Counsel, Business & Legal Affairs

If you are passionate about making movies and television, Skydance is the place for you! Our creative divisions are led by industry veterans that put audience above all else when it comes to our storytelling approach. At Skydance, we embrace visionary artists and cutting-edge technology to create event-level entertainment. With the benefit of powerful distribution partnerships – Paramount Pictures, Tencent, Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV+, and other top tier studios – our premium content can reach billions of consumers around the world.

Our corporate headquarters is in Santa Monica, where we strive to create a collaborative environment, is the center for all our film and television teams. Other departments include production, marketing, business affairs, finance, human resources, and operations. Whether you are a seasoned executive or an assistant just starting out, everyone is valued on the Skydance team!

For information on Skydance’s privacy practices, see the Skydance U.S. Personnel Privacy Notice located at  https://skydance.com/privacy-personnel/.

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The position of Counsel of Business & Legal Affairs is responsible for negotiating and structuring development, production, rights acquisition, and other agreements for Skydance’s Feature Film Business & Legal Affairs group.  This executive position demands an excellent negotiation and business acumen, a strong legal background, a proven track record in the film/entertainment industry, an entrepreneurial spirit, and deep collaboration within the team and cross-functionally.

• Negotiate and structure deals and agreements in all phases of development, packaging, production, and other facets of Skydance’s feature film business, including above-the-line talent (actor, writer, director, producer, etc.), underlying rights, partnership, and production services deals.
• Collaborate and consult with, advise, and guide senior management, producers, and other departments (including Creative, Physical Production, Marketing, and Finance).
• Review project budgets and other financial documents.
• Help evaluate business and legal policies and best practices in the purview of the Business & Legal Affairs department and streamline related operations and processes.
• Maintain awareness of recent developments in the law, technology, and industry trends as they relate to the development, production, and distribution of content.
• Guide risk management and legal disputes related to feature film development, production, and/or exploitation (including intellectual property matters), in conjunction with senior members of the Business & Legal Affairs team, Corporate Legal, and external counsel as appropriate, to achieve optimal resolution. 
• Execute other general feature film business and legal affairs functions as needed.

• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
• Broad exposure to legal issues in the feature film business (intellectual property, contracts, industry practices, etc.).
• Ability to work in partnership with other departments and divisions of the company and to contribute to a collaborative work environment and culture.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Deftness in managing and progressing multiple deals, projects, and priorities.
• High performance and time management under intense deadlines and other time pressures. 

• JD degree from an accredited law school.
• Member in good standing of the State Bar of California (or another state).
• Outstanding academic credentials.
• Minimum of five (5) years at a studio feature film legal/business affairs department or major entertainment law firm.

The salary range for this position in Los Angeles, California is $150,000 – $175,000.  The salary offered may vary based on the candidate’s location, qualifications, experience and relevant expertise, among other factors.  The range indicated is for base salary only and does not reflect the total compensation package, including bonus, benefits, etc. 

We realize that skills and expertise can come from many different experiences and paths, and we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements as written in the job description.  

NOTE:  The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this work.  This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with this role.  Skydance reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs. 

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Skydance is a diversified media company founded by David Ellison in 2010 to create high quality, event-level entertainment for global audiences. The Company brings to life stories of immersive worlds across its feature film, television, interactive, and animation divisions.

Skydance is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to building and fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. We welcome and consider applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy status, military/veteran status, disability, or any other protected category. Diversity in the workplace is not just a commitment, it is who we are and a reflection of what makes our world special.

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