions, and complete sales to distributors and broadcasters and streaming services in Canada and abroad.
Our lawyers combine tremendous expertise and years of experience with passion and energy to create future oriented strategies that help our clients succeed. Clients trust us to stay ahead of the ever-evolving entertainment industry trends that are continually transforming the way content is distributed, consumed and regulated. We leverage the sophisticated regulatory work of our Communications Group involving the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission – a distinguishing feature of Goodmans entertainment practice.
We navigate with ease Canada’s complex financing structures and incentives used to finance film, tv and digital productions. Our clients can count on straight-forward advice on Canadian film tax credits, Canadian withholding tax and other tax matters. They also turn to us to document production services, customize talent contracts, deal with Canadian guilds and unions and advise on Canadian foreign investment rules and domestic broadcast regulatory requirements, and to handle acquisitions and dispositions of entertainment companies and provide related corporate, tax and regulatory advice.
Our lawyers are thought leaders in the industry and are frequently asked to comment on developments in entertainment news, host and participate in entertainment panels, teach entertainment law and speak at industry conferences.
Explore People in Entertainment
Meet our teamFeatured Work
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Shareholder Activism
Board of the Toronto Lawn Club proxy defense
Goodmans LLP represented the Board of the Toronto Lawn Club in connection with the successful defense of a proxy contest against a group of concerned members… -
Private Equity and Venture Capital
Project 8 Sports launches Northern Super League, Canada's professional women's soccer league
Goodmans LLP advised Project 8 Sports Inc. in the creation of the Northern Super League, a planned Division I professional women's soccer league in Canada… -
Mergers and Acquisitions
Screaming Eagle merges with Lionsgate Studios
Goodmans LLP acted for Screaming Eagle Acquisition Corp. in connection with its merger with the Studio Business of Lionsgate Entertainment Corp., comprised of its Television Studio and Motion Picture… -
Tax
Cineplex announces comprehensive refinancing plan
Goodmans LLP is acting for Cineplex Inc., a leading Canadian entertainment and media company, in connection with its announcement of a comprehensive refinancing plan to improve financial flexibility… -
Mergers and Acquisitions
Cineplex Inc.'s Player One Amusement Solutions business acquired by OpenGate Capital
Goodmans LLP acted for Cineplex Inc., a Canadian entertainment and media company, in connection with OpenGate Capital acquiring the amusement solutions business of Cineplex… -
Entertainment
Representing Shaftesbury Inc.
Goodmans LLP represents Shaftesbury Inc., a leading Canadian producer of scripted productions including the well-known and popular TV programs “Murdoch Mysteries," “Frankie Drake Mysteries," “Hudson…
Insights
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Entertainment
So You Want To Produce In Canada, Eh?
If you are considering producing in Canada, there’s a lot you not only need to know, but want to know. Why? Because it can save you both time and money - and who doesn’t want that? The discussion… -
Entertainment
Ask an Expert: Key risks and considerations relevant to performers who are active on social media, Performers Magazine
In a recent article for ACTRA Toronto's Performers Magazine, Tara Parker and Megan Brooks discuss the considerations performers should weigh before posting something to a public-facing… -
Entertainment
Canada launches public consultation on Generative AI and Copyright Law
On October 12, 2023, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and its Minister of Canadian Heritage launched a public consultation on the implications of generative artificial… -
Entertainment
CRTC Announces Three-Phased Public Consultation Plan to Implement the Online Streaming Act in Canada
On May 8, 2023, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) unveiled its three-phased regulatory plan (the “Regulatory Plan”) to consult with the public to implement the… -
Entertainment
The Online Streaming Act: Canada Passes New Legislation to Regulate Online Streaming Services
On April 27, 2023, Bill C-11, titled the Online Streaming Act (the “Act”), was passed by the Canadian Senate and received Royal Assent, officially becoming law in Canada. The Act is designed to… -
Technology
U.S. District Court Finds NBA Top Shot Moments may be Subject to U.S. Securities Laws
On May 12, 2021, a class action law suit was filed against Dapper Labs, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Court”) alleging that Dapper Labs violated U.S…
Awards & Recognition
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Chambers Canada Band 1, Media & Entertainment 2025
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Chambers Canada Band 1, Media & Entertainment 2024
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The Legal 500 Canada Tier 1, Media and Entertainment 2024
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The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory Most Frequently Recommended, Entertainment Law 2024
News & Events
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Mergers and Acquisitions
Chambers and Partners Once Again Honours Goodmans with Top-Tier Recognition
We are delighted to announce Goodmans LLP continues to receive top-tier recognition from Chambers and Partners in the Chambers Canada 2025 Guide.Recognition from Chambers and Partners is based on… -
Entertainment
David Zitzerman at the 2024 Banff World Media Festival
Join David Zitzerman at the 2024 Banff World Media Festival for the Topic Table session "Alternative Canadian Film Financing Structures".The Banff World Media Festival is an international conference… -
Banking and Financial Services
The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2024 Continues to Recognize Goodmans
We are proud to announce Goodmans LLP has once again been recognized in the 2024 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory.91 Goodmans lawyers have been recognized as top-tier in their…