Yorkshire law firm advises makers of Netflix documentary

Yorkshire law firm Gordons has successfully advised the start-up film production company behind Netflix’s hit Paralympics documentary, Rising Phoenix, on its first two funding rounds.

The funding for HTYT (which stands for Harder Than You Think) was originally secured to enable the company to produce its first documentary charting the history of the Paralympics, which premiered on Netflix last month. Since then, the London-based producer has outlined plans to create further documentaries including films about sport and business.

Gordons head of corporate, James Fawcett, and solicitors Amy Pierechod and Stephanie Houghton advised HTYT on its first two funding rounds.

HTYT was founded in 2018 by head of marketing for the 2012 Olympics, Greg Nugent, and Tony Blair’s former spokesperson and director of government communications for London 2012, Godric Smith. Earlier this month, the producer, which employs 10 staff, announced that former director-general of the BBC, Lord (Tony) Hall, is to become its chairman.

Gordons’ James Fawcett (pictured) said: “We are very pleased to have played a small part in helping HTYT tell the story of the Paralympic Games and are looking forward to seeing its future productions.”

The firm’s expertise in early stage investments also saw Gordons recently advise a group of angel investors on a significant investment in electric vehicle tech start-up, Mina, through its partnership with tech and digital investment platform, NorthInvest.