Lawyer - Film & TV Production (FTC 6 months)

Company Overview

Opportunity Overview

• Negotiating and drafting all forms of UK film production agreements (e.g. Actors, Directors, Writers, Producers, Composers, Heads of Department, 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 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden as to any issues arising.
• Advising film production Managers, Accountants, etc., on various production issues including insurance, employment, 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.
• Identifying potential UK tax liabilities for non-UK personnel working in UK; advising film production managers, accountants, etc. as to the same; working with tax advisors to mitigate any risks for Warner.
• Advising production team and Warner personnel clearly, accurately and promptly with regard to issues affecting a film’s qualification for a “British film” certificate.
• Updating precedent forms.

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

• Negotiating documents for acquisition of film rights from authors etc.
• Advising Warner Bros. Burbank as to any necessary clearances under historic agreements.
• Managing the trainee or intern sitting within the Production legal team.

• Legal Briefings: Updating WB executives with the implications of new legislative and case law changes.

• Litigation: Collaborating with other members of the Legal department and outside counsel regarding litigation matters in connection with or related to film production work.
• Instructing outside counsel where appropriate.
  

• Qualified Lawyer or Legal Executive
• Experience 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.