Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs, Focus Features

Job Description

The Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs for Focus Features will be involved in all aspects of motion picture business and legal affairs, but primarily negotiating development and production deals and supervising the drafting of such deals by outside counsel, with some business and legal affairs work for acquisitions and negative pick-ups as needed. The position will report directly to the Executive Vice President, Business Affairs and will work in a fun and fast-paced environment for the company that produced and/or distributed such films as Darkest Hour, Phantom Thread, Downton Abbey, BlacKkKlansman, Brokeback Mountain, Moonrise Kingdom, Eastern Promises, Lost in Translation and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Essential Responsibilities:
• Negotiate deals for the development and production of motion pictures including deals for book and screenplay option/purchases, remake rights, life story rights, writers, directors, producers, actors, co-financing and inter-studio quitclaims
• Oversee the drafting by attorneys of agreements documenting such deals and also draft certain agreements
• Oversee our production attorneys as well as clearance matters
• Advise all key company departments involved in the development, production and distribution of our films
• This role might also negotiate certain acquisition and negative pick-up agreements if requested
• Analyze and review rights and chain of title
• Maintain relationships with attorneys, agents, agency business affairs and other talent representatives
• Handle day-to-day business affairs issues within areas of responsibility
• Interface and coordinate with the following departments: production (creative), physical production, acquisitions, marketing, publicity, tax, strategic planning, insurance, finance, labor relations, corporate legal and music, as well as with producers and casting directors
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned and directed by EVP, Business Affairs

Qualifications/Requirements
Qualifications:
• Juris Doctor (JD) and active member of the California State Bar
• Minimum 7 years of experience in drafting and negotiating motion picture development and production agreements is required.
• Background in copyright law and intellectual property matters
• Knowledge of SAG, DGA and WGA rules
• Proven track record of problem-solving within the film industry

Eligibility Requirements
• Must be willing to work in Universal City, CA
• Must have unrestricted authorization to work in the United States

Desired Characteristics
• Motion picture business affairs experience and/or deal-making is preferred. Experience in negotiating acquisition and negative pick-up agreements is a plus, although not required
• The qualities of a self-motivated, proactive executive capable of working as a member of a team as well as independently in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong negotiation skills

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-g406yr-216-73-217-10-42 in your application.