Ellie Heisler has joined Manatt, Phelps & Phillips as a partner in the entertainment practice as the firm seeks to expand its reach in the creator economy and the emerging world of creators, influencers and brands.
Mr. Heisler joins Manat after more than 11 years with Nixon Peabody, where he built the company’s entertainment operations. She represents the talent of rising creators such as Mattie Matheson, Jordan, Salish Matter, Quen Blackwell (who was named one of Variety’s 10 Creators to Watch earlier this month), Alan Chicken Chow, and media marquees Doing Things and Friday Beers. Joining Mr. Heisler in the firm are two partners, Jessica Boardman and Mike Lawhead, and associate April Hua.
“This move is an alignment of values, ambitions and long-term vision to expand and accelerate Manat’s presence in the creator economy,” Heisler said.
Boardman focuses on unscripted entertainment and serves as an advisor to on-camera talent, production companies, podcasters, documentaries and rights holders through all stages of development, production and distribution. Lawhead handles M&A, corporate finance, joint venture arrangements and more for on-camera talent, musicians, digital content creators, athletes and teams. Hua will facilitate day-to-day branding, production, licensing and other transactions for content creators.
April Hoare, Mike Lawhead, Jessica Boardman
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“Entertainment has been completely transformed by the creator economy, giving talent greater ownership of their brands and content distribution. Our clients need trusted advisors who understand not only where the industry has been, but where it is headed,” said Donna L. Wilson, CEO and Managing Partner of Manat.
“Ellie, Jessica, Mike, and April bring a unique combination of institutional knowledge, corporate dealmaking, and forward-looking insight. Their arrival will enable us to provide integrated legal and “This is another important step in the continued expansion of our industry-leading entertainment platform across the creator-centric hotbed of Los Angeles and key markets across the country,” she said.
Jordan Bromley, head of Manatt’s entertainment group, said the quartet’s arrival signals “a decisive shift of power in entertainment towards creators who are redefining the industry and accelerating its evolution. The arrival of this group further deepens the representation of creators and talent, along with complex deals, branding and unscripted content.”
