Senior Legal Counsel (Scripted Production)

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery... the stuff dreams are made of.
Who We Are...
When we say, "the stuff dreams are made of," we're not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD's vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what's next...
From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.
Primary Purpose of Position
The position will provide legal advice and related support to the local production business of Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia Pty Limited ("WBITVP") in Australia.
The position will primarily be responsible for and assist with all legal matters arising throughout programme production (from development, financing, broadcast and subsequent distribution and exploitation) across a broad and dynamic slate of scripted programming (including drama, documentaries and specialist factual). The position may also be required to support non-scripted productions and other related activities of the WBITVP business from time to time.
The position works in a small team based in WBITVP's Sydney office and is part of a larger team of lawyers within Warner Bros. Discovery ("WBD") and Warner Bros. International Television that are based in London and Burbank, California.
WBITVP
WBITVP is part of the Warner Bros. International Television group of production companies which currently operate in over 15 countries around the world, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden and UK ("WBITVP Group").
WBITVP has the exclusive rights for all WBITVP Group television scripted (and non-scripted) formats. Key brands that WBITVP are currently representing include The Twelve, Love Me, How to Make Gravy and also unscripted productions such as The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, The Masked Singer, First Dates and Who Do You Think You Are?.
Position Responsibilities

• Negotiating, drafting and reviewing underlying rights, development, production and distribution agreements including development and co-development agreements, format option and license agreements, book option agreements; commissioning, programme license agreements and programme investment agreements; production and co-production or co-finance agreements; distribution agreements; talent and other contributor agreements; scriptwriter agreements; access agreements, location, studio and production services agreements; rights releases, permissions or licenses; music composer and licensing agreements; and non-disclosure agreements.
• Negotiating, drafting and reviewing a variety of agreements related to day-to-day production work, including agreements for the services of writers, directors, actors, creators, crew, locations, facilities and suppliers.
• Negotiating and drafting a broad range of film and scripted television development, production and distribution agreements.
• Advising on production subsidies, production tax offset/rebates and other incentives available in Australia and advising on co-production and co-finance arrangements, liaising with the Director and other WBD in-house counsel or external counsel as required.
• Advising on underlying rights, copyright and other intellectual property issues, as well as compliance and regulatory matters, as required.
• Assisting with the assessment of potential production partners and third-party production services providers.
• Finalising production and finance agreements, including taking security, dealing with completion bonds, reviewing insurances and risk assessment.
• Working closely with the broader WBD Legal team on legal and business matters impacting production in Australia and implementing WBD policies as required.
• On a production-by-production basis, assist with preparation for and providing training to participants and production crew on the key identified legal and business risks.
• To perform other related business and administrative duties as assigned.

Work Experience

• 5 + years post-qualification experience.
• Experience negotiating and drafting scripted development and production agreements is essential. Experience and working knowledge of terms of trade and other requirements of Screen Australia and State screen agencies is also essential.
• Experience gained with an Australian production company, broadcaster or a major law firm preferred.
• Track record of working successfully with senior production and/or creative staff.

Knowledge/Skills

• Qualified solicitor
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, specifically Word, Excel, SharePoint and Outlook
• Strong organisational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and the ability to take initiative
• Must have ability to handle multiple tasks and meet conflicting deadlines in short timeframe
• Must have excellent attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure
• Must have excellent drafting skills
• Must have excellent communication skills and be able to explain complex issues simply, clearly and tactfully
• Strong decision making and developed problem-solving capabilities.
• Must be able to manage own workload semi-autonomously.
• Must be able to show commercial acumen to apply law to reach commercial objective of the business.
• Must be agile and willing to learn in a fast-paced and growing business
• A strong team player who contributes to an environment that embraces constant change and innovation
• An infectious enthusiasm for the television sector

How We Get Things Done...
This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.
Championing Inclusion at WBD
Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of our society and the world around us. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, disability or any other category protected by law.
If you're a qualified candidate and you require adjustments or accommodations to search for a job opening or apply for a position, please contact us at [email protected].