Executive Director, Business & Legal Affairs

Sony Pictures Television Game Shows Division is seeking an Executive Director of Business & Legal Affairs. The Executive Director will be a key member of a multifaceted team that develops, produces, markets/promotes, and licenses game shows and related consumer products for any SPE game shows including Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! Reporting to the SVP, the Executive Director’s primary role will be to develop and build deal structures, and analyze, negotiate, and draft development, talent, production, license, coproduction, and other agreements while providing ongoing business affairs counsel. The Executive Director will advise and work closely with colleagues in creative, production, finance, marketing, publicity, consumer products, as well as with Business and Legal Affairs in other departments.

RESPONSIBILITIES TO INCLUDE:

• Structuring, negotiating, and drafting various development and production related agreements such as rights, network license agreements, talent, production services, location, consultant, and vendor agreements for game shows distributed on television (including prime time) and new media licensees/platforms.
• Handling development through production for numerous television series and managing the day-to-day issues related thereto, including negotiating deals for talent, directors, and executive producers.
• Advising internal clients on deal structures, physical production, rights and clearances, music licensing, distribution of television and digital content, the structure and administration of sweepstakes, sponsorships, product integration, new media initiatives, copyright/trademark issues, and other production, marketing, advertising, and licensing matters.
• Negotiating content license agreements and acquisition agreements.
• Interfacing on a day-to-day basis with various internal departments and colleagues in creative, production, finance, marketing, publicity, consumer products, as well as with Business and Legal Affairs in other departments, and providing business advice and consultation services on a regular basis.
• Analyzing business and legal issues related to productions, as well as reviewing budgets and other financial information. 
• Analyzing, reviewing, and interpreting contracts; and providing thoughtful legal advice on potential risks and issues.
• Assisting in creating template forms tailored to department’s needs; managing existing forms to ensure consistency with company policies and practices; creating new workflows and streamlined processes for department.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with agencies, law firms, production companies, and other relevant industry contacts.

REQUIREMENTS:

• A JD and substantial experience (5+ years) working in the business affairs or business/legal affairs department at a studio, TV, cable or broadcast network, a streaming service, or a production company or entertainment-focused law firm. Game show experience a plus.
• Cover letter required upon application.
• Extensive experience in negotiating and drafting all manner of business affairs contracts for domestic development and production deals for television game shows/series.
• Exceptional understanding of licensing and coproduction agreements and all other distribution-related and/or acquisition agreements.
• Experience handling a variety of complex matters including talent, third party rights, guild/union issues, clearances, third party participations.
• Strong legal acumen with the ability to demonstrate sound judgment.
• Working knowledge of entertainment guild rules and regulations.
• Familiarity with production clearance issues and ability to handle copyright and trademark matters.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Collaborative style with proven record of building strong relationships, both internally and externally at all levels.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to respond to matters in a quick yet accurate manner.
• Self-starter with an excellent work ethic and commitment to professionalism. 
• Ability to identify and analyze complex issues and devise constructive solutions and strategies. 

The anticipated base salary for this position is $155,000 to $200,000. This role may also qualify for annual incentive and/or comprehensive benefits. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location of the position.

Sony Pictures Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.

SPE will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with applicable law.

To request an accommodation for purposes of participating in the hiring process, you may contact us at [email protected].