Our People
Trent Blacket
Trent Blacket is an Australian born Lawyer and media / tech investor, currently based between Melbourne, Australia and California. Trent is a Co-Founder of EMT Partners, alongside Peter Davey and EIA Ltd.
Trent is also a founding shareholder alongside Quadrant Private Equity via Ward Blacket Investments LLC in Chris Hemsworth’s Centr.com and FLG.
Trent is a long-term co-investor partner with Amalfi Capital (San Francisco, Shanghai, Melbourne).
Leveraging his background in Commercial Law and Merchant Banking in the Asia Pacific region, Trent’s career has focused on specialist Media, Entertainment and Technology work as a lawyer, manager, strategy advisor and investor, focusing primarily on cross border deals between Asia, Australia and the United States.
Trent enjoys contributing to various non profit organizations, including as a founding member of the US Development Board of the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.
Trent was a founding Advisory Board Member of Westpac Bank’s Alpha (Entertainment & Sports bank) business, Chairman of Advance Los Angeles Chapter prior to his return to Melbourne, VidConAustralia Advisory Board Member and was formerly Of Counsel to Glaser Weil (a leading Los Angeles law firm) alongside his colleague, Greg Suess, representing Australian legal clients in California.
In 1996 Trent commenced his legal and investment career with TCA in Melbourne (part of the Kroger & Kroger, JT Campbell, Tanya Cirkovic family of companies), working there until 2006.
Trent holds a Bachelor of Laws from Monash University.
Jonathan Blinderman
With over 25 years’ experience, Mr. Blinderman is respected for his expertise overseeing the total legal needs of organizations, as well as transactional experience in entertainment law, finance, intellectual property licensing and mergers & acquisitions transactions. Jonathan Blinderman remains at the forefront of the emerging legal matters with respect to entertainment, media and technology companies, and is a co-founder of EMT’s USA division in 2020.
Mr. Blinderman focuses primarily on serving as outside general counsel to emerging and mid-sized companies, overseeing the legal needs of companies to ensure compliance, corporate governance, dispute oversight and general commercial requirements with the highest standards and efficiency. Mr. Blinderman further is engaged to assist in transactions in three major three practice areas including matters pertaining to the development, production and distribution of intellectual property in the entertainment, media and technology arenas, licensing of intellectual property and finance and M&A transactions.
Previously, Mr. Blinderman was the Executive Vice President, General Counsel of Deluxe Entertainment Services Group, Inc., the largest post-production company in the world. In addition, Mr. Blinderman served as general counsel to TVN Entertainment (a major distributor of content for cable VOD) and as the senior attorney at Playboy Enterprises' Entertainment Group. Mr. Blinderman has also served as outside counsel to multiple domestic and international companies, overseeing the complete legal needs of the companies to ensure the highest possible quality at a reasonable cost.
Mr. Blinderman received a bachelor’s degree, cum laude, in economics from the University of Colorado, a master’s degree in economics from Duke University and his law degree, with honors, from the Duke Law School.
jonathanb@emtpartners.com.au
Adam Burke
Adam has practiced under the Adam Burke Legal banner since 2018, focusing on business representation. His story prior to that is decades of experience in business transactions and the law, bringing a seasoned global perspective.
He moved to Los Angeles from Melbourne, Australia, in 1996, and was admitted to the California Bar in 1997. He began practice at Los Angeles law firm Iverson, Yoakum, Papiano & Hatch, with work ranging from complex litigation, to government contracting, to entertainment projects and transactions. His clients included Elizabeth Taylor, Olympic Ceremonies producer Ric Birch, Nederlander Concerts and LA’s Greek Theatre.
In 2006, Adam founded media and entertainment firm Autonomy with Phil Green, which was behind numerous projects over the next decade. As part of that partnership Adam handled, dozens of transactions, including equity investments; management and business affairs as partner of the entity that staged Mexico's Bicentennial celebrations (budget US$50 million, attendance circa 1 million); transactions with corporations including Heineken (event production), Universal Music (label agreement), NBC/Telemundo (TV distribution), MTV (TV series), Abrams Books (publishing), Travel Channel (TV show), NASCAR (live show), TED Conferences (event) + many others; andproject leader of the City of Los Angeles public contracting process for Nederlander Concerts in partnership with AEG Live for LA's Greek Theatre.
Adam entered the non-profit world in 2019 by founding and becoming the inaugural Executive Director of the Australian Music Alliance, which has expanded to the Pitchhiker Foundation and produces the KCRW's Global Beat series among other projects.
A substantial part of Adam's practice is working with Australian businesses as they enter the US legal and corporate landscape.
Adam holds a Bachelor or Laws and Bachelor of Economics (accounting) from Monash University.
adamb@emtpartners.com.au
David Calvert- Jones
David is a Los Angeles based media executive, entrepreneur, and innovator with deep roots in the USA as well as his native Australia. His creative mind and the ability to execute deals has landed him successful opportunities across many industries from private equity to commodities trading, aviation, film and TV, and philanthropy. He also holds several global advisory roles. His passion to bring people together and share a strategic global perspective will be an integral part of his role as Director and Shareholder for EMT USA.
