Alice Rudge

THE INTERVIEW

What do you love about working in media law?

I love playing a supporting but important role in ensuring content - in all forms and genres - can be made and shared with the world. That usually involves advising on, defending and enforcing creators' legal rights behind the scenes. Maybe one day there'll be a Bafta or an Oscar for Best Legal Advice. 

What’s your specialism?

My background is in entertainment litigation, advising on legal disputes, complaints and regulatory compliance across the media and entertainment industries. A good litigator also advises clients on how to avoid matters becoming contentious by spotting and fixing issues before they become a dispute.

Who gave you your first break?

Although I've worked in media and entertainment for a number of years, I originally trained as a lawyer at a large commercial law firm in the City. I was given a break when a leading entertainment firm took a punt on me as a newly qualified lawyer without much industry-specific experience (but plenty of enthusiasm)

Why join ABBAS Media Law?

I had come across Nigel and ABBAS Media Law by name in a previous role. A producer spoke highly of ABBAS Media Law, pretty much as an extension of their own production team. That said a lot to me.

Any tips for producers trying to keep up with the ever-changing restrictions affecting our industry?

Check in regularly with your network and attend industry events. It's increasingly difficult to navigate the legal and regulatory landscape but learning from others' success stories (and horror stories) can be really valuable. 

Litigators are constantly thinking about how to minimise the legal, financial and reputational risks of disputes. Because litigation can be an unwelcome distraction for creative clients, I often advise on how to close down legal proceedings as efficiently as possible. I've had a number of unmeritorious claims against clients dismissed by the Court at an early stage, avoiding unnecessary cost, time and disruption.

We’re all about enabling creativity and minimising risk, can you share a time where you think this happened with great results?

Tell us one surprising thing about you?

I once had a famous musician say they would name their next album after me. (Spoiler alert: they didn't).

What are you working on right now?

The ABBAS Media Law team have been great at letting me get stuck in. This week I’ve reviewed a script for a film in development based on a true story, advising on areas of legal risk such as defamation and privacy.

What’s on you watch list this month?

I'm currently re-watching Severance but how can I respond to this interview without mentioning Celebrity Traitors?

What do you do to kick back and relax?

I'm a big fan of stand-up comedy and make an annual pilgrimage to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. 

To contact Alice email: alice@abbasmedialaw.com