Job Description
Is this the role for you?
We are looking for enthusiastic, flexible, commercially minded media lawyers to join the BALA team in London supporting the commissioning and acquisition of scripted and unscripted content for exhibition and exploitation across all of our linear and non-linear streaming services (such as Channel 5, Pluto and Paramount+). You will work with a broad range of commissioners and third party suppliers, from production companies to studios, licensors and rights holders in the UK and internationally. You will review and advise on, negotiate, draft and deliver development and production agreements, content licences and ancillary contracts enabling us to deliver exciting, entertaining and inspiring content to our audiences.
What will you be doing?
• Drafting, negotiating and advising on development, acquisition and commissioning agreements and/or other ancillary contracts (e.g. presenter agreements, work for hire production agreements, access agreements and programme finance documents)
• Reviewing chain of title documents and underlying rights agreements; advising on commitments made in Editorial/Commissioning Specification Forms
• Guiding and advising the VCNI acquisitions and commissioning teams on rights and legal matters (including but not limited to new and emerging media functionalities, utility and usage rules, holdbacks, video-on-demand services, copyright, music, press and promotional activities rights and clearances etc.);
• Establishing, maintaining and enhancing relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally, such as the Hollywood studios and production companies/groups in the UK and internationally
• Reviewing and advising on the underlying clearances and/or cross-brand content sharing of existing VCNI programming (for both UK and international exploitation)
• Working with and supporting the BALA Content Legal & Compliance, Corporate & Commercial and MML (Music & Media Licensing) teams as necessary
• Reviewing and updating company precedents where necessary
• Advising on changes in law likely to materially affect VCNI's business activities
• Advising on intellectual property matters, including trademark, copyright and passing off
• Advising in respect of exploitation of ancillary programme rights (publishing, merchandising, VOD, DTO, DVD etc.)
• Liaising with outside legal counsel, where required
• Flexibility to work on ad hoc tasks and projects as required by all C5/Viacom brands
What are we looking for?
• We are looking for qualified lawyers and/or experienced paralegals with a range of post qualification experience and a demonstrable track record of practicing commercial and entertainment law in the media industry.
• Hands-on experience of reviewing, advising on, negotiating and drafting a broad range of media deals, particularly in the realms of television and film
• A solid knowledge of rights issues, contract law, copyright law and distribution
• A basic knowledge and understanding of media compliance laws and issues, including the Ofcom Code
• Excellent drafting skills – ability to take instructions on a wide variety of contracts and produce working drafts (both with and without reliance on precedent) to meet business requirements
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and an ability to interact with people at all levels within and outside an organisation as well as to present complex legal advice and conclusions concisely
• An ability to deal with a large and varied workload, often under critical time pressure
• The ability to be a team player with energy, drive and resilience
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills, combined with the ability to see the strategic perspective and the imagination to find a creative solution to business issues
• A positive and constructive attitude – able to deal with pressurised situations in a calm and effective manner
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Paramount is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet.
If you have any difficulties in applying or require access needs arising from a mobility or any other impairment please let us know by emailing uk.recruitment@vimn.com or calling 0207 555 1234. We can then ensure your experience and visit is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Jobcode: Reference SBJ-rjwnp1-44-213-80-203-42 in your application.