Matthew N. Sugarman

Shareholder


Los Angeles

310.858.7888

Matthew N. Sugarman is a shareholder in the Firm’s entertainment practice group.

Matthew’s practice focuses on the representation of writers, actors, directors, producers and commercial, management and production companies in motion picture, television and digital media. Matthew has also worked extensively in connection with the development, financing, production, distribution, licensing and acquisition of audio-visual productions in all media. His practice also includes merchandising, endorsements, and print publishing.

Matthew has served as a member of both the Syllabus Committee of the USC Institute for Entertainment Law and Business and the Entertainment Industry Leadership Institute of The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles. In addition, he is actively involved with several charities including the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation, and is an avid science fiction, fantasy and comic book reader. Prior to attending law school, Matthew helped to found the business and legal affairs department at Walden Media in New York City, worked on the advance team for Bill Bradley’s 2000 U.S. Presidential campaign, participated in the investment banking trainee program at a top Wall Street investment house and served as a Page in the U.S. Senate.

Speaking Engagements

Matthew spoke at Wondercon on the process of shopping a comic book property in Hollywood, in a program entitled, “From Page to Screen.”

Matthew received his J.D. in 2004 from the University of Southern California Law Center, where he was a quarter-finalist in the Hale Moot Court Honors Program, and received his undergraduate degree, with a dual major in political science and sociology, from the Brandeis University in 1999.

USC Institute for Entertainment Law and Business
Syllabus Committee Member

The Entertainment Industry Leadership Institute
of The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles
Member

 Awards

Variety’s Dealmakers Impact Report 2015

J.D., University of Southern California Law Center, 2004

B.A., Brandeis University, 1999

Webinar: Comic Book Law 101 – The Ins-and-Outs of The Comic Book Industry

On September 8, Weintraub Shareholder Matt Sugarman will present as part of the American Bar Association webinar Comic Book Law 101. This panel will explore the comic book industry, its place in greater pop culture, and the key legal issues attorneys practicing in this area should know. Topics covered will include…

  • When: Sep 8, 2021
  • Where: Webinar

WT Deals: Jessica Varley to Write and Direct “The Astronaut”

Weintraub Client Jess Varley (Phobias) makes her solo writing and directing debut with the sci-fi thriller The Astronaut, which begins filming in Ireland in October (under an interim SAG-AFTRA agreement). Kate Mara, Gabriel Luna, and Laurence Fishburne lead the cast. The Astronaut is produced by Brad Fuller and Cameron Fuller…

WT Deals: Gregg Simon to Direct New Thriller “The Patience of Vultures”

Weintraub client Gregg Simon is set to direct “The Patience of Vultures,” a neo-noir crime thriller presented by Pulsar Content, XYZ Films, and WME Independent. Luis Guzmán (“Narcos,” “Traffic”) and Ed Skrein (“Game of Thrones,” “Deadpool”) are set to lead the ensemble cast, which also includes Josh Brener (“The Last…

WT Deals: Disney+ to Create Live-Action Adaptation of ‘Eragon’

Disney+ is set to develop a new live-action series based on the first book, Eragon, of the popular young adult book series The Inheritance Cycle, written by Weintraub client Christopher Paolini. Paolini will co-write and executive produce the series, alongside Bert Salke via Co-Lab 21. The studio will be 20th…

WT Deals: Sony Pictures Television Acquires “Faust” Superhero Comic

Sony Pictures Television has acquired the superhero horror comic “Faust” for development into an animated series. Creators David Quinn (writer) and Tim Vigil (artist) of Rebel Studios will serve as consulting producers on the adaptation.  Brian Giberson of Black Mask Entertainment will executive produce and Matteo Pizzolo (Godkiller) will write…