Director, Business Affairs

Full Time Job
Director, Business Affairs (TV Studio)

Director, Business Affairs (TV Studio)

SPE is looking for a Director of Business Affairs to join the US TV studio. Reporting to a VP of Business Affairs, the Director is responsible for negotiating and drafting agreements with writers, producers, performers, directors, television networks, co-production entities and other television-related personnel and service providers on behalf of Sony Pictures Television and its related companies. Productions include scripted and non-scripted network, streaming, linear, and first-run syndicated television programming as well as animation and daytime programming.

The Director also works with Creative, Production, Finance and Legal Affairs departments to provide information, business advice and consultation services on a regular basis.

Core responsibilities:
• Negotiate and draft development and production deals for above the line agreements for scripted (live action, animated), unscripted (alternative, game shows, syndication) and daytime programming for distribution on all television and new media licensees/platforms.
• Support development through production on all pilot/series and long form projects, including drafting and some negotiation on ATL deals (pilot directors, line producers, test options, casting directors, staffing, executive producers, etc.).
• Draft and some negotiation of overall deals, first look agreements, rights agreements (books, articles, podcasts, etc.).
• Negotiate script packages, license and co-production agreements, production services agreements, negative pick up agreements, and acquisition agreements.
• Interface on a day-to-day basis with various internal groups (creative, production, finance, marketing/publicity, contract administration, talent, etc.) and production personnel as needed
• Advise on any BA-related matters (including guild/union issues, integrations, consumer products) both with internal clients and outside production companies regarding pilots, specials, and series etc. for the studio
• Analyze, review, and interpret contracts; provide thoughtful legal advice on potential risks and issues; review budgets and other financial information.

Requirements:
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Business and/or Legal Affairs or as an entertainment attorney
• Strong drafting, negotiation and organizational skills; experience drafting and negotiating all manner of contracts for domestic development and production deals for television series
• Familiarity with production clearance issues and ability to handle copyright and trademark matters
• Working familiarity with distribution-related and/or acquisition agreements
• Excellent presentation skills 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 all levels of employees
• JD required

*Sony Pictures Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.


* Sony Pictures - CA - Culver City Area & Studios