Open navigation
Search
Search
Rebekah Hayes
Partner

Rebekah Hayes

Head of Production Finance

Languages
  • English

Rebekah is a Partner in our Commercial team and is head of the Production Finance Practice. She has a breadth of experience in the film and television sector acting for both producers and financiers.

Rebekah regularly advises producers and financiers on a range of issues, including co-production funding and access to appropriate subsidies and incentives, single picture and slate deal facilities and funds, and the production, distribution and exploitation of audio-visual content.

Rebekah also works alongside the corporate media team advising on media sector specific issues on M&A and joint venture transactions.

Rebekah regularly holds legal breakfast sessions for the members of Women in Film & Television on a variety of matters.

Awards & Recognitions
01
  • Quote
    "Rebekah Hayes and her team are the best kind of people. Smart, diligent, hard working and timely. This makes them a joy to work with on transactions."
    Client testimonial / Legal 500 2025
  • Quote
    "Rebekah Hayes - simply the best media lawyer I have ever worked with. She managed a transaction in four days. All drafting. All negotiating. Signing and us funding. From Monday to Thursday. Amazing."
    Client testimonial / Legal 500 2025
  • Quote
    “Rebekah Hayes is the partner I work with on every deal and she's the best lawyer I've ever worked with. Kind, knowledgeable, proactive, fast, she's perfect”
    Client testimonial / Legal 500 2025

Relevant experience

  • Jeremy Clarkson and his production company on all aspects of the "The Grand Tour” and “Clarkson’s Farm”.
  • Elysian Film Group on all aspects of the development, production and financing of the film “The Magic Faraway Tree”.
  • A UK financing house on a number of single picture production finance transactions, including working with our international teams to advise on lending against various international production incentives. 
  • Littlestar Services in connection with the "Mamma Mia" film sequel.
  • The production entities in connection with the high end drama series “Riviera” for Sky Atlantic.
  • Major UK banking groups regarding their single series and film production financing activities.
  • Fremantle in connection with its acquisition of Element Films.
  • ITV Studios in connection with its acquisition of Hartswood Films.

Memberships & Roles

Education

  • 2005 – LPC, BLP, London
  • 2003 – LLB, University of Leicester, Leicester

Insights by Rebekah

CMS advises Fifth Season on acquisition of The Story Collective

CMS advises Fifth Season on acquisition of The Story Collective

16 Mar 2026 2 min read
Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023: Identity verification became mandatory from 18 November 2025

Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023: Identity verification became mandatory from 18 November 2025

11 Dec 2025 5 min read
Ofcom consults on revised Commissioning Codes of Practice for Public Service Broadcasters

Ofcom consults on revised Commissioning Codes of Practice for Public Service Broadcasters

12 Mar 2025 5 min read
CMS advises Pathé on acquisition of five Celador film titles including Slumdog Millionaire

CMS advises Pathé on acquisition of five Celador film titles including Slumdog Millionaire

25 Oct 2024 2 min read
Back to top Back to top
You will now find all Law-Now content on CMS.law
Opens in new window