Vice President, Business Affairs

Position Summary:

Sony Pictures Entertainment is looking for a VP, Business Affairs to join the SPE Motion Picture Business Affairs team. The position will focus primarily on transactions to produce, distribute and acquire motion pictures for Columbia Pictures. This business affairs executive will support the senior business affairs and finance executives worldwide to structure, negotiate, document and administer production, co-production, finance and license agreements for motion picture productions.

Responsibilities:
• Negotiate agreements for all facets of motion picture development production, distribution, including license agreements, above-the-line agreements, option and literary purchase agreements, production services agreements, contingent compensation definitions, and distribution license agreements. Review draft agreements of same.
• Provide counsel to creative and business development executives regarding terms of deals being negotiated. Advise finance and marketing teams regarding brand approvals, product placement and other license requirements.
• Research and prepare necessary background information for litigation preparation.
• Coordinate with in-house and outside legal teams to research and answer inquiries regarding contracts, privacy rights, copyright laws, international subsidies and tax credits, script clearances, guild requirements, and other legal matters.
• Work closely with creative production, physical production, labor, post production, marketing & music to facilitate production and distribution of films.
• Structure joint venture, co-production, output and co-venture agreements as appropriate.
• Supervise in-house and outside counsel, paralegal and clerical subordinates in the performance of legal-related tasks.
• Work closely with business development and finance to prepare financial models for films.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
• Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited institution.
• 6+ years of experience in feature motion picture business affairs and preferably with some finance and acquisitions experience.
• Some level of experience with international markets and practical knowledge of the industry (including production and licensing) is required.
• Must have excellent negotiating skills.
• Knowledge of interactive software market/entertainment industry required.
• Must be computer literate and proficient in Microsoft Word.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral) as well as proven ability to work with creative and corporate personnel