Vice President, Business Affairs

Experienced business affairs executive or entertainment attorney needed to negotiate complex agreements relating to the development, production, and distribution of feature length theatrical and streaming films, including agreements with above-the-line talent (e.g., producers, directors, writers, actors, etc.), overall term agreements and rights agreements, as well as oversee business matters in connection therewith, including  providing advice on guild issues (e.g., SAG, DGA, WGA and foreign guilds), clearances and ancillary rights issues. In addition, they will advise production executives on business and legal issues relating to these areas and work closely with executives in all internal departments including Casting, Production, Legal Affairs, Marketing, Publicity, Labor and Finance.

Other duties include:

• Structure and negotiate complex agreements for all forms of “above-the-line” talent, including directors, writers, actors, and voice talent, as well as rights deals including novels, films and comic books.

• Work closely with executives and producers to put deals into place.

• Work with and provide guidance to 20th Century Studio’s legal affairs; partner closely with Disney counsel on all other legal affairs as needed.

• Provide hands-on guidance and counseling to non-lawyer production staff members.

• Resolve production related issues, including in connection with applicable guilds.

Requirements:

• Must have graduated from an accredited law school and have a combined minimum of seven+ years of relevant experience at a reputable law firm and/or one or more studios handling development and production work for feature length content.  Animation and distribution experience (or knowledge of industry) is a plus.

• Solid analytical skills, strong interpersonal skills, and a teamwork-oriented attitude required, as well as the ability to effectively negotiate and interact with talent representatives.

• Must be able to work under pressure with strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.

• Ability to interact effectively with people at many different levels, including senior executives, producers, production coordinators, other attorneys, diverse in-house client groups, and outside production personnel.

• Experience negotiating and drafting a wide range of development, production and distribution agreements, plus a significant working knowledge of guild agreements. Intellectual property background is a plus.

• Must be able to prioritize heavy workload and matters on tight time schedules according to client needs.