Animation Production Counsel

This is a Full Time Job

The Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) Legal department is seeking a production attorney to support Sony Pictures Animation (SPA) . This position entails the drafting and negotiating of contracts in connection with the development, production and distribution of animated motion picture and television series , including term and employee agreements, working closely with senior business executives and outside counsel .

Responsibilities
• Draft and negotiate above-the-line agreements including directors, writers, and voice talent for features, streaming and television series
• Draft and negotiate below the line agreements including consultants, artists and independent contractors, and other key crew, as well as other production related agreements
• Interact with business affairs , contract administration, finance and other internal groups
• Work on legal issues that arise in connection with motion picture and television series development and production , including clearances, labor, employment, and tax issues
• Review chain of title documents, prepare chain of title documentation, and identify rights issues
• Other matters as needed at the direction of the department's Senior Vice President

Qualifications
• 2 + years relevant production legal experience with a studio or entertainment law firm
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and organizational skills; experience drafting and negotiating all manner of contracts for development and production deals
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Professional individual who can build strong relationships, both internally and externally, and is able to comfortably interact with employees at all levels
• Meaningful understanding of employment and union issues
• Knowledge of contract law and legal issues specific to entertainment law (e.g., production and intellectual property issues)
• Capacity to review agreements , trouble-spot legal issues , and comprehend language change requests
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, and to l earn , apply, and understand Company policies and procedures
• Member in good standing of the California Bar

Desired Qualities
• Talent for research and the initiative to analyze legal questions to present potential solutions
• Proactively identify , prioritize and resolve legal issues quickly and effectively
• Experience working in animation a plus
• Knowledge of production pipeline

Additional Notes:
• This position is currently a hybrid work environment with both in-office and remote workdays, it is not a fully remote position
• Candidate must be comfortable around a service dog