Freya Halse LL.B., B.Com., GDLP
Lawyer
Expertise:
Freya is a Lawyer currently assisting in our Entertainment Law team
Experience
Background
Freya has broad and growing experience across both scripted and unscripted screen productions, with a developing practice focused on film and television financing and complex production legal work.
She primarily acts for independent film producers, and has also advised financiers, banks and non‑bank lenders, directors, creatives, YouTubers and social media content creators. Freya particularly enjoys working on the closing of production finance transactions for Australian domestic productions and international co‑productions.
Freya regularly advises on a broad range of entertainment and content matters, including:
- Day‑to‑day production legal services
- Bespoke production agreements (including picture vehicle structures)
- Composer agreements and music licensing
- Complex post‑production and VFX agreements
- Short‑form, non‑union and online productions
- Web series and digital content (including YouTube and social platforms)
- Development‑stage advice
- Acting for directors and other creatives
- Chain of title opinions
- Drafting and settling corporate governance documentation, including constitutions, policies and procedures for NGOs and incorporated associations
Freya also has particular experience advising on Australia’s federal film and television tax offset regime, including:
- Drafting and responding to POCU and IFPC reports
- Advising on alignment of documentation with legislative requirements
- Assisting with reviews of government decisions and related procedural matters
- Briefing counsel
Other released projects Freya has worked on include Fing! (2026), Whale Shark Jack (2026), Alphabet Lane (2025), The Surfer (2024), Addition (2024), The Wolves Always Come at Night (2024), Unofficial History (2025) and The Way We Wore (2023).
Freya’s passion for acting, film and television led her to pursue a career in the Entertainment industry.
She joined us at MDW in March 2023 as a Law Clerk whilst completing her practical legal training. Since graduating, she continued on with the firm as a law graduate and was admitted to practice in June 2024.
Having completed a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Financial Management, Freya also has a keen interest in finance related work. Prior to joining MDW, she interned for a Big 4 professional services firm in their Supply Chain & Operations business consulting team.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Management)
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
Awards
Lawyers Weekly Awards – Dual Finalist (2025) and Dual Nominee (2026)
Memberships
Secretary, Women in Film & Television Victoria (WIFT VIC) – 2025 & 2026