Head of Legal & Business Affairs

This is a Full Time Job

Rapidly growing independent feature film production company and studio seeks an experienced, film-focused attorney to serve as In House Counsel - Head of Legal & Business Affairs.

The company finances, produces and sells numerous film and media projects each year, across all budget sizes and genres.

The successful candidate will work with the company's principals, producers, and operations team and oversee legal matters that arise through the development, financing, production, sale and post-production / delivery processes. Excellent communication, proven leadership and drafting skills are required.

Responsibilities:
· Strategize and successfully oversee productions from initial development / acquisition, financial closing procedures, principal photography, and post-production delivery and distribution.
· Draft and negotiate a variety of production/development agreements including (but not limited to):
Above / Below the Line Talent Agreements
Literary Acquisition - Writers, Rights, Chain of Title
Sales and Distribution Agreements
Financing - Equity Investor, Loan Agreements
Coordinate the signature execution and delivery of all other legal contracts / affidavits as needed.
· Maintain positive business relations with a number of production, film capital / finance, and distribution companies, A-list talent and their representatives, and entertainment industry guilds / unions.
· Provide legal advice in a variety of areas including clearances, IP, labor, employment, immigration, safety, and tax; and handle responses to special issues as they arise with urgency and professionalism.
· Effectively work with outside counsel to support legal matters for the company.
· Oversee and prepare documentation for corporate governance and corporate financing.

Requirements:
· 5+ years' experience in entertainment law.
· JD Degree, and Member of California and/or New York State Bar in good standing.
· Skilled and effective communicator with an approachable style and ability to translate complex legal concepts with simplicity and clarity.
· Ability to take ownership of and manage changing priorities.
· Collaborate with third-party counsel, and juggle a multitude of simultaneous, sometimes conflicting demands across company productions.
· Strict attention to detail.
· Operate with a high degree of confidentiality.