Legal Counsel - WBITVP NZ

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery… the stuff dreams are made of.

Who We Are…

When we say, “the stuff dreams are made of,” we’re not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD’s vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what’s next…

From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.

WBITVP is part of the Warner Bros. International Television group of production companies which currently operate in over 15 countries around the world, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden and UK (“WBITVP Group”).

WBITVP has the exclusive rights for all WBITVP Group television formats including non-scripted and scripted formats of all key genres.  Key brands that WBITVP are currently representing include Celebrity Treasure Island, RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, F-Boy Island, Endangered Species Aotearoa, Boss Babes, Great Kiwi Bake-Off, The Bishop, The Block, House Rules, David Lomas Investigates…, Nadia’s Farm and Escaping Utopia.

Primary Purpose of Position:

As a member of the NZ Leadership Team, this position will provide legal advice and related support to Warner Bros. International Television Production New Zealand Limited (“WBITVP”) local production business in New Zealand.

Working in a dynamic and creative environment, you will be providing practical, constructive and timely legal advice and services to WBITVP production teams and senior management on a wide variety of matters, with a predominately commercial, contract and media law focus.  

You will ensure WBITVP legal & business risks and liability are minimised and that legal services are provided in a manner to both protect (including the capture and protection of IP rights) and build advantages for WBITVP in its business. 

You will ensure compliance by WBITVP with all contractual, legal and statutory requirements and that contracting, and administration processes are streamlined, accurate and effectively managed at all times.

The position works in an individual contributor based in WBITVP’s Auckland office and is part of a larger global team of lawyers within Warner Bros. Discovery (“WBD”) and Warner Bros. International Television. 

Position Responsibilities:

• Review, negotiation, advice and drafting of agreements for the development and production of programming, including development agreements; format option or license agreements; option and purchase agreements; commissioning or programme license agreements; production and co-production agreements; programme investment and distribution agreements; talent and other contributor agreements; scriptwriter agreements; access agreements, location, studio and production services agreements; and rights releases, permissions or licenses; music composer and licensing agreements and non-disclosure agreements.

• To advise MD and production executives on rights issues and clearance issues, and to assist with the preparation of production protocols and guidance notes for production teams on key areas, such as child performers, privacy, foreign filming locations, foreign work visa requirements, workplace health and safety, programme participants’ welfare and WBITVP’s Duty of Care Protocol. 

• Management of disputes, claims and complaints from contributors, broadcasters, viewers or other parties. Including:

• Management of litigation, potential litigation and other contentious matters

• Legal reviews of programmes with potentially contentious material before broadcast and legal advice regarding storylines to directors and producers, and advising changes necessary to ensure compliance with Broadcasting Standards Authority (“BSA”) standards, privacy laws, and to avoid potential defamation claims  

• Responding to BSA complaints in consultation with the Broadcaster

• Ensure that key information and obligations from third party broadcasters, funders, rights holders are communicated clearly and understood by the relevant production and administrative employees and contractors within the business. This includes, general education and guidance to staff on legal issues relevant to WBITVP business or programme specific issues.

• To assist with compilation of programme rights information for distribution purposes and to liaise and manage process with rights administration and sales administration teams.

• Draft and negotiate agreements related to the exploitation of ancillary rights including integration, product placement, clip licences, digital and social media.

• Review and update production template agreements and where required, develop understanding of new business initiatives and assist with the development of new templates, as required.

• On a production-by-production basis, providing training to participants and production crew on the key identified legal and business risks, and where required, provide training guidance to production executives on legal controls and processes.

• To advise on copyright, trademark and privacy law matters.

• Ensuring all productions are run in compliance with the WBD production protocols, and all relevant policies

• Managing and protecting company’s intellectual property, including trademarks, and liaising with trademark & IP advisors.

• Assisting the senior management (and where appropriate managing) in maintaining and developing internal procedures and processes and to ensure compliance with all legal, contractual and statutory requirements as well as WBD policies. Including:

• To advise on and implement requirements of the Screen Industry Workers Act 2022.

• To advise and conduct due diligence on potential local partners and counterparties to ensure compliance with applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws and trade and economic sanctions including the Crimes Act 1961, US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act, OFAC and EU sanctions.

• Maintaining the company’s internal policies & procedures up to date and in line with WBD policies.

• Project work as required.

• In partnership with Human Resources, managing employment relations issues including advising on disciplinary issues, personal grievances/disputes, and terminations, and other general personnel matters.

• Briefing and managing external legal counsel and other external advisors as and when required

• Working with the wider WBD global legal team on general corporate matters to meet the business needs.

• In consultation with the Managing Director and WBD Corporate Communications where required, write and manage external communications, including media enquiries and responses to complaints from the public.

• Keep abreast of law changes that could impact on WBITVP business.

• Champion Global WBD and other local NZ initiatives on all aspects of team engagement to positively contribute to the team culture as a senior member of the business.

JOB QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

Work Experience

• Minimum 5 years + years post-qualification experience

• Experience in production or programme rights acquisitions essential

• Experience gained with a New Zealand production company, broadcaster or a major law firm preferred

• Strong background in copyright law and of the ownership of rights in content and underlying material is preferred

Knowledge/Skills

• As a member of the Leadership Team, ability to contribute to the overall company strategy.

• Qualified solicitor

• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, specifically Word, Excel, SharePoint and Outlook

• Strong organisational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and the ability to take initiative

• Must have ability to handle multiple tasks and meet conflicting deadlines in short timeframe

• Must have excellent attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure

• Must have excellent drafting skills

• Must have excellent communication skills and be able to explain complex issues simply, clearly and tactfully

• Strong decision making and problem-solving capabilities

• Must be agile and willing to learn in a fast-paced and growing business

• A strong team player who contributes to an environment that embraces constant change and innovation

• An infectious enthusiasm for the television sector

How We Get Things Done…

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at   along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.

Championing Inclusion at WBD

If you’re a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our for instructions to submit your request.