Vice President, Business Affairs

2 Months ago • 7 Years + • Legal • $252,000 PA - $325,000 PA

Job Summary

Job Description

The Vice President, Business Affairs at Disney Entertainment Studios will negotiate complex agreements for film development, production, and distribution. This includes deals with above-the-line talent (producers, directors, writers, actors), overall term agreements, and rights agreements. The role involves advising on guild issues (SAG, DGA, WGA), clearances, ancillary rights, and providing guidance to production staff. Collaboration with internal departments (Casting, Production, Legal, Marketing, Publicity, Labor, Finance) and external partners is crucial. The successful candidate will structure and negotiate complex talent agreements, rights deals (novels, films, comics), and resolve production issues.
Must have:
  • 7+ years experience in law firm/studio
  • Negotiate complex agreements
  • Guild agreement knowledge
  • Strong analytical & interpersonal skills
  • Excellent organizational skills
Good to have:
  • Animation & distribution experience
  • Intellectual property background
Perks:
  • Bonus
  • Long-term incentives
  • Full benefits package

Job Details

Job Summary:


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.


The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $252,000 to $325,000 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

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About The Company

From classic animated features and exhilarating theme park attractions to cutting edge sports coverage, and the hottest shows on television, The Walt Disney Company has been making magic since 1923, creating unforgettable stories that connect with audiences around the world. And we’re just getting started!

The key to our success…. The Cast, Crew, Imagineers and Employees who honor Disney’s rich legacy by stretching the bounds of imagination to create the never-before-seen, bringing unparalleled entertainment experiences to people of all ages. Begin a career that delivers unparalleled creative content and experiences to audiences around the world and just imagine the stories you could be part of…

What is #LifeAtDisney like? It’s a series of magical moments with cast members and employees developing and telling our stories in the most innovative ways. Whether it’s a day spent as a Disney VoluntEAR, or celebrating the release of a new interactive experience, retail product or movie, our days are filled with the knowledge that we are creating entertainment experiences the whole family can enjoy. Follow @DisneyCareers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for a peek behind-the-curtain, and discover how you could connect to a world of stories with Disney!

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