LOS ANGELES (Calif.) – October 14, 2014 – Greenberg Traurig LLP, a leading law firm in the entertainment and media space, announced that John D. Maatta has joined the firm’s Entertainment and Media Practice as Of Counsel and will be based in the Los Angeles office.
Maatta’s arrival is designed to give Greenberg Traurig’s clients additional insights and capabilities with regard to the deal-making process of both network and independent television entities. Prior to joining the firm, Maatta was Executive Vice President and General Counsel at The CW Television Network.
Maatta’s practice is focused on entertainment and media law matters, including development, production, new media, video on demand, employment, co-production and financing agreements, as well as matters related to the dissemination of programming by broadcast, cable, and internet-based platforms. His experience, among other things, includes all aspects of syndication, distribution, affiliate relations, broadcast standards, and children’s programming.
“We are very pleased to welcome John to the firm and continue to build our strong entertainment practice in Los Angeles,” said Dan Black, Chair of the firm’s West Coast Entertainment and Media Practice. “John’s multi-faceted, hands-on television and digital experience, combined with his extensive network of high level contacts, will be a great benefit to our clients.”
Maatta’s previous experience includes senior executive positions at both The CW Television Network and The WB Television Network, where Maatta served as the Chief Operating Officer with oversight over all business operations including Sales, Finance, Business Affairs, Distribution and Legal. Maatta also served as General Counsel of The WB Television Network.
Maatta holds a J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of Law and an A.B., cum laude, from the University of San Francisco.
Maatta is the most recent strategic hire to the firm’s Los Angeles Entertainment and Media Practice. This past May, Shareholders Tom Ara and Rob Sherman as well as Associate Rosalind Read joined the firm. Ara, Sherman and Read concentrate their practices in global entertainment and media finance.
Entertainment & Media Practice
With offices situated in the centers of the entertainment industry, the firm has one of the preeminent, international multidisciplinary Entertainment & Media practices. The Greenberg Traurig Entertainment & Media team focuses on the digital media, music, motion picture, television, sports, Internet, publishing and theater industries. Greenberg Traurig has emerged as a predominant global player in the digital space, featuring one of the largest worldwide practices in this field.