Combining his business interests along with his hobby as a professional athlete has allowed him to cultivate some unique and expansive relationships. He strikes a balance by finding a way to make his passion his work.
He owns a number of companies including Los Angeles based television production company EveryWhere Studios, feature film production company Larrikin Entertainment, global aerial filming company Helifilms USA, and is the former CEO of Helinet Aviation Services as well as the Managing Director of Australian Private Equity Firm Seafirst Australia. David graduated from Marcus Oldham Agribusiness College, has completed numerous successful venture capital deals throughout Australia, the UK and the USA, and his wealth of knowledge and wide-ranging experience allows him to support a variety of industries through his representation on their boards. He is also a major contributor to many non-profit organizations and is a founding member of Murdoch Children’s Research Institute’s Global Advisory Board.
davidcj@emtpartners.com.au
Brett Chenoweth
Brett Chenoweth brings a wealth of major international experience across media, technology, entertainment, leisure, telecommunications and investment. Brett is Chairman of Madman Entertainment, Chairman of Canberra Data Centres, Chairman of The Advisory Board of HRL Morrison & Co., an Independent Board Director at Surfing Australia, Saxtons, NSW Land Registry and Janison Education Limited and Chair of the Investment Committee and Senior Advisor to the Bombora Group.
Brett has formerly served as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of APN News and Media and has held senior executive roles at the New York based venture capital firm Silverfern Group, Telecom New Zealand, Publishing & Broadcasting Limited, ecorp, ninemsn and Village Roadshow Limited.
Brett holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Queensland and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment from FINSIA.
brettc@emtpartners.com.au
Dean Kino
Dean is a lawyer and strategic advisor to a broad range of private, public and governmental national and international sporting bodies, media organisations and corporate clients. His particular expertise includes advising on the acquisition and commercial development of media, sponsorship and event rights, capital raising and acquisitions, stadium arrangements and event staging, sport sector governance, integrity, regulatory affairs and risk and crisis-management, as well as general contractual, corporate and labour matters.
Between 2004 and 2014, Dean was Cricket Australia’s Company Secretary and General Manager of Legal and Business Affairs. While at Cricket Australia, Dean was instrumental in the establishment of the Indian Premier League and Champions League Twenty20, as well as leading the negotiations for Cricket Australia’s media rights deals and collective bargaining agreements.
Prior to joining Cricket Australia, Dean worked as an attorney with Sullivan & Cromwell in New York, London, Melbourne, Hong Kong and Tokyo from 1999 to 2004. Dean’s areas of experience at the firm included major US, Asian and trans-Atlantic mergers and acquisitions, corporate advisory, management buyouts and US capital market transactions.
Since leaving Cricket Australia, Dean has led and managed the establishment of various sports bodies and entertainment and leisure businesses across the world and continues to advise numerous major sports associations, broadcasters, sponsors and venues with respect to their various legal requirements, including media rights sales and acquisitions, event and venue hire arrangements, sponsorship and supplier deals, integrity and regulatory arrangements, licensing, asset and ambassador acquisition strategies, talent and brand management, player contracts, team participation agreements/licenses and employee relations advice, as well as intra-sports association relations.
His clients include Optus, Racing Queensland, the AFL, the NRL, Netball Australia, Basketball Australia, the Australian Cricketers Association, the Melbourne Stars, the Melbourne Renegades, Cricket Victoria, Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, Sports & Entertainment Network, Bastion Collective, Visit Victoria, Spartan Race, Golf Australia, AppScore and Avocado Commerce.
Dean holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) and Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from Monash University and has also completed a Master of Philosophy at Law at Magdalen College, Oxford University (M.Phil).
deank@emtpartners.com.au
Chloe Lucchesi
Growing up with director and producer parents in the entertainment industry, Chloe had an extensive knowledge and passion for the industry at a young age.
While undertaking her law degree, Chloe worked part time as an executive producer, curating international events for her clients in the US & Asia Pacific, particularly in VFX Animation & design industries.
Starting her legal career at Media Arts Lawyers, Chloe was able to combine both her passions for the law and entertainment, working with some of Australia’s most high-profile talent and international companies in the EMT industries.
With specialist knowledge in brand protection and trade marks, Chloe has acted for clients in all areas of the EMT industries including - fashion brands, music artists, actors, film production companies, event promoters including major music festivals, gaming and app companies specifically in start-ups, restaurateurs, authors and record labels.
As one of the initial team members of EMT Partners, Chloe has been able to further develop her skills and expertise in the EMT sector working on legal matters, alongside their exemplary advisory team, to ensure the best outcome is achieved for all clients.
Chloe will also champion and grow EMT Partners philanthropic ventures.
