We represent authors at all stages of their careers -- world renowned ‎bestselling authors, and those who are being published for the first time.We represent some of the world’s most successful producers and creative talent, as well as owners of important films, novels and other works on which musicals and plays are based. Whether we handle a transaction in its entirety, or act as due diligence counsel, we are keenly aware of what distinguishes entertainment businesses from others being purchased or sold. We represent actors, directors, writers and other talent in all aspects of the motion picture, television, theater and digital media industries.Our attorneys are at the forefront of new developments in the production and exploitation of branded entertainment. Copyright is an essential component of almost every transaction involving creators and users of intellectual property and we provide experienced guidance. We counsel corporate clients in their business strategies, organize corporations and partnerships, and negotiate and draft a wide variety of agreements for major public corporations and privately held businesses.Our clients include documentary and other non-fiction producers; broadcasters; authors of books and writers of screenplays; digital and print publishers; playwrights and lyricists. We guide clients across the ever-changing legal and business landscape of digital content. Clients range from multinational corporations to early stage venture companies that offer news, music, satire, commentary, children's programming, and other forms of information and entertainment.Our clients produce and direct documentaries and other non-fiction series and films for broadcast and cable television; radio; web series and podcasts, SVOD and theatrical release.The firm represents executives at the highest levels of major entertainment, media, and advertising organizations. We help them structure and negotiate their employment agreements whether for new positions, the extension of existing agreements, or the structuring of settlement and separation packages. We represent clients in licensing, merchandising, and endorsements including established brands, celebrities, and authors. Our motion picture practice covers the full spectrum of the movie business. It includes advising independent film producers on financing, co-production, production, and distribution agreements; guiding directors, talent, screenwriters and distributors; and representing some of the world’s leading authors in their film rights deals with major studios. We represent recording artists, composers, major record labels and independent labels, music publishers, conductors, producers and managers.We represent presenters, producers, management companies and artists across a broad spectrum of the performing arts including theater, opera and other music.The firm's television practice covers a broad spectrum of programming across broadcast, cable, and online platforms.

Matthew C. Lefferts

Matthew C. Lefferts

Matt Lefferts is a partner at FWRV and has been with the firm since 1999. Matt represents individuals and entities in all aspects of the entertainment industry, focusing on theater, branded entertainment, film, television, digital media and book publishing.

Matt is listed by Super Lawyers New York Metro edition in the field of Entertainment & Sports in 2013-2014, and 2016- Present. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association and its Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law Section. He regularly lectures on theater law and finance and branded entertainment, including as a guest instructor for the Commercial Theater Institute and at the Columbia University Law & Theatre Seminar.

Matt is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia School of Law, and lives in Maplewood, New Jersey.

Representative Work

Representing major Broadway and Off-Broadway theater producers, authors, theaters, investors, music publishers and rights owners in all areas of live theater, including the acquisition of underlying rights, financing of major musicals and dramatic plays, and negotiation of deals with authors, directors and other creators.
Counsel for entertainment related companies ranging from major media agencies, content owners and distribution companies, to production companies and brand developers in connection with the development, production and distribution of branded entertainment, scripted, reality and documentary television programming, podcasts, as well as for theatrical motion pictures, including independent films and documentaries on all platforms.
Representing individual talent (writers, actors, producers, directors, composers) in all areas of entertainment.
Negotiating endorsement, influencer and spokesperson deals on behalf of talent and companies.