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Image: Erik Hyman

Erik Hyman

Partner, Entertainment and Media

Overview

Erik Hyman is a partner and global co-chair of the Entertainment and Media practice and is Chair of the Century City Office. Mr. Hyman is well known in the entertainment industry as a cutting-edge dealmaker and a fierce protector of his clients, which include award-winning movie stars, high-level television creators and showrunners, lead cast members of popular programs on scripted and unscripted television, “first-dollar-gross” producers, and preeminent writers and directors. He is a tenacious champion for his diverse clients, whether they are creative individuals, film financiers, or high-net-worth families making entertainment and media industry investments. Mr. Hyman also works closely with multiple publicly traded, non-entertainment companies, steering their television and motion picture industry strategies and branded entertainment projects.

Mr. Hyman negotiates vanguard talent transactions; structures the financing, acquisition, and sale of independent films; and builds major endorsement campaigns and product lines. He also advises companies regarding strategies for the production and exploitation of content for digital platforms.

Mr. Hyman is a frequent public speaker and serves as chairman of the board of the Herb Ritts Foundation, a private charitable foundation focused on HIV/AIDS research and advocacy.

Recognitions

  • The Legal 500 USA, Media and Entertainment: Transactional (2022)
  • Chambers USA, Media & Entertainment: Transactional: Mainly Talent (2022-2024)
  • Named “Southern California Rising Star” in Entertainment & Sports by Thomson Reuters (2006–2007)

Education

  • Columbia University School of Law, J.D.
  • Managing Editor, Columbia/VLA Journal of Law and the Arts
  • Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar
  • University of Michigan, B.A.

Representations

Mr. Hyman has represented: 

  • Chris Storer in his overall deal with FX along with his company, American Light & Fixture. Chris is creator, writer, executive producer, and director of the hit series The Bear for FX/Hulu.
  • Emmy-nominated actor and performer Anthony Ramos in connection with his role as the star of the new Transformers franchise and the new Marvel series, Ironheart.
  • Jac Schaeffer in her overall deal with Marvel Studios and 20th Television following the success of her series WandaVision.
  • Jason Beghe in negotiating his return to star in and executive produce the hit NBC series Chicago PD.
  • Danielle Brooks in negotiating her return to HBOMax in the role of Leota Adebayo in the DC Extended Universe, and in negotiating a deal for her to star as Sophia in The Color Purple musical movie for Warner Bros.
  • Alexandra Milchan in putting together Oscar-nominated film Tar for Focus Features.
  • Starbucks in connection with engagement of high level entertainment talent.
  • Meta in connection with strategic entertainment industry advice.

Involvement

  • Chairman, Board of Directors, the Herb Ritts Foundation

Practice Areas

Entertainment and Media

Entertainment and Media -- Talent

Entertainment and Media -- Finance and Restructuring


Languages

English


Admissions

California Bar


Education

Columbia Law School, J.D. 1999

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, B.A. 1996