FAME Presents: An Interview with Natasha Redhill

Last year, Keely Moggarch and Zeta Kelly had the privilege of interviewing Natasha Redhill, a junior associate at Sanicki Lawyers, where they spoke about her journey into the legal sector and advice she had to other newly qualified graduates interested in pursuing entertainment law.

Natasha Redhill - Junior Associate at Sanicki Lawyers

Q: Thank you so much for joining us for this interview today, Natasha. We would love to hear an overview of your experience in the legal world so far and what drew you to it!

A: So, my journey into the legal world was a complete accident! I previously did a double major in media and communications, and screen and cultural studies. I absolutely loved film and everything entertainment and actually had a film internship lined up overseas - but then COVID hit and all of the arts began shutting down. Another passion of mine has always been human rights and wanting to help people, so when COVID hit, I started thinking of how I could start intertwining these, which ultimately led to me going back to study. Law seemed like such a great backend into my passions in the entertainment world, so I decided to pursue it.

When I graduated, I honestly had no real desire to be a lawyer- I thought I might work in the legal or policy space within the arts. I didn’t pursue the clerkship program at all, as I didn’t think it was the right journey for me personally, and instead I decided to work at an impact film company. It reaffirmed for me how art can make such a significant impact, and solidified my determination to work within this industry. Eventually I decided to finish off my PLT, and looked up entertainment law firms for my placement and found Sanicki Lawyers! It completely opened my eyes, I had no idea law could exist in the way it does. Entertainment is such a niche and soulful industry, which is not a phrase often used in the legal world, and not how I anticipated it to be.

Q: Would you mind talking a bit more about how your experience at Moonshine Agency has shaped and influenced your career so far?

A: Absolutely! Moonshine was amazing in exposing me to this backend of the industry and how film can truly influence social change. One film we made while I was a part of the company was called ‘Conquering Skin Cancer’. It was the second in a series of three films focused on the journey to curing different cancers, and is a feature length film featuring Hugh Jackman. It involves scientists, celebrities, surfers, and all kinds of people sharing their experiences with skin cancer. To see how many people came away and booked a skin check really showed me the power of film, and was yet another example of what a positive impact the arts can have on the world – it can literally save lives. It really solidified how much I wanted to work in and protect an industry that makes life so worth living.

Q: For those wanting to pursue law in fashion, film or arts entertainment, would you say it is worthwhile exploring careers and internships outside of the legal sector?

A: I think all experience is worthwhile! If you want to work with the arts, knowing what you love and showing your potential employers what you love helps you stand out, and really helps you to understand the industry you will be a part of. I am a huge believer you can teach legal concepts, but the arts are more of a lived experience. I think it is the best string in your bow to be able to show this passion you have for the artistic fields.

Q: Would you say this passion acts like an emotional investment in your work?

A: Absolutely 100%. I split my time between entertainment law and commercial litigation. Litigation is interesting - you can’t let yourself become too emotionally invested in all cases, as the complexity of the cases and emotions from clients can be tense and stressful. However I don’t agree with complete detachment, as I think empathy can be the best tool to ensure your work ethic and ensuring a connection to your work. Clients want to know you care about them as well as their matter, so it’s an important balance!

Q: Going back to Sanicki, how would you describe the firm and how they support your goals and ambitions?

A: I am so grateful to work there. Darren Sanicki, the principal lawyer, initially started the firm primarily for musicians and artists- but it soon became apparent that once you do their producer agreements, artists still need the same legal assistance as anyone else. The firm is built around being a full-service firm for those in entertainment industry and beyond. What I love about Sanicki is the diversity of practice areas. I am learning about so many areas that I never thought I would practice before. The smaller firm culture creates a fantastic environment filled with passionate individuals, all so creative in their own right.

Q: Would you say it is like a moulding pot of different interests?

A: 100%! Again, I never thought I would work closely with so many different specialist areas. Not everyone is a creative as well, but we all get to be appreciators of these outside hobbies and passions, whatever they might be. The earnest enthusiasm and willingness to help one another is also amazing. It’s more like a family than just a business.

Q: Have your expectations changed since law school?

A: I was never surrounded by anyone who did law growing up, and a lot of my degree was online due to COVID, so I think that I had a much narrower expectation of how the legal industry works compared to what my experience has been since working in the field.

Q: Who would you say you relate to most from characters you admired growing up to now?

A: I feel very much like the typical eldest daughter character, like Nancy from Stranger Things! I guess growing up I was also very obsessed with the Hunger Games and aspired to be as courageous as Katniss.

Q: Are there any moments in your career so far that you would say have been real turning points for you that have shaped your outlook on the legal profession?

A: I think the diversity of the practice areas I get to experience has really broadened my perspective and understanding of how everything works together. Litigation is interesting as I can tangibly see how complex disputes are eventually resolved. Contracts are also amazing- to me, it feels almost like a little treasure hunt to find these key terms or phrases that could change a clause (and the entire contract!) entirely. I think how creative you can be in amending and drafting clauses is fascinating, and definitely not as rigid as I expected it to be! I never anticipated such creativity in documents and agreements for within these fields. It is really about what is most valuable to your client- and to ensure you capture those terms in each agreement you prepare. I think I have also been surprised at how social of an industry this is. I was so lucky to go with Darren [Sanicki] to Big Sound in Brisbane in September; a big music industry conference held each year. By day it is conferences and panels, and where we offer meetings and free legal consultations to those in the music industry. By night, the area transforms into a musical festival, with all the local bars and clubs hosting a rotation of Australia’s most up and coming artists. It was an amazing experience, and confirmed that building a relationship of trust and familiarity with clients and their artistic endeavours is so key in the entertainment industry.

Q: What was it that got you into media and the creative industries growing up?

A: It has always been there! Music, film, and books have always been my favourite things in the world, and I grew up in a household that really celebrated and fostered a deep love of the arts. I’m certainly not an onstage person myself, I am definitely a stage manager at heart – but I just love being around anything creative. I would describe myself as such a film and theatre nerd, and love it with all of my heart. I was so lucky to participate in a lot of productions both in school and in university, which further developed that passion. I was also secretary for my music, arts and drama society in university and absolutely loved it, especially because it helped me understand the licencing elements for on stage work, such as obtaining the rights to perform musicals.

Q: Just before we finish, where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?

A: I do see myself at Sanicki in 5 years’ time, I think you would have to drag me out of this firm! I’ve also been very passionate about my sourdough making recently, so pursuing the perfect loaf is a priority. I might also own a sausage dog! I guess you could say the big three S’s; Sanicki, sourdough and sausage dogs!

Thank you so much for such an enlightening interview, Natasha. It was an absolute pleasure meeting you tonight.

Thank you so much for having me!