VP, Business & Legal Affairs

POSITION OVERVIEW

Words + Pictures, a New York-based production company is looking for a qualified and highly motivated Vice President for its Business & Legal Affairs and Rights & Clearances Department. This role will take the lead on all day-to-day production legal, development, legal processes, risk management and rights & clearances. The position is a hybrid role, with an expectation of in-person at least three days per week, located in the SoHo district of NYC.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsibility for all production legal on projects in development and active production, including the deal-making process with talent, partners, creative collaborators, vendors, etc.
• Reviewing, drafting and/or redlining sales, financing, development, and production agreements, such as production service agreements, shopping / attachment agreements, talent, executive producer, director and writer agreements, rights agreements with leagues and other IP holders, and appearance /materials / location releases.
• Acting as a liaison between production / post-production / development teams and distributors regarding releases and various production agreements.
• Reviewing cuts of projects to flag potential legal and clearance issues and providing advice regarding the same.
• Managing 3rd party legal resources for overflow production legal, when necessary.
• Drafting, in coordination with production teams, and reviewing E&O and production insurance applications and policies and coordinating all company-wide insurance matters.
• Communicating regularly with outside legal counsel, distributor business, and/or legal affairs executives.
• Assisting with special projects and other tasks as required.

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EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 10 years of experience working at entertainment law firm or in-house in the business affairs, legal, and/or rights and clearances department of a production company, cable or broadcast television network, studio, agency, or law firm.
• JD from accredited law school, excellent academic credentials and membership in good standing of the New York State Bar (or eligible for RHIC).
• Strong initiative to take on tasks and to set priorities and deadlines, with a demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Excellent people skills and ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external partners.
• Ability to successfully coordinate multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.

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Requirements and Skills:

• Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment
• Strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills
• Willing to work extended hours, often under pressure
• Exceptional organizational and writing skills
• High attention to detail
• Self-sufficient and proactive approach to work
• Ability to interact and build relationships with colleagues, clients, and creative types
• Based in the New York City area, or willing to relocate
• Proficient in Google Workplace and Microsoft
• Prior experience in the television or film industry

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Preferred (but not required) Qualifications  

• Prior experience in sports entertainment  
• A strong interest in documentary and unscripted television