SVP, Business & Legal Affairs

Position Title: Senior Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs

Reports To:  Head of Business Affairs

Location: West Hollywood, CA

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.

·     Must be a multifaceted Business Affairs executive with robust feature film experience and a solid understanding of documentary and unscripted.

·     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.

 Prsonal 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.