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Overview

Marc Chamlin is known for working across multiple legal and business disciplines in the media and digital industries, representing television, film and digital media companies, as well as producers, actors, directors, writers, book authors and other high-level talent in the full spectrum of transactional entertainment matters. 

Marc’s practice includes structuring and negotiating complex investments, joint ventures, and corporate and licensing transactions for iconic media personalities, legacy literary and intellectual properties, and privately held and institutional media companies. Marc also provides confidential counselling to C-suite media executives in connection with their employment contracts.

A veteran dealmaker and chair of the firm’s Television Practice, Marc provides counsel for nonscripted/reality and scripted series development, production and distribution across cable, broadcast and digital platforms, and regularly handles production, licensing and distribution arrangements for animated and live-action productions, podcasts and documentary films. Marc also advises institutional and talent clients in connection with merchandising, licensing, sponsorship, and endorsement deals. 

He has a deep knowledge of the industry and his passion for his clients is unmatched.Chambers USA (client commentary)

Marc’s unique breadth of experience is illustrated through his representation of Oprah Winfrey and her company, Harpo, in connection with a broad initiative of original productions, investments, and strategic partnerships reflecting her business interests and personal philosophy. His counsel has included advising Ms. Winfrey in connection with her investment partnership with Weight Watchers International, the launch of the website Oprah Daily with Hearst, her investment and strategic advisory agreement with healthy food restaurant brand, True Food Kitchen, the development and production of a wide variety of documentary and scripted programs across multiple platforms, the negotiation of best-selling book deals with co-authors such as Bruce Perry (“What Happened to You?”) and Arthur C. Brooks (“Build the Life You Want”) and acting as counsel to Oprah’s Book Club, and her launch, with Dwayne Johnson, of the People’s Fund of Maui for the victims of the Maui wildfires. 

Marc has been recognized for his deep influence in the entertainment industry by such publications as Chambers USA, Variety and Hollywood Reporter. In addition to his practice, he serves on the board of trustees of the venerable New York Public Radio and leads the firm’s pro bono work for the organization’s WNYC Studios and its innovative initiatives as a leading creator of podcasts. 

 

Education

  • New York University School of Law, J.D.,

    Research Editor, Annual Survey of American Law

  • Princeton University, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, A.B., magna cum laude

Bar Admissions

  • New York

Recognition

  • Named in The Hollywood Reporter's "New York's Top 20 Entertainment Attorneys" list (2020)
  • Named in The Hollywood Reporter's "New York Power Lawyers" list (2024)
  • Named "Top Dealmaker" in Variety's "Dealmakers Impact Report" (2015, 2017-2018, 2020, 2023)
  • Named among top entertainment attorneys in Variety's "Legal Impact Report" (2019-2020, 2024)
  • Named in The Hollywood Reporter's "Power Lawyers" list (2018)
  • Named in The Legal 500 US in Media & Entertainment, published by Legalease Limited and John Pritchard (2017-2024)
  • Received highest ranking in Chambers USA, America's Leading Lawyers for Business 2010-2017 editions in New York Media & Entertainment: Film & Television (also recognized in 2006-2010, 2018-2020 editions) and New York Media & Entertainment: Advisory (2021-2024 editions) 
  • Named "Best Lawyer" in Entertainment Law, The Best Lawyers in America, published by Woodward White, Inc. (2008-2025)
  • Named "New York Metro Super Lawyer" in Entertainment & Sports by Thomson Reuters (2007-2024)
  • Highest "AV Preeminent (5 out of 5)" Professional Rating, Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory

Affiliations

  • Board of Trustees, New York Public Radio