Ken Suddleson is a partner at the Los Angeles office of Edwards Wildman. Having spent his entire career working in the entertainment industry, Ken is highly regarded for his experience in all facets of the entertainment industry and related businesses worldwide, including motion pictures, television, music and new media. Ken's practice includes advising and representing major motion picture studios in such matters as the acquisition of film libraries and motion picture development, production and distribution. He also represents domestic and international major independent motion picture and television production companies, network and cable television programming producers and distributors, pay television exhibitors, program syndicators and others involved in creating, financing, distributing and/or exhibiting content in these media. His clients also include entertainment and e-commerce Internet ventures, and senior executives in various industries.
Prior to working in private practice, Ken was executive vice president, Office of the Chairman of Paramount Pictures, where he shared responsibility for the overall management of the company and its various subsidiaries. In his capacity as executive vice president, he supervised a 55-person group that negotiated and documented all motion picture transactions involving the company, and he personally conducted negotiations involving major talent and acquisitions of motion pictures, plays and other productions. Ken also analyzed and negotiated proposed domestic and foreign co-production and co-financing transactions for motion picture and television productions.
Ken was directly involved in the corporate budgeting process and strategic planning process. He organized, implemented and supervised Paramount's Fellowship Program, involving the selection and full-time employment of creative talent of candidates from seven universities and colleges.
Ken participated, on behalf of Paramount, in industry union negotiations through the Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers (the industry collective bargaining unit), and in industry policy and political activities through the Motion Picture Association of America (the industry trade association).
In 2007, Suddleson was featured in The Hollywood Reporter inaugural list of "100 Power Lawyers," in which he was described by an industry insider as, "the dean of entertainment lawyers" and characterized as "ideally qualified and experienced, and he is a gentleman." He was also recognized as one of the top attorneys in Entertainment & Sports by Southern California Super Lawyers. In 2008, Ken was named to the list of Southern California "Super Lawyers" by Law & Politics Media, Inc.
Mr. Suddleson has been an adjunct professor at UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television since 1995, where he is involved in team teaching Strategic Thinking and other courses. He speaks regularly on diverse entertainment topics such as the convergence of traditional entertainment and technology, including digital cinema and video on demand.
Industries
ˇ Technology
ˇ Broadcasting
Memberships
ˇ State Bar of California
ˇ Adjunct professor, UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, 1995 - Present
ˇ Member, Entertainment Advisory Council, UCLA School of Law