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FilmNation Entertainment - VP Business & Legal Affairs
Los Angeles, CA

FilmNation Entertainment is a leading independent entertainment company that produces, finances, and distributes award-winning films, television series, podcasts, and theater productions that combine strong creative voices and global appeal. Recent FilmNation productions include Sean Baker’s Academy Award-Winning Anora, starring Mikey Madison, which won five Oscars including Best Picture and Best Actress; Edward Berger’s Academy Award-Winning Conclave, starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini; and Pablo Larraín’s Academy Award-Nominated Maria starring Angelina Jolie. The company also produced award-winning box office hits that include Promising Young Woman, Arrival, and The Big Sick. FilmNation is the home of Infrared, a new film production label focused on mainstream genre films with franchise potential. Infrared’s first production, Novocaine starring Jack Quaid, hit theaters in March 2025.

FilmNation Entertainment is seeking a seasoned Business & Legal Affairs executive to join our dynamic team. This individual will report directly to the Head of Business & Legal Affairs and play a key role in providing strategic legal and business guidance across the development, production, and distribution of motion pictures produced and/or financed by FilmNation and its Infrared label. The role will be based in our Los Angeles office.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Negotiate and draft a broad range of development agreements, including option/purchase agreements, writer agreements, life rights agreements, and producer, executive producer, and director agreements.
  • Provide pragmatic, solution-oriented legal advice on a variety of matters including contractual obligations, intellectual property (copyright, trademark, life rights), guild compliance, and tax incentives.
  • Partner closely with production and development teams to structure, negotiate, and draft IP acquisitions, packaging, and financing agreements.
  • Draft and negotiate all above-the-line agreements for FilmNation and Infrared productions, as well as co-production agreements, production services agreements, and production/finance/distribution deals.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with internal departments—including production, marketing, and finance—to support business operations and ensure legal alignment across all phases of production.
  • Review and analyze chain-of-title documentation for third-party films and incoming acquisitions.
  • Draft and review non-disclosure agreements, consulting agreements, and various corporate documents in support of company initiatives.
  • Supervise and mentor Business & Legal Affairs Managers on below-the-line agreements and other routine development, production, and distribution contracts.
  • Contribute to the training and development of junior legal staff.
  • Potential to expand into additional areas including film financing, television, podcasting, and live theater.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
  • Active membership in the California State Bar.
  • Minimum of 7 years of relevant legal experience, with a strong focus on motion picture development and production agreements.
  • Deep understanding of the independent film space and its unique legal and business considerations.
  • Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
  • Practical, business-oriented approach to solving complex legal and deal-related issues.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Genuine passion for high-quality storytelling across all formats and platforms.

This is an in-office position Monday-Thursday, Fridays are remote. This position's anticipated annual base salary is between $140,000 and $200,000. This does not include any other compensation components or benefits for which an individual may be eligible. The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include, as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and from which they will be performing the job.

FilmNation provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity or, expression of veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. FilmNation expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression of veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Improper interference with the ability of FilmNation's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge. Nothing in this job posting or description should be construed as an offer or guarantee of employment. More detailed information about the company and our list of titles is available at www.filmnation.com.

Please send your resume & cover letter to HR@filmnation.com.