Karen, a self-proclaimed aficionado of diverse cultures and customs, hails from the land Down Under, Australia, where she has devoted her professional journey to the dynamic and ever-evolving entertainment industry. With a keen eye for spotting emerging trends and a passion for staying abreast of the latest business, financial, and technical innovations, Karen has built a reputation as a forward-thinking and astute industry expert.
Before embarking on her legal career, Karen had a brief stint in the spotlight, starring in the cult classic film "Picnic at Hanging Rock," directed by the renowned Peter Weir. This early foray into the world of acting laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in the entertainment industry.
In addition to her acting credits, Karen has also had the opportunity to work behind the scenes as a producer, overseeing the production and distribution of feature films and documentaries. Her extensive experience in the entertainment industry has equipped her with a unique understanding of the complexities and nuances of the industry, allowing her to provide valuable insights and guidance to clients and colleagues alike.
Karen's unique combination of insider knowledge and entrepreneurial acumen enables her to excel in the realm of negotiating complex agreements, effortlessly facilitating the synchronization of joint venture, production, and distribution strategies. Her extensive experience has earned her a reputation as a go-to expert in the industry, sought after by a diverse array of prominent players, including domestic and foreign motion picture and television financiers, esteemed banks, savvy equity investors, astute hedge funds, venerable studios, broadcast and cable TV networks, and innovative production and distribution companies.
Karen's esteemed clientele places their utmost trust in her exceptional ability to skillfully navigate and successfully conclude a wide range of complex financial agreements and distribution deals. These transactions may involve film financings, crowdfunding arrangements, and intellectual property negotiations, all of which require her meticulous attention to detail and astute business acumen.
Moreover, Karen offers her expertise to renowned film and television production companies, guiding them in their pursuit of expanding their audience reach and capitalizing on emerging opportunities in alternative channels. This may include exploring the vast potential of the internet and digital media platforms, allowing her clients to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the ever-evolving media landscape.
Karen is a seasoned professional who offers expert counsel to charitable organizations on the intricacies of film and art project development, providing guidance on the complexities of financing, production, and distribution. In addition, she assists international co-production entities in navigating the labyrinthine world of tax incentives, skillfully identifying and securing U.S. and international benefits that can significantly impact their bottom line.
Furthermore, Karen is adept at negotiating studio ancillary deals on behalf of startup distributors, leveraging her extensive knowledge of the entertainment industry to secure favorable terms that benefit her clients. Her impressive track record of notable representations includes numerous entertainment companies that have navigated the challenging landscape of bankruptcy, including the high-profile cases of Relativity Media and Lions Gate Films Inc.
Karen's educational background is marked by her attainment of a Bachelor of Laws degree from the prestigious University of Sydney, a renowned institution that has produced many accomplished individuals in the field of law. In addition to her legal studies, Karen also pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree from the same esteemed institution, further demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence.
Karen's professional accomplishments have been recognized by several prominent organizations, including Best Lawyers in America, which has identified her as a leading attorney in the field of Entertainment: Motion Pictures + Television. This prestigious designation is a testament to Karen's expertise and dedication to her work.
Furthermore, Karen has been named among the top 30 media attorneys in the United States by Best of the Best USA, a recognition that underscores her exceptional skills and reputation in the legal community.
Karen is a licensed attorney, having been admitted to practice law in not one, but two prominent jurisdictions - California and New South Wales, Australia. Her professional affiliations are just as impressive, with memberships in esteemed organizations such as the Beverly Hills Bar Association, a respected and influential group that aims to promote the highest standards of professional ethics and excellence in the legal community. Additionally, Karen is an active participant in a variety of other professional organizations, including Australians in Film, a prominent organization that supports and celebrates the achievements of Australian filmmakers and creatives. She is also a member of the British Academy of Film and Television (BAFTA),a world-renowned organization that recognizes and rewards outstanding achievements in film, television, and games. Furthermore, Karen is involved with Geena Da, a groundbreaking organization that advocates for gender equality and representation in media and entertainment.