Chloe holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce from Deakin University.
chloel@emtpartners.com.au
Tim Hammon
Tim Hammon has extensive wealth management, property, legal and corporate strategy and governance experience.
As an executive, Tim was Chief Executive Officer of Mutual Trust Pty Limited (a multi-family office) and worked for Coles Myer Ltd (a large retailer with many brands) in a range of roles including Chief Officer, Corporate and Property Services with responsibility for property development, leasing, legal affairs and corporate strategy. He was also Managing Partner of various offices of Mallesons Stephen Jaques (a large international law firm).
Tim is a non executive director of Vicinity Centres (where he also chairs the Risk and Compliance Committee) and EQT Holdings (where he also chairs the Remuneration, HR and Nominations Committee). He is also Chairman of The Pacific Group of Companies Business Advisory Board.
timh@emtpartners.com.au
Xavier Romanin-Green
Xavier has previous experience in M&A and corporate advisory, working part-time while completing his Arts (Economics and Philosophy) degree at the University of Melbourne. He enjoys working with clients and helping them to achieve the best possible outcome for their specific needs.
With a keen interest in finance, economics, investment, and philosophy he reads literature on these topics in his spare time and enjoys discussing them with others. Some of his favourite authors include James Montier, Friedrich Nietzsche, Ben Graham and Edmund Gettier.
A sports fanatic growing up, playing basketball and football, Xavier keeps active and follows the NBA and AFL which he prefers to watch with friends and family.
Xavier also enjoys listening to a wide variety of music genres, travelling to unique destinations, particularly old cities or scenic locations, and going to art galleries.
xavierrg@emtpartners.com.au
Charlie Woods
Charlie works across the corporate, media and entertainment practices in EMT Law. His passion for music, performance, art and theatre, infuses his professional pursuits with a distinct perspective and has further ignited his desire to delve deeply into creative industries and the intricacies of intellectual property law.
Charlie specialises in production contracts, event booking agreements and grant applications; effective communication with clients and stakeholders, tailored to the unique demands of Victoria's creative industries; defamation law, advising clients on potential risks and defenses, and handling high-profile defamation cases for the plaintiff; drafting term sheets, heads of agreement and MOUs; and drafting and negotiating settlement agreements.
Charlie holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University.
charliew@emtpartners.com.au
Frank Carrère
Over the past 30+ years Frank has participated in over 200 buy and sell side transactions at Citibank, PwC, 21st Century Fox and as an independent Advisor. Having experienced the sales process from both a principal and banker perspective, he provides invaluable insights to EMT clients.
As an entrepreneur, Frank has led two successful exits for his venture capital-backed start-ups (generating 5x and a 20x returns for investors).
As the Head of International Mergers & Acquisitions for 21st Century Fox, Frank was responsible for deploying over $5bn in capital over 30 acquisitions and collecting several billion in funds across 6 major sales processes.
As an advisor, Frank has led over 10 buy and sell side transactions over the past 6 years. Most recently, he handled the 9-figure sale of a major online streaming company based in San Francisco. Other major sell side mandates have included an online gaming platform for kids and an audio/transcription software solution for the judicial system.
Frank has invested, purchased and or sold assets in over 72 countries.
frankc@emtpartners.com.au
Peter Davey
Peter Davey is a lawyer, corporate advisor and strategy consultant specialising in the EMT sector, with extensive experience in Australia, North America and Asia. Over the past several years he has worked with companies including Dainty Group, Hoyts and Malaysia’s Astro Group (Celestial Pictures, Ideate Media).
Peter was formerly Managing Director, Corporate and International Development at Village Roadshow and a member of the company’s Executive Committee. In that role, Peter was responsible for group strategy and M&A activities and led a number of significant acquisitions in the entertainment sector.
As Managing Director, ITV Australia, Peter led the company’s television production business, as well as being responsible for ITV’s investments, including in Seven Network, Village Roadshow and various digital ventures.
He has also held roles at Macquarie Bank (Investment Banking – TMT) and as a corporate lawyer at Davis Polk & Wardwell (New York) and King & Wood Mallesons (Melbourne).
Peter has also served on the Boards of several EMT industry bodies.
Peter holds a Masters of Law from Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) / Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Melbourne.
Alistair McNee
Alistair McNee commenced his career as a Corporate Lawyer in Melbourne Australia in 2010, before relocating to Los Angeles in 2015.
Alistair joined Trent Blacket and the team at ROAR Asia Pacific in Beverly Hills and helped oversee the corporate and business development projects, with a particular focus on representing Australian entertainment, media and technology clients in California regarding their US market strategy requirements.
Alistair subsequently joined the Centr.com establishment team at Fourward Investments, acting as second lead on the Australian legal and commercial deal making in an internal capacity, assisting external counsel at BlueRock Law.
Alistair has been a long term contributor and volunteer to Australian Childhood Foundation and MCRI.
Alistair splits his time between Melbourne and California and is a passionate US Sports fan.
Alistair holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University.
alistairm@emtpartners.com.au