SVP, Business & Legal Affairs

Position Summary

Provide business and legal affairs services and guidance for Artists Equity’s feature film, television, and unscripted/documentary projects. Act as Artist Equity’s BA/Legal representative to the entertainment community and ensure that Artists Equity is seen as a fair and reasonable company concerning our deal-making in connection with the development and production of all of Artists Equity’s film, television, and unscripted/documentary productions.

 Essential Functions

• Negotiate above-the-line and below-the-line development and production-related deals for scripted and unscripted/documentary feature-length motion pictures and series, including co-financing/co-production, writer, rights, producer, director, actor, production services, product placement, crew, and various other below-the-line production-related deals.  Draft the appropriate agreements and related paperwork for all of the aforementioned deals.
• Negotiate and draft long-form paperwork in connection with distribution and financing transactions.
• Conduct and oversee chain-of-title review and perform any related legal research regarding life rights and other issues.   
• Oversee the preparation of guild signatory applications/paperwork.  Prepare memos regarding various guild issues and other legal matters.
• Oversee the preparation of various Legal/BA-related memos, including those related to primary and end title credits, talent approval, publicity/premiere/travel obligations, and delivery obligations.
• Act as liaison with production personnel to problem-solve as needed, ensure that all relevant memos are prepared in a timely manner, and review them to ensure accuracy.
• Oversee the preparation and filing of copyright assignments and corporate and other security documents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• 7-10 years of BA/Legal experience at various motion picture studios, production companies, and talent agencies.
• Juris Doctor and admitted to practice law in California
• High-level negotiation and drafting skills.
• Concrete understanding of the broad array of legal concepts applicable in the entertainment industry.
• Ability to employ a pragmatic approach to time-sensitive and often complex legal issues.

  Personal Attributes:

• Knowledge of industry deals and practices.
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced, deadline-intensive in-house environment.
• Good business judgment and confidence. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including communicating clearly and effectively with various personalities and styles.
• Ability to establish productive relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to manage a high volume of transactions and work independently.