Production Lawyer

Client: Leading film and media conglomerate

Payment: up to £110,000 per year

Contract duration: 9 months with possible extension

Work type: hybrid (3 days in the office in Holborn, occasionally in Leavesden)

The Job

The Team is principally tasked with production legal work on theatrical feature films being produced in the UK and Europe. The Team works closely with the Feature Film Legal Department in Burbank and production executives based in Leavesden.

UK-based film productions and co-productions

• Negotiating and drafting all forms of UK film production agreements (eg, Actors, Directors, Writers, Producers, Composers, Heads of Department, certain Crew, locations, chain-of-title, etc.); negotiating terms with Lawyers/Agents representing individuals being contracted; contract management of the same.
• Advising Producers and Casting Directors as to how best to structure talent deals within parameters relevant to that film and applicable union agreements. Negotiating/concluding talent deals.
• Reviewing proposed deal terms for senior Heads of Department and advising production executives in the studios in Leavesden as to any issues arising.
• Advising film production Managers, Accountants, etc., on various production issues including interpretation of relevant union agreements and applicable national/state legislation.
• Negotiating/drafting sundry commercial agreements that are required when a film is produced.
• Reviewing eligibility for Certificates of Sponsorship and UK visas for non-UK personnel working in UK; advising film production Managers as to the rules and their interpretation; processing applications for Certificates of Sponsorship and instructing immigration advisors.
• Updating precedent forms.

Production work outside UK

• Selecting, supervising and guiding foreign outside counsel in connection with any production work taking place outside UK. Carrying out due diligence regarding all pertinent legal and related matters, including employment law, property law, IP law, tax, immigration, child labour laws.
• Reviewing local forms of agreements and other documents to ensure compatibility with company legal policies and requirements.
• Preparing and reviewing any legal documentation in connection with applications for local rebates/funding incentives.
• Conducting required due diligence (in accordance with company policies) as to criteria relating to Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and UK Bribery Act.

Additional areas of work

• Negotiating documents for acquisition of film rights from authors etc.
• Advising the Burbank office as to any necessary clearances under historic UK union agreements.
• Legal Briefings: Updating executives with the implications of new UK legislative and case law changes.
• Litigation: Collaborating with other company lawyers and outside counsel regarding litigation matters in connection with or related to UK and European film production work.
• Instructing outside counsel where appropriate.

The Essentials

• Qualified Lawyer
• Minimum 5 years PQE working in film or television drama production.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong analytical capabilities and judgment.
• Ability to work proactively, independently, and reliably under tight timeframes in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively cross-functionally, think practically and be solution-oriented.