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Gary I. Sommerstein

Gary Sommerstein is a Partner in Pryor Cashman’s Entertainment, Media and Communications Practice Group and is based in the firm’s Los Angeles office. 

In the course of Mr. Sommerstein’s 19 years of experience, he has handled many large, complex and innovative entertainment transactions, including international and domestic film and television development, production and distribution deals. Mr. Sommerstein represents a diverse range of clients including major studios, independent producers, television networks, writers, film financiers, actors, and models.  

Mr. Sommerstein was previously a partner and head of the Entertainment Practice Group at one of Los Angeles’ largest entertainment law firms, and prior to that was Head of Business Affairs and Executive in Charge of Production for one of television's top Emmy award winning independent production companies. As Head of Business Affairs, Mr. Sommerstein handled all aspects of the acquisition, development, production, clearance and international distribution of network specials, reality, documentary, and animation programming. 

The California Law Business has profiled Mr. Sommerstein as among the top entertainment lawyers in Los Angeles. 

Mr. Sommerstein is a 1990 graduate of University of Southern California Law Center, Los Angeles, California, where he was a member of the Computer Law and Major Tax Planning Journal. He earned his B.A. from University of California, Los Angeles in 1987, where he majored in Economics/Business.

Mr. Sommerstein’s clients include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., Summit Entertainment, Televisa, BabyFirstTV, Niki Taylor, and the six time Oscar winning producer Arthur Cohn.

Previous Positions

• Christensen, Glaser, Fink, Jacobs, Weil & Shapiro, LLP, Partner and Head of Entertainment Law Practice Group (2000-08)
• Andrew Solt Productions, Vice President, Head of Business Affairs and Executive in Charge of Production (1998-2000)

Professional Affiliations

• Los Angeles County Bar Association (1990-present)
• Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (2001-present )